Meet Wren
Wren's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Wren (he/him) is a 20-year-old disabled trans man living with PTSD. In a short time span he's gone from a dangerous home life, to foster care, to having to move to a rural area due to financial struggles. Despite the nearest city being over an hour's drive away, he still reached out to HRT providers there but was met with either no response or unaffordable prices. Living with transphobic family members, he's had to hide a part of himself he doesn't want to keep hidden anymore.
Wren helps care for his disabled sibling, whose well-being is everything to him. He also loves his two dogs more than anything in the world. In the future, he dreams of getting a degree and making enough money to visit friends in Europe. Wren is excited to see what kind of man he'll be at the end of his journey, and to no longer hide or feel ashamed of who he is. He's looking forward to comfortably wearing men's clothes and having them look "right" on him.
"I can't wait to be able to take selfies and be proud of them afterwards," he says. "I've been waiting my whole life to become the person I've always known I am on the inside, and now I finally get a chance to realize that. It's so amazing that it feels surreal."
Wren's timeline
-
Award Granted
July 22, 2022
Wren was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
September 22, 2022
Wren was seen by his HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
January 3, 2023
Wren shared, "My quality of life has been so much better since I started HRT. I have more energy, more confidence, more focus. I'm less anxious, less shy, I don't dissociate as much. I feel like an entirely different person. Before, I felt like there was something wrong with me that was impossible to fix. Now, I feel like a puzzle that's been put back together. Everything just feels right, I feel right. HRT means I can get closer to looking and sounding how I've always wanted to. I don't have to shy away when people touch me, or try to hide my body with baggy clothes and slouchy posture. I don't have to stay quiet, because I don't hate the sound of my voice anymore. Every day I get closer to outwardly being the person I've always known I am on the inside. My voice got lower right off the bat, I've started getting a little facial hair too. I'm really beyond happy with how my voice has changed. I think with body fat redistribution I look a little more masculine, though it's hard for me to tell because I've always looked sort of androgynous. I'm mostly shocked with how much better I feel emotionally and mentally. I haven't even had any mood swings like I expected to." -
Update
April 6, 2023
Wren shared, "It's amazing how much my quality of life has changed. I'm so much less anxious than I was before, I'm way more confident and less foggy and disconnected all the time. I feel like I'm finally experiencing the life that I was missing out on. I seriously enjoy life now, which is truly a miracle after so long. It's easier for me to take care of myself now because I'm not avoiding my own body 24/7. My mental and physical health have only gotten better. I pass now, and there aren't enough words to express the overwhelming amount of joy that brings me. I've come out to one of my family members and I'm almost ready to come out to the rest. I have an actual beard and mustache now too, which is a total dream come true. Also my voice is so deep now, I love hearing it and smiling rather than cringing." -
Update
August 1, 2023
Wren shared, "My quality of life is fantastic. My mental state has changed so much from going on HRT, I feel so stable and focused. Everyday I become less dissociated and feel more and more like a real person. This is easily the happiest I have ever been in my life. Having HRT means I can look in the mirror and actually recognize myself. I now pass almost 100% of the time to strangers and I can finally feel comfortable in my own skin. I no longer feel ashamed or afraid to be myself. Thanks to your grant allowing me to be on HRT and experience all the physical changes, I was able to develop the confidence to come out to my entire immediate family. Their reactions have been mixed but I am so happy to be closer to the life I want to live. Every little bit of truth means the world to me."
Grant details
$1,200 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Wren get the care they need and deserve.
About Testosterone+
On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Wren's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Testosterone+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans men, trans masc, 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?
Testosterone+ introduces a wide range of masculinizing 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.