Help Yocheved Finish Electrolysis School

As a trans person from Florida, I know what it is to have gender affirming services outside of reach. After years of searching for affordable electrolysis and finding it lacking, I decided I would be the person to offer these services. I started studying almost ten years ago, but housing instability and healthcare inequality stood in my way. I’m now in a stable enough position to resume this mission and with your help I will see it through. My future electrolysis practice is called Operation ZipZap. You may remember it from some years ago.

The focus of Operation ZipZap is to provide affirming, affordable electrolysis with a focus on trans and non-binary people. This is a long-standing goal of mine and with your support I’m ready to make it a reality. Many people are unable to pursue permanent hair removal because of the cost. When we are able to schedule electrolysis, we often face microaggressions from well-meaning but out-of-touch staff who don’t understand the trans experience. I’m committed to providing services in a body positive, affirming environment because you deserve nothing less. Operation ZipZap will always function on a sliding scale, with a pay-it-forward program so that cost isn’t a barrier. Some surgeries, particularly bottom surgeries, require electrolysis. By removing this barrier, I can make those surgeries more accessible to trans people who are already struggling to pay for those procedures.

I already understand the fundamentals of electrolysis, having attended half of a Florida-based electrology course. I’m grateful for all the support that I’ve received so far, particularly the previous GofundMe which allowed me to go to school for electrology in Florida. Now that I live in New York, I intend to attend Berkowitz school of electrology and begin practicing locally. Eventually I would like to practice in the rural south as well. I can start classes as soon as I have tuition, which totals $6.9k. An electrolysis machine, plus materials, will cost between $1-4k. I will also need magnifying equipment.

On a personal level, this is a step toward self sufficiency. My new career as an electrologist will allow me to support myself and my family while providing a much needed service to the community.

Thank you for your support.

-Yocheved Zenaida-Cohen