Meet Santiago
Santiago's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Santiago (he/him) is a 22-year-old BIPOC trans man and first-generation college student . He works as a personal care assistant, providing home health care to elderly clients, and is also a talented artist and self-taught cook whose meals and creative works are often praised by loved ones.
Santiago’s journey hasn’t been easy. He supports himself entirely, with no help from his unsupportive family. Since 2019, he’s endured a traumatic brain injury, multiple surgeries, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and diagnoses including ASD, PTSD, MDD, and GAD. These challenges have delayed his graduation and made it difficult to maintain consistent employment. Still, he juggles 20 hours of work per week with a full-time course load, though he often has to choose between missing work or class just to stay afloat.
All of Santiago’s income goes toward tuition and loan payments, and he’s still buried in medical and educational debt. This funding would give him the opportunity to stop obsessing over his body and finally feel complete. “I would be the me I was meant to be,” he shared. “That’s all I want.”
Santiago's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 16, 2025
Santiago was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
May 9, 2025
A payment has been made toward Santiago's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,375 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Santiago get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Masc Award
On average, it costs $1,700+ for Santiago's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- After care
What is it?
Point of Pride provides grants to trans masc people seeking hair removal on an area of their body in preparation for bottom surgery.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Electrolysis and laser hair removal services are often deemed cosmetic and therefore not covered by health insurance plans, even if such services are medical prerequisites for a covered surgery. For people who cannot afford hair removal, they are stuck without options to move forward with their healthcare needs.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
After completing hair removal, these folks are able to move forward with their surgeries. In itself, this often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, and more.