Frequently Asked Questions
Our Organization
"What is your mission?"
"What do you do?"
We provide:
- Free chest binders and free femme shapewear, mailed discretely to recipients in all 50 states and around the world. These garments help trans folks live more safely, comfortably, and authentically and come at no cost to recipients.
- Access to permanent hair removal services for trans folks, often considered a cosmetic luxury and unaffordable for many in our community.
- Access to gender-affirming surgery and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for trans folks, many of whom lack the financial resources and/or inclusive health insurance coverage needed to obtain healthcare.
The vast majority of recipients are trans youth, folks living with disabilities/chronic illness, and folks living in rural/unaffirming regions.
"When were you founded?"
"Where are you based?"
"How can I support this work?"
"How can my company/organization support this work?"
"How do you protect privacy and security?"
"What is your commitment to transparency?"
"Do you offer emergency funding or asylum support?"
"Do you offer crisis or emotional support?"
"Do you provide funding to non-profits, community organizations, or GSAs?"
Annual Trans Surgery Fund
"Is ____ an eligible procedure?"
"Can I apply if I have health insurance?"
"Are there age requirements?"
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by your surgery date. There is no upper limit for age.
"Can I snail-mail you my application?"
"Can I apply if I live in a different country?"
"Can I apply to pay back medical loans/expenses for a surgery I’ve already had?"
"Can I send you a letter of recommendation?"
"When will I receive a response about my application?"
"When are recipients selected?"
"Can the grant be applied towards travel, lodging, or other expenses before, during, or after surgery?"
We understand the challenges of debt and medical loans that so many of us deal with in order to afford care. Unfortunately, no; at this time, our grants are paid directly to health care providers specifically for the procedure itself, before it takes place. We cannot apply grant awards toward transportation, lodging, general expenses or (for international applicants) getting a visa and other logistical expenses.
"Can I apply if I have already scheduled my surgery?"
Yes; if you have a surgery date scheduled, there is an option to include that in your application. Because of the time it takes our volunteers to review the high number of applications we receive each year, however, we can not fund applicants who are having surgery in the months of November–February of the current cycle. So, when you submit an application in November, your surgery would need to be scheduled on or after March 1 of the following year in order to receive funding.
"How can I submit a high-quality application?"
We strongly encourage you to review our Instruction Packet, which walks you through each question of the application with tips. Ultimately, our reviewers are looking for thorough responses that answer each question with specific examples and detailed explanations.
"Can you help me find a surgeon?"
Unfortunately, no. Our team does not have the expertise or ability to provide referrals or recommendations for trans-affirming surgeons. Every person's surgery goals and priorities are unique. So many factors – a given surgeon's specialty or expertise, the procedure type that's right for you, whether or not you're willing/able to travel for surgery – means that finding a surgeon is a highly individualized decision. Therefore, you will ultimately be the best judge of who your provider should be. We recommend that you reach out to local LGBTQ+ centers and trans support groups, as well as your current healthcare providers and/or insurance company (if applicable), for recommendations to help you as you research.
"Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?"
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
"How much money do grant recipients receive?"
Grant awards vary widely. The fund covers a high percentage (70-97%) of your total surgical, anesthesia, and facility fees. You will be responsible for a smaller percentage of your care, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense specified in your recipient agreement. You should expect to cover travel fees, lodging, food expenses, time away from work, postoperative nursing care (when required), and certain postoperative medications.
"Can I apply for my care while being a support person for someone else's application?"
"I've received support from Point of Pride in the past. Can I apply?"
HRT Access Fund
"Can I apply if I have health insurance?"
"Can I apply if I'm under the age of 18?"
"Can I apply if I live in a different country?"
"Can I apply to pay back expenses for HRT/medical services I’ve already had?"
"I need puberty blockers. Does this program cover them?"
"When will I receive a response about my application?"
"When are recipients selected?"
"I’d like to nominate someone to receive funding."
"I've missed the application window deadline. Can I submit a late application?"
"Can I apply this cycle if I have applied in the past?"
"I've made a mistake on my submitted application. Can I edit it?"
"Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?"
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
"Can I apply if I'm currently enrolled with my chosen provider, or if I've used them or another provider in the past?"
- For current customers: if awarded funding, your 12-month grant period will go into effect immediately. Billing will pause for the duration of the grant period, and will resume again when the grant period ends.
- For past customers: if awarded funding, your account will be reactivated, and your 12-month grant period will go into effect for your next billing cycle and continue for 12 months. When the grant period ends, billing will resume. (You may have to re-authorize your payment details on file in order to continue your subscription.)
"Can you help me pick which provider is right for me?"
"Can I select more than one provider?"
"If awarded a grant, can I switch providers?"
"What will happen if I'm awarded and my state bans HRT or other gender-affirming care? "
"Can I apply for my care while being a support person for someone else's application?"
"I've received support from Point of Pride in the past. Can I apply?"
Electrolysis Support Fund
"Are there age requirements?"
"Can I apply if I've already had, or am currently having, hair removal sessions?"
