Meet Emily
Emily's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Emily (she/her) is a trans woman and full-time student living on an extremely limited income. She relies on her father's SSDI and receives less than $9,000 a year — her only source of personal income. With no other family to lean on, Emily describes her situation as fragile: “I'm one emotional episode away from being homeless.” The constant stress of financial instability weighs heavily on her daily life.
Currently, Emily uses an electric shaver that causes painful skin irritation. Shaving is not just uncomfortable—it’s exhausting. “Any energy spent on self-care deducts from the energy I have for classwork or other important things,” she shares. With hormone costs already stretching her budget, gender-affirming hair removal like laser or electrolysis is far out of reach.
Access to hair removal would help ease both physical discomfort and emotional strain. It would save her time, money, and energy—allowing her to focus on her studies and prepare for the uncertain future she faces.
Emily's timeline
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Award Granted
April 11, 2025
Emily was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Emily get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Emily'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.