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Meet Jade

Jade

Jade's story

HRT Access Fund recipient

Jade (she/her) is a migrant trans femme from Cuquio, Jalisco. Jade was raised in Milwaukee, WI, & exists now on unceded Chochenyo, Ohlone land (Oakland, CA). She has been experiencing housing and employment insecurity through the COVID epidemic. Currently an asylum applicant and an aspiring printmaker, she shares of the inaccess and deep uncertainty navigating life as an immigrant & trans person: “Keeping true to who I am, has been the most powerful conduit in my life. But the upkeep I face to fulfill my gender expression is both an echoing celebration and taxing reality on my journey.” Jade feels honored and blessed to have this financial assistance uplift her.

Jade's timeline

  • Award Granted

    March 31, 2021

    Jade was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT!
  • HRT Onboarding Date

    March 31, 2021

    Jade was seen by her HRT/GaHT provider.
  • Update

    November 4, 2021

    Jade shared, "As a still-undocumented person, this scholarship has provided a really impacting support in my life. I have been able to save more money during the fall and summer to be to attend school and continue working on completing my bachelors. Having my medication shipped to me has deeply lessened my anxiousness surrounding my consistancy with taking my medication and having my bodys levels be within a healthy cycle. HRT supports my agency as a brown trans person on stolen land. As a trans ancestor who wants to be an educator, hormone therapy uplifts my autonomy to make a reality how I envision myself. Me being my most authentic self within my existance, has supported me so much already. And I am excited to see how this will open so many doors within the future. I have been able to complete 2 semesters, 9 credits each so far and I'm going to be taking another in the winter session and another 3 classes for spring."
  • Update

    January 13, 2022

    Jade shared, "I have really appreciated being provided a service that supports gender affirming care and uplifts my agency & autonomy. As a migrant, undocumented, trans person access to free medical treatment is scarce, this care has drastically reduced my anxiety surrounding cost and allocating my own resources towards hormone therapy. This past year I have been able to fluidly move through life with having continuous care through my hands, my phone."

Grant details

$1,700 towards gender-affirming care.





About Estrogen+

On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Jade's 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.