"Can I apply if I'm seeking hair removal on an area other than my face, neck, or in preparation for surgery?"
"Can I apply if I'm a trans masculine person?"
"When will I receive a response about my application?"
"When are recipients selected?"
"I have questions about hair removal. Where can I learn more?"
"I've missed the application window deadline. Can I submit a late application?"
"Can I apply this cycle if I have applied in the past?"
"Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?"
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
"Can grants be used for laser hair removal services?"
"What if I am unsure whether laser or electrolysis is right for me?"
"If awarded a grant, can I switch the type of hair removal service I need?"
"Can I apply for my care while being a support person for someone else's application?"
"I've received support from Point of Pride in the past. Can I apply?"
"I live outside the United States. Can I apply?"
Thrive Fund
"Can I apply if I have health insurance?"
"Can I snail-mail you my application?"
"Can I send you a letter of recommendation?"
"Can I submit an application on behalf of someone else?"
We recognize there may be barriers that prevent someone from submitting an application on their own without help. You may submit an application on behalf of someone else only if you are working directly with the applicant and clearly reference their involvement in completing the application. (For example, if you are providing technological support, language translation, or other assistance on behalf of the applicant, please note your role and that the applicant is still the primary author of their responses.) However, you may not submit an application without the applicant's involvement. (For example, applying for a loved one without their knowledge.) While we understand the desire to surprise someone with a grant, our process builds on the fundamental idea that trans people are our own best advocates: we want to ensure that this belief is reflected throughout the application process.
"How can I submit a high-quality application?"
We strongly encourage you to review our Instruction Packet, which walks you through each question of the application with tips. Ultimately, our reviewers are looking for thorough responses that answer each question with specific examples and detailed explanations.
"Can you help me find a provider?"
Unfortunately, no. Our team does not have the expertise or ability to provide referrals or recommendations for providers. Every person's healthcare goals and priorities are unique, so selecting a provider becomes a highly individualized decision. Therefore, you will ultimately be the best judge of who your provider should be. We recommend that you reach out to local LGBTQ+ centers and trans support groups, as well as your current healthcare providers and/or insurance company (if applicable), for recommendations to help you as you research.
"If Point of Pride needs to pay me directly (as opposed to a retailer or provider), what tax or income implications does this mean for me?"
It is extremely rare that we pay recipients directly. In the rare instances that we do, we communicate this information with you before acceptance of a grant award.
If payment to you exceeds $600.00 in a tax year, Point of Pride may be required to report the payment(s) to the IRS. If Point of Pride must report payments, you will be notified via email before exceeding the $600.00 threshold and may be required to fill out an IRS form W-9, which will require your social security number. If you choose not to provide the form W-9, Point of Pride will not issue any further payments beyond $599.00 payment. It is your responsibility to report all income to the IRS on required tax forms.
Any payments made in this manner may count as income and may affect income-driven statuses, including, but not limited to, your disability or social security benefits and your income tax bracket. Point of Pride recommends that you consult with a tax or benefits professional familiar with your unique situation and benefits before accepting payments through this program. It is your responsibility to report all income to the IRS on required tax forms.
"Is ____ an eligible healthcare need?"
Yes, so long as it is not for surgery, HRT, permanent hair removal services, free chest binders, and free femme shapewear garments. For those types of care, we require you to please apply through our respective programs. As a reminder, the Thrive Fund prioritizes purchases or services that happen one time or have clearly defined start and end dates, though you may still apply if you are seeking ongoing services.
"Can I apply if I'm not 18 years old?"
Yes. If you’re under 18, you will be required to list your parent or legal guardian as a support person on your application. Depending on the type of care or service you request, we may require additional information and/or consent from your guardian(s.) If that is the case, we will contact you to request signed documentation from your guardian(s.)
"Can I apply if I live outside the United States?"
Due to our non-profit status, at this time, the Thrive Fund is limited to applicants who live in the United States. We hope to expand some or all coverage to serve people outside of the US in the future.
"When will I receive a response about my application?"
You will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" account in 4-12 weeks following the end of the application period. (Please check your spam folder and the quota limit on your inbox to make sure it hasn’t been filtered or bounced back. You may need to search for email accounts that end in “@pointofpride.org” or update your settings to allow emails from “@pointofpride.org” accounts.)
"When are recipients selected?"
Typically, recipients are selected within 4-12 weeks of the application cycle ending. Our non-profit is primarily volunteer-operated, so sometimes it can take longer as we process the high volume of applications. We appreciate your patience!
"Can I submit more than one application per period?"
We recognize so many of us have multiple, concurrent healthcare needs. However, we only accept one application for a single need per funding cycle.
If you are not selected for funding, you are welcome to apply again in the future. 2024 marks the first year of this pilot program, so please stay tuned for dates and any changes to the funding parameters of the program.
If you are selected for funding, you are welcome to apply again in the future but for a different healthcare need.
"I am a provider or retailer. Can I submit an application so I can provide services or goods for free to the community?"
