Meet Rebecca
Rebecca's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Rebecca (she/her) has already faced a heavy financial burden with her transition care. Since 2020, she has paid out of pocket for laser hair removal and electrolysis for her face, totaling over $4,000. When her insurance denied coverage for facial feminization surgery (FFS), she paid out of pocket again, spending $20,000 to have the surgery abroad.
Currently, her insurance quotes that they would cover some of her electrolysis for surgery prep, but there are significant limitations. First, the coverage max is not enough for the amount of electrolysis she needs. Second, the process for making a claim is convoluted, requiring her to carry the financial burden upfront. In addition to these expenses, Rebecca carries about $20,000 in student debt.
Rebecca's timeline
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Award Granted
April 8, 2024
Rebecca was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
April 10, 2024
A payment has been made toward Rebecca's permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
May 23, 2024
A payment has been made toward Rebecca's permanent hair removal!
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Update
June 2, 2024
Rebecca shared, "I am able to get the medical care I need without having to worry about the financial burden. This provides a lot of emotional relief and frees up time in my life to focus on other things. Electrolysis on my face alleviates dysphoria that I experiences and allows me to navigate the world with slightly less concern about being perceived in a way that I am not and does help improve my day-to-day safety. Long term, being able to access electrolysis regularly for bottom surgery means that I will hopefully be able to getting bottom surgery without much delay related to hair growth. Having the funds to get electrolysis regularly prevents irregular care for hair removal which means that it would be less effective and take longer."
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Care Received
June 26, 2024
A payment has been made toward Rebecca's permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
September 4, 2024
A payment has been made toward Rebecca's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$4,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Rebecca get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Rebecca'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.