Meet Matisse
Matisse's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Matisse (she/they) is a proud intersex, gender non-conforming trans person. She began HRT through Planned Parenthood in 2012 and has been living as her authentic self ever since. “I remember the first time I saw a transgender woman at my local grocery store. I felt so happy seeing her proud and out. It gave me hope that I could one day transition and feel like my body matched how I felt inside.”
Matissa has faced many obstacles on her journey, including the harmful effects of binary narratives that often make transition-related healthcare difficult to access. Despite those challenges, she has remained hopeful. “I’ve lived to see real progress, and I believe in the right to gender-affirming care becoming more accessible and guaranteed.”
As an intersex person, Matisse has a unique perspective on sex and gender. “I have mixed secondary sex characteristics, delayed puberty, and social experiences that don’t fit neatly into the binary. I never quite matched people’s expectations, and updating my sex marker to ‘X’ helped me claim my truth.”
Now, she’s preparing for gender-affirming surgery and electrolysis is a vital step in completing her transition. “Getting hair removal will allow me to thrive and feel complete. I never felt sure I could reach this stage, but I’m encouraged. This is the most important step in aligning my body with how I already see myself and I know it will improve my confidence, health, and happiness.”
Matisse's timeline
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Award Granted
May 1, 2025
Matisse was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Matisse get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Matisse'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.