Meet Robin
Robin's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Robin (she/her) is a Black trans woman who has faced significant challenges in obtaining laser hair removal over the past few years, primarily due to losing her job. Being unemployed has been the main hurdle in accessing the care she needs.
Currently, Robin is a student pursuing an associate's degree in psychology with the dream of becoming a high school counselor. Despite her academic aspirations, her gender dysphoria as a trans woman is severe, mainly due to the facial hair that causes her immense distress. "Sometimes, I feel so low and so insecure," Robin shares.
The process of shaving is not only painful, causing cuts on her face, but also time-consuming. "I don’t like cutting my face with razors or having to be late to an event because I have to rush and shave my face," she explains. This daily struggle impacts her confidence and sense of self.
Receiving this grant for hair removal would be life-changing for Robin. "This grant will make me feel happier every day knowing I’ll never have to worry about shaving my face again," she expresses. The ability to eliminate this source of dysphoria would allow her to feel more confident and secure in her womanhood, helping her to fully embrace her identity and focus on her future goals.
Robin's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 5, 2024
Robin was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
May 29, 2024
A payment has been made toward Robin's permanent hair removal!
-
Update
July 3, 2024
Robin shared, "I feel so much more confident and beautiful in my skin thanks to this grant I can finally be more of the woman I know I am without having so much hair on my face."
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Robin get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Robin's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Estrogen+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans women, trans femme, and non-binary people take that result in physical changes which align with their gender identity. Every person's preferences and personal healthcare needs vary, so this can include oral medications, injections, and transdermal patches.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
For trans folks who live in states most impacted by anti-trans healthcare legislation, it can be extremely difficult to find a knowledgeable, trans-affirming provider as well as access prescription medication. Many insurance plans do not cover HRT. For trans folks without insurance coverage, the ongoing out-of-pocket expense can be challenging.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Estogen+ introduces a wide range of feminizing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that align with their gender identity. This often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, increased safety when in public, and better opportunities at employment and more.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Robin'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.