Skip to content

Meet Lauren

Lauren

Lauren's story

Electrolysis Support Fund recipient

Lauren (she/her) is a  22-year-old Black trans woman living on a limited income is seeking support for professional hair removal. With most of her funds going toward basic necessities, gender-affirming care has remained out of reach.

Facial hair is a constant source of dysphoria. It disrupts her sense of self, undermines her confidence, and makes it harder to move through the world feeling safe, seen, and at ease. As a Black woman, navigating public space already comes with layered vulnerabilities—this adds another.

Receiving this grant would offer more than aesthetic relief. It would provide a step toward peace, self-trust, and bodily autonomy. It would allow her to feel more at home in herself and better equipped to show up in the world on her own terms.

Lauren's timeline

  • Award Granted

    April 11, 2025

    Lauren was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
  • Care Received

    May 6, 2025

    A payment has been made toward Lauren's permanent hair removal!

Grant details

$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.





About Hair Removal: Femme Award

On average, it costs $2,300+ for Lauren's 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.