Meet Eilene
Eilene's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Eilene (she/her) is a 27-year-old trans woman who lost her job and was temporarily homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. She's been struggling to maintain employment since, which has made affording HRT impossible. She currently lives with her parents while she continues to look for a source of income. Without HRT, Eilene's dysphoria makes it difficult to interact with others. She becomes irritable, loses sleep, and has difficulty when others touch her. This exaggerates her anxiety and makes it difficult to socialize or work for extended periods.
"With access to HRT, I am much more sociable, my ability to talk with others improves, my energy levels even out: I'm me," Eilene shares. "This in turn has made it easier for me to maintain both employment and friendships." Eilene is a mostly independent person. She enjoys spending time resting, cooking new foods, and making spreadsheets and schedules for future ideas.
Eilene's timeline
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Award Granted
September 13, 2023
Eilene was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
October 5, 2023
Eilene was seen by her HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
January 15, 2024
Eilene shared, "While I can't say I'm significantly happier, I can thankfully attest to an increased motivation to do things, and a broader emotional range. Also, my chest is growing, so that's a plus. For daily life, [HRT gives me] a feeling of contentment, and a sense of self I don't usually have. For long term, it's progress towards being someone who can love themselves." -
Update
April 6, 2024
Eilene shared, "My mood has substantially improved, my body is less frustrating to me, and most recently, I've been able to get a name change thanks to Plume's letter system. It's been a long time coming, and should help becoming employed and independent."
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Award Granted
April 23, 2024
Eilene was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$3,700 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Eilene get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Eilene's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Estrogen+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans women, trans femme, 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?
Estogen+ introduces a wide range of feminizing 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.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Eilene'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.