Meet Victoria
Victoria's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Victoria (she/her) believes her journey first began in 2016 when she decided she would be getting gender-affirming surgery. "What a journey it has been," she shared. "I have had to work several jobs that offered insurance which would partially cover the cost of surgery. However, none would cover the cost of the hair removal." This meant Victoria worked hard to save up money to afford hair removal; unfortunately, a progressive illness drained this savings with expensive medical visits and medications. On what access to electrolysis means for her, she shared, "I am a woman, a proud queer Black trans woman inside, and soon on the outside to the community at large. I need to be me. The real me. The me that isn't insecure to walk amongst cis-hetero white men with my head held high." Victoria studied fine art in school and considers herself to be an artist to her core.
Victoria's timeline
-
Award Granted
January 18, 2022
Victoria was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
February 9, 2022
A payment has been made toward Victoria's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Victoria get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Victoria'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.