Meet Sienna
Sienna's story
Thrive Fund recipient
Sienna (she/her) is a dedicated full-time college student and hardworking trans woman who is navigating the challenges of living on a tight budget. Currently, Sienna works overnight shifts while pursuing an associate's degree in human services, with plans to graduate in spring 2025. Unfortunately, her income isn’t enough to keep up with her expenses, leaving her about three months behind on bills. Despite the struggles, her landlord has been patient and understanding as Sienna continues to work hard to balance her responsibilities.
Sienna’s biggest source of distress is her inability to update her identification documents to reflect her true identity. Currently, she is forced to carry her passport, which still bears her deadname, and it’s a constant emotional toll. Every time she uses it for identification, it brings up painful reminders of her past and feels unsafe. With the opportunity to update her license to reflect her correct name, Sienna would gain much-needed relief and feel safer in her everyday life.
Access to an updated license would provide Sienna with a sense of emotional relief, reduce the constant reminders of her past, and give her the stability she needs to focus on her education and future career in human services.
Sienna's timeline
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Award Granted
November 14, 2024
Sienna was awarded a Thrive Fund award!
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December 20, 2024
A payment has been made to Sienna's service provider!
Grant details
$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Sienna get the care they need and deserve.
About Name Change/ID Update
On average, it costs $350+ for Sienna's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Updating legal documents such as a name change or updating gender markers on IDs allows trans individuals to align their official records with their gender identity. This often includes changes to a driver’s license, passport, Social Security records, and birth certificates.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Trans folks with IDs that do not reflect their gender identity often face barriers, including job discrimination, housing issues, and challenges when accessing healthcare or traveling. This can lead to a constant need to explain themselves and increases their risk of harassment or discrimination.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
The process and cost vary by state or country, with fees for court orders, certified copies, and updates to multiple documents. Many trans people also face legal, bureaucratic, or discriminatory hurdles, especially in states with restrictive policies. Financial costs can be prohibitive for those with limited resources.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Having accurate IDs improves safety, reduces stress, and provides greater freedom and confidence in daily life. It allows trans individuals to navigate healthcare, public spaces, job applications, and travel without fear of being outed or misgendered.