Meet Sasha
Sasha's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Sasha (she/her) is a 62-year-old BIPOC trans woman living on SSDI. She supports both herself and her disabled wife on a fixed income, and while they receive food stamps, it’s often not enough, leaving them short on food many months.
Sasha has been on HRT for a year and is preparing for facial feminization surgery in the next 8 months, but facial hair removal is a critical step she cannot afford. Shaving twice a day has left her skin raw and painful. Waxing has been ineffective, and plucking coarse ethnic hair is extremely painful. Laser hair removal is becoming less effective as her hair begins to turn gray with age.
Being frequently misgendered because of her facial hair takes a toll on her mental health. For Sasha, receiving hair removal support would be life-changing—allowing her to fully live and be seen as the woman she knows herself to be.
Sasha's timeline
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Award Granted
April 14, 2025
Sasha 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 Sasha get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Sasha'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.