Robin's Transition Fund: Electrolysis (Face)

My name is Robin. I'm 29 years old, and I'm an out and proud trans woman. I've been on a years long journey of social, physical, and medical transition. Every day I see myself becoming more the woman I'm meant to be, becoming more myself. I have never felt, not just more comfortable, but actually happier to exist in this body.

As far as I've come, there are still things about my body that trigger gender dysphoria for me. One of those things is my facial hair. Even when freshly shaved, I have noticeable shadow that makes me clockable from a mile away. Not being able to exist as a stealth trans person makes me feel unsafe and insecure.

That is why this month, I have started the process of electrolysis facial hair removal. For anyone who doesn't know what that is, I'll explain. A Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) takes a wire thin needle and inserts it into each individual hair follicle on my face one at a time and sends an electrical pulse which destroys the follicle so it will never grow back again. It's one of only two methods currently used for permanent hair removal - the other being laser, for which I am not a candidate because it only works on darker hair.

It's a painful and laborious process. My electrologist said it would take at least six months of one hour sessions, once a week to remove most of the hair from my face. At $100 per hour long session, once a week for six months, it really starts to add up. I'm not able to afford this treatment, and my health insurance won't cover it because they consider it "cosmetic" even though it is part of gender affirming care.

I don't ask for help easily. Being able to support myself financially is something I've struggled with my entire adult life, but now that I'm finally able to do it, it hurts to still not be able to afford the care that I need. I know that I need your help and so I'm asking.

If you are an ally of the trans community, consider this an opportunity to help at the most personal level. There are so many individuals in the trans community who need assistance to undergo their transition. Feeling at home in our bodies isn't easy and doesn't come cheap. Every donation helps, no matter the amount. And if you aren't able to donate, please share this with your community and help this barely-scraping-by trans girl get the care that she needs. Thank you so much for your generosity and allyship.

Love,

Robin