Meet Rachel
Rachel's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Rachel (she/her) is a disabled genderfluid person from Illinois, currently navigating housing insecurity. She is moving from place to place, crashing on couches, and trying to find a job, but it's hard to consistently shave while being somewhat homeless. "I get severe dysphoria from my facial hair, to the point where it's hard for me to go outside and apply to jobs because of how it makes me feel," Rachel shares.
Rachel has no source of income due to her lack of a permanent address and partially due to her difficulty speaking when she's experiencing dysphoria. "Most people won't hire me because of the facial hair giving me an awkward appearance. If I were able to get hair removal, I feel it would lessen my dysphoria and increase my chances of getting hired."
Rachel's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 9, 2024
Rachel was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
April 19, 2024
A payment has been made toward Rachel's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Rachel get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Rachel's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- After 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.