Meet Maya
Maya's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Maya (she/her) is an Indigenous trans woman in her final year of college. She’s currently navigating the challenges of living with multiple chronic conditions. These health struggles forced her to medically withdraw from school last semester and left her bedridden for months. As a result, Maya also lost her job and the ability to support herself financially.
“I would have paid for electrolysis,” she shares, “but now I’m physically unable to work. I can barely make it to class.” Despite everything, Maya remains determined to graduate, even as she faces ongoing physical and emotional hardships.
Facial hair has become one of the most significant barriers to living as her authentic self. “It’s what stops me from safely walking around dressed as myself,” she says. The daily distress it causes has taken a toll on her mental health, contributing to depression and even suicidal thoughts. “It’s become increasingly difficult to keep pretending to be a man,” she adds.
Receiving free or discounted electrolysis would be life-changing for Maya. It would alleviate a major source of dysphoria, give her the freedom to move through the world more safely, and provide a vital boost to her emotional well-being during an already difficult time.
Maya's timeline
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Award Granted
April 23, 2025
Maya was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Maya get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Maya'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.