Unfortunately, no. At this time, Point of Pride only awards financial assistance to individuals seeking aid for themselves.
Free Chest Binders
"What kind of binder will I receive?"
95% of the binders we mail out are new or gently used binders from one of the following manufacturers: For Them, gc2b, Spectrum Outfitters, TomboyX, and Underworks. We allow you to select your preferred manufacturer, size, style (half or full) and color, but we can’t always guarantee that you'll receive the style or color you request. We guarantee you’ll receive a binder in the size you need and by the manufacturer you select, since each manufacturer uses a unique size chart.
"What does packaging look like?"
Packaging for our mailed garments is extremely discreet. Your items will be shipped in a plain white mailing envelope. The sender’s name is “Point of Pride.” Nothing with the words “LGBT” or “trans” appear on the packaging. To comply with US Postal Regulations, we cannot change the sender name on the package.
The package is flexible and will fit inside of most PO Boxes. For street address deliveries, it is usually left inside the mailbox (or on the porch/inside the door in the rare event that the mailbox is too small). Signature is not required.
US Recipients: USPS offers a product called Informed Delivery, which will alert the account holder of upcoming mail and packages to the registered address. These notifications sometimes become available as soon as the label is generated. There is no way for us to be able to tell if an address is registered for Informed Delivery and if someone is receiving notifications about upcoming packages.
If international, the customs form will list the contents as an “undershirt” and will have the item marked as a gift, but you’ll still want to check with your country’s customs office for how the customs process may affect you. Many of the provided tracking numbers stop working once the package leaves the US, so you may want to check with your local postal service to determine the best method for tracking your package once it’s left the US.
The package will contain your binder, an informational card on safer binding techniques, 1-2 stickers, and a note of support meant to brighten your day (written by other trans people, volunteers, and community members.)
"How do I wash or care for my garment?"
We recommend you follow your binder manufacturer's instructions, which typically instruct you to hand wash and hang to dry by air. You can use cold or warm water to wash your binder. Lather it with some dish soap or laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If you wash it in the evening and leave it out to dry, it should ready to wear by morning. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your binder doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.
"Can I have my binder shipped to a trusted friend or relative?"
"Can I have my binder shipped to a post office?"
"I already have a binder that no longer fits and I need a different size. Do you offer exchanges?"
"I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a binder?"
"I don't need a binder anymore. How can I cancel my request?"
"Is there an age requirement?"
"Is shipping free?"
"Do you ship internationally?"
"Can I get more than one binder?"
The following reasons do not constitute extenuating circumstances:
- Multiple binders for laundry day
- Multiple colors needed/wanted
- Multiple sizes needed/wanted
"My binder is damaged or worn out. What is your replacement policy?"
- you received it through us in the mail (In other words, we cannot replace binders you purchased or received from other non-profit organizations, businesses, or programs. We also cannot replace binders you claimed from a Point of Pride table at in-person LGBTQ+ events);
- your binder was delivered within the last 24 months;
- you contact us. We will ask you to email 2-3 photos that show your binder is no longer wearable or safe.
Free Femme Shapewear
"What kind of garment will I receive?"
"What does packaging look like?"
Packaging for our mailed garments is extremely discreet. Your items will be shipped in a plain white mailing envelope. The sender’s name is “Point of Pride.” Nothing with the words “LGBT” or “trans” appear on the packaging. To comply with U.S. Postal Regulations, we cannot change the sender name on the package.
The package is flexible and will fit inside of most PO Boxes. For street address deliveries, it is usually left inside the mailbox (or on the porch/inside the door in the rare event that the mailbox is too small). Signature is not required.
US Recipients: USPS offers a product called Informed Delivery, which will alert the account holder of upcoming mail and packages to the registered address. These notifications sometimes become available as soon as the label is generated. There is no way for us to be able to tell if an address is registered for Informed Delivery and if someone is receiving notifications about upcoming packages.
If international, the customs form will list the contents as “underwear” and will have the item marked as a gift, but you’ll still want to check with your country’s customs office for how the customs process may affect you. Many of the provided tracking numbers stop working once the package leaves the US, so you may want to check with your local postal service to determine the best method for tracking your package once it’s left the US.
The package will contain your garment, an informational card on safer tucking techniques, 1-2 stickers, and a note of support meant to brighten your day (written by other trans people, volunteers, and community members.)
"How do I wash or care for my garment?"
We recommend you follow your gaff manufacturer's instructions, which typically instruct you to wash in cold water and hang to dry by air. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your gaff doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.
"Can I have my shapewear shipped to a trusted friend or relative?"
"Can I have my shapewear shipped to a post office?"
"I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a tucking undergarment?"
"I don't need a garment anymore. How can I cancel my request?"
"Is there an age requirement?"
"Is shipping free?"
"Do you ship internationally?"
"Can I get more than one gaff?"
The following reasons do not constitute extenuating circumstances:
- Multiple gaffs for laundry day
- Multiple colors needed/wanted
- Multiple sizes needed/wanted