Meet Sapphire
Sapphire's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Sapphire (she/her) is a Black trans woman from New York seeking financial help for electrolysis. In the past, paying for it out of pocket has been a struggle, especially with unemployment making it difficult to afford necessary treatments. Finding work as a transgender person has been quite challenging for Sapphire, and she is currently staying with a friend until she can get back on her feet. Recently, she has also applied for school, making it even harder to budget for transition-related care.
"Being a trans woman in society, having to put on makeup because of my facial hair, and dealing with razor burns from using razors is very challenging at times," Sapphire shares. "Electrolysis will alleviate so much of the stress and discomfort I experience daily."
Sapphire's timeline
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Award Granted
April 10, 2024
Sapphire was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Sapphire get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Sapphire'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.