Meet Erin
Erin's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Erin (she/they) is an AAPI & Native Two-Spirit trans woman living in Florida. As the primary earner, Erin & her brother take care of their disabled mom and aunt. Her mom has stage 4 breast cancer, and Erin helped pay her medical bills until she turned 65 in mid-2023. Late in 2023, Erin contracted a staph infection following illness from COVID-19 that made it difficult to stand. This illness has caused Erin to fall behind on bills. Their insurance doesn't cover electrolysis, and Erin has exhausted her savings during the pandemic and their mom's cancer treatments. Additionally, Erin's primary care physician refused to sign an informed consent per FL SB254 to provide care, so Erin is currently without a PCP & has to pay out of pocket for their transition care from out of network providers.
Erin's options for continuing her transition are limited. Their facial hair grows quickly, requiring her to shave at least once daily, often injuring and irritating their skin. "My hope is to get rid of my facial hair to progress my transition and improve my appearance and mental health," Erin explains.
Erin's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 9, 2024
Erin was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
May 29, 2024
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal!
-
Update
June 18, 2024
Erin shared, "Since starting electrolysis (well, laser first, electrolysis for cleanup) I found myself a bit more confident and with my mom's support (she has all the phone numbers), I finally came out to my aunts, uncles and cousins and it's been an overwhelming response of support. They're happy for me, excited to get to know me again. "
-
Care Received
July 5, 2024
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal!
-
Update
July 6, 2024
Erin shared, "I enjoy seeing myself each morning and during the day instead of seeing all the flaws. I feel a lot more confidence in my self and presentation.
I am going to a wedding this fall and my sister has promised to do my makeup. I'm not hiding as much and presenting more femme in public. I'm a lot happier."
-
Care Received
August 7, 2024
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
December 18, 2024
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
February 4, 2025
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal! -
Renewal Award Granted
March 4, 2025
Erin was offered a Renewal Award! -
Care Received
March 13, 2025
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
April 3, 2025
A payment has been made toward Erin's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$4,800 towards gender-affirming care.
Stream-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Erin get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Erin'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 Erin'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.