Meet Zackary
Zackary's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Zackary (he/him) is a 26-year-old trans man seeking HRT, top, and bottom surgery. He lives paycheck to paycheck and has insurance that excludes gender-affirming care of any sort. He has been rejected for who he is by his biological family and has had to cut them out of his life due to abuse. He is currently dealing with housing insecurity and cannot work much due to mental health issues. He's being supported financially by his best friend but neither are able to afford the gender affirming care he needs.
"This care will get me one step closer to reflecting who I am on the inside to who I am on the outside," Zackary shares. "I want nothing more than to be recognized for who I am by everyone on the street, to no longer be mistaken for the wrong gender by everyone that passes." Zackary is a fan or horror movies, video games, and mystery books. He has 3 cats and loves to spend his time cuddling them and teaching them tricks. He loves to collect stuffed animals and puzzles.
Zackary's timeline
-
Award Granted
September 13, 2023
Zackary was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
October 10, 2023
Zackary was seen by his HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
January 31, 2024
Zackary shared, "[My quality of life] has improved greatly. I wouldn't have been able to afford HRT without this grant and my care would have been delayed by several years. It means I've been noticing physical changes that have improved my mood and increased my excitement for future changes. My voice is starting to deepen slightly and I'm starting to grow more noticeable facial hair."
Grant details
$1,200 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Zackary get the care they need and deserve.
About Testosterone+
On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Zackary'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.