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Meet Perséfone

Perséfone

Perséfone's story

Electrolysis Support Fund recipient

Perséfone (she/her) is a 29-year-old disabled trans woman. As a trans woman dealing with CPTSD and neuropathy, her path to seeking treatment has been incredibly challenging. Unable to currently hold employment because of extreme dysphoria and anxiety, treatment is often too expensive for her to afford. She would not be able to get the treatment she needs without forgoing the most basic needs, making it almost impossible for her to get electrolysis done.

Perséfone is finishing up a master's degree in sustainable development practice, and she hopes to use her experience and knowledge to get into law school. She aims to use the law to help migrants and members of the trans community as laws are passed around the country that make communities uninhabitable for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. Many are fleeing states, including Perséfone, because of persecution of the trans and migrant communities. She hopes to use her expertise to fight for social justice and equity, and to make an impact on her community and beyond.

Gender-affirming care would allow Perséfone to stop "boymoding" every time she walks out the door and to be comfortable and confident enough to embrace her fullest life. "I do not want to be frozen in the past anymore," Perséfone shares. "I want to get help so I can help others and go back to school and work. I want the freedom to be myself wherever I am."

Receiving support for electrolysis would significantly improve Perséfone's quality of life, helping her feel more comfortable and confident in her identity while enabling her to pursue her dreams of social justice and community impact.

Perséfone's timeline

  • Award Granted

    April 6, 2024

    Persefone was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!

  • Care Received

    June 25, 2024

    A payment has been made toward Persefone's permanent hair removal!

  • Care Received

    September 4, 2024

    A payment has been made toward Perséfone's permanent hair removal!

Grant details

$4,000 towards gender-affirming care.

TikTok-a-Thon grantee





About Hair Removal: Femme Award

On average, it costs $2,300+ for Perséfone's care.

What is it?

Point of Pride provides grants to trans femme people seeking hair removal on their face, neck, or an area of the body in preparation for bottom surgery.

What is life like for a person who needs this care?

For trans femme folks, particularly trans femmes of color, access to facial hair removal often equates to safety against anti-trans violence or discrimination. It's common for applicants to note issues with employment and public safety, particularly if their facial hair is dark or thick. Electrolysis and laser hair removal services are often deemed cosmetic and therefore not covered by health insurance plans.

What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?

Access to hair removal often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, increased safety when in public, and better opportunities at employment and more.