Meet Shan
Shan's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Shan (they/them) spent much of their life convincing their self that they didn’t deserve to be comfortable in their body and did not have faith that the traditional medical establishment could support them. As an educator, they put a ton of energy into empowering folks to live their lives authentically and in pursuit of joy, but could not seem to internalize this. They always thought medical transition was out of reach for them because of the pervasive narrative that GAHT was only for those who identified with the binary. They decided 3 years ago that their gender journey was their own and wanted to take control of and improve their quality of life by starting GAHT. In their journey they’ve dealt with doctors having non-medical, binary expectations and opinions on how they should feel or look or be. Shan says, “I hope that more folks are able to lean into joy and find alignment between their physical, emotional, and mental selves without shame or judgement.”
Shan's timeline
-
Award Granted
December 31, 2020
Shan was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
January 15, 2021
Shan was seen by their HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
October 28, 2021
Shan shared, "Access to HRT provides a stable state of being for me, not only related to the physical but also the mental and emotional. It gives me space to tap into hobbies and show up for my loved ones because I am more comfortable in my skin. ". -
Update
February 7, 2022
Shan shared, "The ease and comfort that characterizes my healthcare is unbeatable. Extremely grateful to access necessary medication and receive intentional care from my care team. [HRT] allows me to lean into authenticity and focus on other parts of my self because I'm not burdened by dysphoria. ".
Grant details
$1,450 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Shan get the care they need and deserve.
About Testosterone+
On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Shan's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Testosterone+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans men, trans masc, 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?
Testosterone+ introduces a wide range of masculinizing 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.