Meet Heather
Heather's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Heather (she/her) is a Black trans woman who has faced constant discrimination that has made accessing HRT nearly impossible. After being put out by her transphobic family, she experienced houselessness, and since then, most of her energy has gone toward surviving day to day. Local providers either lack cultural competency or have outright denied her care, leaving her without reliable access to the medication she needs.
The hostile political climate has also weighed heavily on Heather’s mental health. Despite the exhaustion, she continues to fight for the care she deserves. Heather shared, “Receiving 12 months of HRT support would be life-changing. It would give me stability, help affirm my identity, and ease the mental weight I carry every day just trying to exist in this world as a Black trans woman. It would be one less battle, and a chance to finally breathe, heal, and grow.”
Heather's timeline
-
Award Granted
August 25, 2025
Heather has been granted an HRT Access Fund award! -
HRT Onboarding Date
September 2, 2025
Heather has been onboarded by their HRT Provider!
Grant details
$1,320 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Heather get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Heather'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.