Meet Yah
Yah's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Yah (she/her) is a Black trans woman seeking gender-affirming bottom surgery.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yah had to relocate back to her home state where there are very few legal protections—and no real healthcare access or inclusive health insurance coverage—for trans people. Along with job insecurity, Yah struggled to stay housed and also afford food, HRT, and other necessities.
With this grant and access to gender-affirming care, Yah is looking forward to a life where getting dressed in the morning isn’t a daunting experience. She feels that following surgery, she will be able to finally be at peace and at home in her body.
Yah is a youth worker and is passionate about Black indigenous liberation. When she’s not working with youth, she’s cooking meals for her community and family, resting, or reading. She enjoys learning more about her history and ancestry, especially her spiritual practices that have been handed down to her from many generations ago.
"Getting gender-affirming care in my state has been the hardest thing I've done mentally, physically and emotionally," she shared. "I've had to cross state lines many times to receive care as a result, which has been extremely costly and dangerous." Yah describes herself proudly as an auntie, a friend, and a sister. "[Once I can access healthcare,] I will feel like finally I can breathe and be at peace in my own body."
Yah's timeline
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Award Granted
June 17, 2022
Yah was awarded a grant toward gender affirming surgery!
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Award Granted
May 1, 2023
Yah was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Consultation Date
June 16, 2023
Yah had a consultation with Dr. Ellie Ley at the Gender Confrimation Center in San Francisco, CA!
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Care Received
January 22, 2024
A payment has been made toward Yah's permanent hair removal! -
Renewal Award Granted
April 18, 2024
Yah was offered a Renewal Award!
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Care Received
May 1, 2024
A payment has been made toward Yah's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$9,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Yah get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Yah'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 Yah'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.