Meet Leslie
Leslie's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Leslie (she/her) is a trans femme who has been living openly since her early 30s. "I have been seeking HRT most of my adult life with little success," Leslie says, "mostly due to misinformation and lack of resources in the areas I lived in. I currently reside in Florida, which recently had blocked trans health from Medicaid recipients." Through healthcare, she is excited to experience a sense of completeness, wholeness, and confidence for her inner spirit. Leslie describes herself as a very social person.
Leslie's timeline
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Award Granted
September 13, 2023
Leslie was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
November 14, 2023
Leslie was seen by her HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
February 24, 2024
Leslie shared, "I'm still just less than 3 months in however most of the changes I am experiencing are newfound confidence and assurance. My depression has also dropped significantly. I feel, in a way, like a new beginning. The only thing that gets me down are the anti-transgender LGBTQ laws that have been passed in my state - the new anti-trans restroom laws, and laws denying transpersons their appropriate gender markers on their IDs." -
Award Granted
April 6, 2024
Leslie was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$1,700 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Leslie get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Leslie'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.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Leslie'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.