Meet LaRay
LaRay's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
LaRay (she/her) is a trans femme student and advocate currently navigating deep financial and housing insecurity. She’s working hard toward a brighter future, studying at MedCerts to earn her Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credentials. Despite these achievements, her journey has been anything but easy.
LaRay has struggled to maintain consistent access to hormone therapy since she was a teenager, and finding safe, stable housing remains a daily challenge. She’s actively applying for employment with the state and seeking opportunities online to support trans rights and create change in her community.
“For someone like me with less privilege, free facial hair removal would mean everything,” she shares. “The struggle of trying to shave is real.” Facial hair has been a major source of dysphoria, impacting her self-esteem and sense of self. “I always frown when I see hair on my face outside of my eyebrows.”
Receiving gender-affirming hair removal would be a life-changing step in LaRay’s transition—giving her the confidence to show up as herself and continue striving for better.
LaRay's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 11, 2025
LaRay was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
May 6, 2025
A payment has been made toward LaRay's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like LaRay get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for LaRay'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.