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Meet Emmie

Emmie

Emmie's story

Electrolysis Support Fund recipient

Emmie (she/her) is a 27-year-old trans woman and the sole provider for a household of three. Despite working full time, Emmie struggles to make ends meet—relying on help from her partner's father just to afford groceries. Saving money for gender-affirming care has been impossible.

Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder last year, Emmie is also carrying medical debt from a hospital stay. She is a survivor of childhood SA, which has left lasting impacts on her mental health, including depression, anxiety, and difficulty being around others—challenges she must push through every day in order to keep her job.

Emmie shares, “I don’t really know what life will be like for me if I get this—I just want something to happen that will make me happy.” Daily shaving leaves her with razor burn and painful scabs. Access to hair removal would offer relief, safety, and a small but powerful step toward happiness and healing.

Emmie's timeline

  • Award Granted

    April 21, 2025

    Emmie was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!

Grant details

$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.





About Hair Removal: Femme Award

On average, it costs $2,300+ for Emmie's 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.