Meet Traci
Traci's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Traci (she/her) is a 42-year-old Black trans woman from South Carolina seeking bottom surgery.
Traci does not have health insurance coverage. At one point, Traci had over $15,000 in savings towards surgery. Tragically, these funds were necessary to pay for end-of-life care for her mother in 2022, and funeral expenses for her husband in 2023.
"I'm a hard worker, and I'm always willing to give and help anywhere I can," Traci shares. "My hobbies include reading, swimming, cooking, singing, camping, fishing and my fur babies. I'm a member of Circular Congregational United Church of Christ. I believe in helping at whatever level as someone else is always in a more difficult situation."
Traci's timeline
-
Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Traci was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Consultation Date
March 1, 2024
Traci had a consultation with Dr. Kathy Rumer. -
Award Granted
April 12, 2025
Traci was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
May 6, 2025
A payment has been made toward Traci's permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
May 13, 2025
A payment has been made toward Traci's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$31,375 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Traci get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Traci'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.
About MTF Bottom Surgery
On average, it costs $35,000+ for Traci's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
MTF bottom surgery is also known as gender-affirming vaginoplasty or genital reconstruction surgery. Bottom surgery typically involves multiple surgical techniques and varies widely based on a person’s individual needs and desired outcome.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Before undergoing surgery, trans individuals typically experience dysphoria that impacts their daily life. Patients will undergo extensive consultations to discuss their goals, expectations, and surgical options. It is often a long and challenging process to be approved for surgery.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
While bottom surgery is often categorized as a covered benefit in many insurance plans, the reality is that it's frequently denied coverage. Many people report unsuccessful attempts to appeal for coverage. In addition, finding skilled surgeons experienced in performing top surgery can be extremely challenging, particularly in states and regions most affected by anti-trans healthcare legislation.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
The recovery period for bottom surgery is significant: depending on the individual, it may take several months to heal from the surgery. Most trans folks report greatly improved self-esteem, confidence, and sense of authenticity, which translates into greater opportunities in employment and more.