Meet Isla
Isla's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Isla (she/her) is a trans woman and college student working hard to support herself while also helping her single mother cover household bills. Despite the financial strain and wishing she could have started her transition earlier in life, Isla shares that she’s finally beginning to feel seen, heard, and more joyful than ever.
One of Isla’s biggest goals is to access bottom surgery, which she knows would bring immense emotional relief. “It would stop all the restless, crying nights spent wishing I never had that part,” she says. However, her insurance doesn’t cover pre-requisite electrolysis or laser hair removal. This barrier has made the dream feel painfully out of reach.
Living in a city where she rarely sees others like herself only adds to the sense of isolation. Receiving support for hair removal would not only provide financial relief, but also offer the powerful feeling of gender euphoria. “This would mean so much to me,” Isla says. “To finally feel like a complete woman, and to know I’m one step closer to the future I deserve.”
Isla's timeline
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Award Granted
April 11, 2025
Isla was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,125 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Isla get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Isla'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.