Meet Lillie
Lillie's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Lillie (she/her) 20-year-old autistic disabled trans woman of Choctaw origin. Her disability keeps her from working, and her only form of income is SSI, which makes saving difficult. She isn't able to afford commercial healthcare and is forced to rely on Medicaid and the Indian Health Service, both of which have denied coverage for electrolysis. This is a necessary step in getting bottom surgery, without which Lillie feels less than whole.
Lillie is an avid gamer. Her favorite titles include "A Hat in Time" and "Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness." Her favorite Pokémon is Meloetta. She also tries to put a smile on others' faces, and ultimately wants to make the world a better place for everyone. "This is only one step in my transition, but it'll go a long way," she shares. In addition to being a step towards bottom surgery, getting rid of body hair will help her feel just a bit more complete as a woman.
Lillie's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 4, 2023
Lillie was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
May 17, 2023
A payment has been made toward Lillie's permanent hair removal! -
Update
June 17, 2023
Lillie shared, "My quality of life has improved greatly, as it no longer feels like I'm making zero progress towards my bottom surgery. Surgery is important to me, and electrolysis is a vital step, one which I would not be able to afford on my own." -
Care Received
August 31, 2023
A payment has been made toward Lillie's permanent hair removal! -
Renewal Award Granted
January 25, 2024
Lillie was offered a renewal award -
Care Received
February 5, 2024
A payment has been made toward Lillie's permanent hair removal! -
Update
March 27, 2024
Lillie shared, "My quality of life has improved dramatically. I've noticed I'm happier, and I feel like I'm actually making meaningful progress towards surgery.
Access to electrolysis and laser hair removal means one less barrier to gender-affirming surgery, and it means eliminating a major source of dysphoria."
Grant details
$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Lillie get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Lillie'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.