Meet Jena
Jena's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Jena (she/her) is a trans woman who recently escaped an unsafe living situation—an act of survival that came at a steep cost. In leaving, she lost her housing, a stable job, and all of her belongings. She relocated with nothing and stayed on a friend’s couch until she was able to secure a housing grant. Now, Jena is slowly rebuilding her life.
She has found employment, but her current job doesn’t pay enough to cover the cost of gender-affirming care. “Electrolysis without financial aid feels very unattainable,” she shares. “I couldn’t even think about paying for it out of pocket right now.” The return of facial hair has been deeply dysphoric and emotionally devastating. Jena is frequently misgendered due to visible stubble that she cannot fully shave because of thick, coarse hair.
“There’s so much trauma and hardship in my life from being trans,” Jena says. “Being able to have this one thing—this one piece of gender euphoria—would be so healing to me.” For Jena, hair removal represents far more than aesthetics; it’s a vital step toward peace, safety, and healing.
Jena's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 16, 2025
Jena was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Jena get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Jena'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.