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Meet Taryn

Taryn's story

HRT Access Fund recipient

Taryn

Taryn (she/her) is a 54-year-old trans woman who works long hours for to make ends meet. After years of fighting herself within and around her, she knew she needed to become her truest self to be happy, and so began HRT. The financial burden grew heavier, but she was happy and content for the very first time ever in her life.

Taryn loves life and loves those around her. She values her family and always gives of herself and of her time to those in need and her church, where she’s an active and involved member. The financial hardship is all that stands in her way of appearing to the whole world as she’s meant to be. She shared, "I'm so excited to realize my dream of simply finally becoming who and what I've always been. I'll be Taryn, at long last."

Taryn's timeline

  • Award Granted

    July 29, 2022

    Taryn was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT!
  • HRT Onboarding Date

    September 9, 2022

    Taryn was seen by her HRT/GaHT provider.
  • Update

    January 10, 2023

    Taryn shared, "I'm happier, more at peace with who I am. I see me as my truest self. It doesn't matter anymore if others are ok and comfortable with me as Taryn. I am comfortable and accept me; that's what matters. In my mind, and even in my heart, I've known I was always a girl. Now that girl in me is visible to all to see. This is me, the real me, living my life. I'm not just existing in someone's else's world, playing a role I was miscast in from the beginning. I'm center stage. The spotlight is shining on me as I was meant to be. I'm Taryn. The lead role is mine. I'm alive and not muddling around trying to find my place in life. HRT was the impetus, the vessel, that transversed me across the broken roads of a narrow minded world and dead end after dead end of nothingness. I'm happy in my own skin. It took a lot of wrong turns and detours. But finally, my destination is visible on the horizon. The fully transformed me is ever so close. My mind, my heart, my body, my life, all transformed from drudgery to triumph through HRT. Thank you Plume."

Grant details

$1,700 towards gender-affirming care.

TikTok-a-Thon grantee





About Estrogen+

On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Taryn's care.

What is it?

Estrogen+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans women, trans femme, and non-binary people take that result in physical changes which align with their gender identity. Every person's preferences and personal healthcare needs vary, so this can include oral medications, injections, and transdermal patches.

How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?

For trans folks who live in states most impacted by anti-trans healthcare legislation, it can be extremely difficult to find a knowledgeable, trans-affirming provider as well as access prescription medication. Many insurance plans do not cover HRT. For trans folks without insurance coverage, the ongoing out-of-pocket expense can be challenging.

What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?

Estogen+ introduces a wide range of feminizing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that align with their gender identity. This often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, increased safety when in public, and better opportunities at employment and more.