Meet Vee
Vee's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
The pandemic kicked off several events that solidified the choice to begin transitioning. Vee (they/them) found it difficult to find gender-affirming services under the county health insurance and started saving up for months at a time to pay out of pocket for HRT and top surgery. In February 2024, Vee decided to leave an abusive workplace due to gender discrimination and has been unemployed since.
Vee is a trans-masc non-binary Native Indigenous American from a small Pame community in Mexico, who resides in Houston, Texas land of the Akokisa, Karankawa, Aktapa, Sana, Cohauitlacan, Mascogo. They come from a family of agaveros, curanderos, nopaleros, y cuidadores de milpas. Vee recently became an LMSW and hopes to create and grow their virtual practice to become a gender doula for other genderqueer and trans folks.
HRT not only manages their gender dysphoria but it also significantly reduces their fibromyalgia flare-ups allowing them to be physically active. Vee walks their furr child, a boxer-hound, Tuk twice a day and depends on HRT to help them feel themselves enough to step outside. Vee has been diagnosed with agoraphobia due to previous transphobic hate, access to HRT helps them feel safe enough to live a social life.
Vee's timeline
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Award Granted
August 12, 2024
Vee was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT!
Grant details
$1,450 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Vee get the care they need and deserve.
About Testosterone+
On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Vee'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.