Meet Gwynim
Gwynim's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Gwynim (she/her) is an AAPI and Black trans woman in North Carolina seeking an orchiectomy and permanent hair removal.
She has been unemployed for two years; while searching for stable employment, she's exhausted her financial resources and savings. She's only been able to access HRT and other necessary medications due to non-profit programs for low-income individuals in her area. With her employment loss, she also lost her health insurance and an opportunity of accessing care through her plan.
With her pre-existing condition, access to care is especially critical. "I learned from my research on HRT that spironolactone has severe liver side effects and, due to my pre-existing health conditions, there is no better anti-androgen option for me," Gwynim shares.
Gwynim is proud to have discovered much about herself over the years: "my neurodivergence, my trans identity, who I am as an artist... I've learned that most of all I love making people smile and filling their lives with joy."
Gwynim's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Gwynim was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Award Granted
April 4, 2024
Gwynim was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Renewal Award Granted
November 6, 2024
Gwynim was offered a Renewal Award! -
Care Received
December 5, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gwynim's permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
February 13, 2025
A payment has been made toward Gwynim's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$11,810 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Gwynim get the care they need and deserve.
About Orchiectomy
On average, it costs $4,000+ for Gwynim's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Orchiectomy, also known as orchidectomy, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both testicles.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
For trans people, this surgery can be a step in their medical transition, reducing testosterone levels and the need for anti-androgen medications. It often leads to greater physical comfort, mental health benefits, and a deeper connection with their gender identity.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
Many trans and non-binary individuals seek an orchiectomy for gender-affirming care. Many others, however, also have additional medical concerns, including the treatment of certain hormonal conditions or types of cancers. Too often, trans folks who seek care with these additional medical concerns are still denied insurance coverage. It can also be hard for trans folks to find affirming surgeons in their region, especially in states and regions most impacted by anti-trans healthcare legislation.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Many trans people who undergo orchiectomy report feeling more at ease in their bodies and experiencing a greater sense of gender alignment. This often leads to improvements in mental health, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Gwynim'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.