Meet Elise
Elise's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Elise (she/her) is a 34-year-old disabled Black trans woman who has faced numerous barriers on her journey toward living authentically. Throughout her life, she has experienced mistreatment from healthcare providers, dismissal from employers, and indifference from educators. She currently faces housing insecurity and has struggled to find stable, fulfilling sources of income.
Elise lives by her values rooted in authenticity, self-love, and compassion for others. She finds joy in listening to people’s stories and discovering the beauty in the world around her.
Dysphoria has been a constant presence in Elise’s life, but so has her determination to live as her truest self. “I feel unprecedented amounts of joy when I’m able to step out as my truest self,” she shares. Access to gender-affirming care would bring brightness to her everyday life, allowing her inner light to shine with greater clarity and confidence.
Elise's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 16, 2025
Elise was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
April 29, 2025
A payment has been made toward Elise's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Elise get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Elise'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.