Meet Tess
Tess's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Tess (she/her) shaves her face two times a day and her full body once a day in an effort to lessen her dysphoria, a process that is very painful for her. "My face hurts so badly from shaving as well as the rest of me, and though I smile everyday, I feel dysphoria haunting me in the mirror. With this grant, I look forward to hope and excitement filling the mirror instead."
Tess's timeline
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Award Granted
October 8, 2021
Tess was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Tess get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Tess'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.