Our Impact: 10 Years of Trans Joy

In their words

Joy, in the words of our recipients

Every grant is a chapter in someone’s story. Here are a few of them.

After years of financial hardship, this support means I no longer have to choose between paying for food or my hormones.”

Maxfield, a disabled trans person, has been on hormones for 10 years. After fleeing Florida for a safer state, they've been living in their car while they rebuild, with Medicaid waitlists stretching past a year. Covering their HRT means one less impossible choice while they get back on their feet.

—Maxfield (they/them)2025 HRT Access Fund recipient
I feel unprecedented amounts of joy when I’m able to step out as my truest self.”

Willow has spent her career making communities safer, as a sociology PhD student, volunteer mediator, and recovery coach. Speaking out against abuse in powerful institutions cost her a job and left her with medical debt. Hair removal care brings relief from dysphoria and more room to keep showing up for others.

—Willow (she/her)2026 Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Being able to preserve my fertility means I don’t have to choose between the healthcare I need now and the family I dream of having in the future.”

Zahirah brings people together through humor, music, food, and care. After leaving a controlling relationship, she moved home to rebuild with her mother and grow their family business. Fertility preservation once felt out of reach. Now she can affirm who she is today while holding on to her dream of becoming a parent.

—Zahirah (she/her)2025 Thrive Fund recipient

When I opened my package and read the note, I cried. I was touched to know someone out there cares about me.”

For many young trans people, a chest binder is the first piece of gender-affirming care they can access. Austin's arrived during a hard stretch, along with a note of encouragement. Sometimes care looks like a garment that fits and a reminder that you're not alone.

—Austin (they/he)2024 chest binder recipient
Free hair removal eases my financial strain and empowers me to show up in the world as my authentic self.”

Since her release from incarceration, Mohagany has faced financial and systemic barriers to nearly every kind of care. Electrolysis is helping her feel more like herself as she looks for work and explores a path to becoming a peer specialist, so she can support other trans women who have survived incarceration.

—Mohagany (she/her)2025 Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
I wake up every day feeling more like myself, and that’s a gift I’ll never take for granted.”

Diana has spent her life uplifting others as a social justice activist and DEIA coach, all while managing serious health conditions and caring for a disabled partner. After losing most of their income in 2025, this support is helping them regain stability, so they can keep showing up for their community.

—Diana (she/they)2025 Thrive Fund recipient