Meet Juniper
Juniper's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Juniper (she/they) is a 29-year-old transfemme living in rural upstate South Carolina, where access to gender-affirming care and safe employment is extremely limited. For the past two years, they have faced ongoing housing insecurity and currently work full-time as a line cook at the only restaurant they know to be trans-safe in their area. To receive gender-affirming care, Juniper carpools out of state—a regular but exhausting necessity.
She’s an active member of the trans community in her region, running a local book club and helping lead a mutual aid network to support others like her. Juniper has been on HRT for 10 months, and while she’s beginning to look more visibly feminine, that progress has made her facial hair even more distressing and, more critically, a safety risk.
“I don’t care about passing,” Juniper shares, “but being openly trans while having a beard shadow this heavy is going to attract attention from people who want to harm me in this very red town.” The kitchen’s hot, humid conditions make it difficult to hide her beard shadow with makeup, and daily dysphoria continues to weigh heavily on her.
Laser or electrolysis would be more than gender-affirming care—it would be a crucial step toward feeling safer, more confident, and more free to live and work without fear of harassment or violence. For Juniper, it’s not just about self-expression—it’s about survival.
Juniper's timeline
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Award Granted
April 24, 2025
Juniper was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Juniper get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Juniper'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.