Meet Zahra
Zahra's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Zahra (she/her) is a BIPOC trans woman balancing two full time jobs. For the past three years, she has been the primary caregiver for her 3.5-year-old nephew.
She carries around $7,000 in credit card debt, a result of years spent working underpaying jobs, furnishing a home, and making sure her nephew has everything he needs. Zahra was born into an unsafe household and came out as trans at 15. In response, she was forced to move to Saudi Arabia for religious education in an effort to “rid her of sin.” At 17, she ran away and returned to the U.S. on her own, and only recently, at 30, has been able to afford beginning her medical transition.
Shaving 3–4 times a week causes painful skin irritation, and waxing isn’t an option due to her sensitive skin. Laser hair removal would ease the physical discomfort and save time and money spent on makeup to conceal shadow and stubble. Most importantly, it would help Zahra feel confident in the mirror and safe expressing herself in public.
Zahra's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 16, 2025
Zahra was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Renewal Award Granted
April 26, 2025
Zahra was offered a Renewal Award! -
Care Received
April 28, 2025
A payment has been made toward Zahra's permanent hair removal! -
Renewal Award Granted
April 28, 2025
Zahra was offered a Renewal Award!
Grant details
$4,394 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Zahra get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Zahra'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.