Meet Ethereal
Ethereal's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Ethereal (she/her) is a BIPOC transsexual person currently experiencing homelessness, living in a tent in Sacramento with no income. For the past four years, she has been fighting a relentless battle with her insurance provider over covering hair removal. Since 2021, she’s faced constant delays and has been repeatedly sent to providers who don’t accept her insurance. Despite filing multiple grievances, nothing has been resolved.
For seven years, gender dysphoria kept Ethereal isolated indoors. When the pandemic began, homelessness forced her outside, further worsening her anxiety and dysphoria. “Masks helped me cope,” she shares, “but as they fade from use, my panic and distress have intensified.” Unwanted facial and body hair have deeply affected her ability to feel safe in public, pursue education, seek employment, and move through the world with confidence.
Receiving electrolysis would be a life-changing step for Ethereal—a chance to ease daily distress, reclaim her confidence, and take meaningful steps forward in life.
Ethereal's timeline
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Award Granted
April 21, 2025
Ethereal 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 Ethereal get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Masc Award
On average, it costs $1,700+ for Ethereal's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- After care
What is it?
Point of Pride provides grants to trans masc people seeking hair removal on an area of their body in preparation for bottom surgery.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Electrolysis and laser hair removal services are often deemed cosmetic and therefore not covered by health insurance plans, even if such services are medical prerequisites for a covered surgery. For people who cannot afford hair removal, they are stuck without options to move forward with their healthcare needs.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
After completing hair removal, these folks are able to move forward with their surgeries. In itself, this often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, and more.