Meet Karter
Karter's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Karter (she/her) has been on HRT twice in the past but has repeatedly been forced to stop for reasons beyond her control. She lives in a rural area with no local HRT providers, so telehealth is her only real option, but even that requires expensive labs and occasional in-person visits: her last quoted lab cost was $500 without insurance and $200 with it. Travel to clinics is a multi-hour ordeal, and the nearest state line is four hours away.
Karter works about 25 hours a week and also does independent work as an adult voice actress, but she’s been houseless for over three years. She and her mother live in modified school buses; her mother’s bus has DIY solar and basic utilities, while Karter’s bus currently has no utilities beyond a recently installed AC. Extreme heat is a constant threat, and she’s juggling dental work, student and tax debt, and remaining payments on her bus while trying to afford the basic costs of transition.
For Karter, this grant would be life-changing. “This grant would be the difference between surviving and thriving,” she shared. With a year of support, she could cover labs and medication, stabilize her living situation, and finally begin to move from survival toward a future where she can thrive.
Karter's timeline
-
Award Granted
August 22, 2025
Karter has been granted an HRT Access Fund award! -
HRT Onboarding Date
October 3, 2025
Karter has been onboarded by their HRT Provider!
Grant details
$7,400 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Karter get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Karter'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.