Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrants
The Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrant is closed for 2022.
Click here to sign up for updates on current and future microgrants.
Provides funding for electrolysis, laser hair removal, or other forms of permanent hair removal.
For trans women, trans femmes, and anyone else who experiences transmisogyny, facial and body hair are common sources of dysphoria and increase the likelihood of street harassment and violence.
Despite the evident health benefits of these procedures, permanent hair removal is only covered by 5% of health insurance plans, meaning that many trans folks cannot access the care they need. This is particularly true for Black trans women as they are more likely to suffer from the combined toll of structural anti-Blackness, misogyny, and transphobia—also known as transmisogynoir. These structural barriers are part of why Black trans folks are at much higher risk for crisis and suicidality.
Removing barriers to care, like medical expenses and debt, is essential to save trans lives. Because of this, Trans Lifeline is now offering our Gender Affirming Hair Removal microgrant to make it easier for our siblings who experience transmisogyny—especially those who experience transmisogynoir—to access the care they need.
Details:
- One-time $1,500 microgrant
- Application opens October 1st, 2022, and closes October 14th, 2022
- One round only for 2022 — continuation of this Microgrant in 2023 TBA
- 60% of these Microgrants are reserved for Black applicants; 30% for non-Black POC applicants; 10% for white applicants
- Lottery system (applicants selected randomly from each racial identity pool)
- 70 grants total will be distributed
Eligibility:
- Identify as a trans woman, trans femme, or someone who experiences transmisogyny
- Be a U.S. resident
How to apply:
- The application will live at the top of this page when it is open.
- Sign up for email reminders to get updates
We are not able to offer assistance for:
- Other medical costs
- Non-U.S. residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply for a Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrant?
The Gender-Affirming Hair Removal microgrants are intended for people who experience transmisogyny: the specific oppression directed towards people perceived as trans feminine.
This includes trans women, trans femmes, Two Spirit people, and trans & gender non-conforming people who were assigned/assumed male at birth—but is not limited to these labels!
What forms of gender-affirming hair removal are covered by this microgrant?
Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal are the most common forms of permanent gender-affirming hair removal, but as long as the applicant is a trans woman, trans femme, or anyone else who experiences transmisogyny, any form of hair removal that is permanent and for gender affirmation falls within the scope of is covered by this microgrant.
Do I have to get hair removal on a specific body part, like my face?
Not at all! Unlike most insurance companies, this microgrant leaves it up to you to decide what is gender-affirming. We will not be in contact with your provider.
When do Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrant applications open?
The application will be open from the 1st of October through the 14th of 2022.
Where can I find the Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrant application?
The application will live at the top of this page when it is open.
Click here to sign up for updates on current and future microgrants.
How many Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrants will be offered?
We will distribute 70 grants in this initial cycle; 60% of those will go to Black folks, 30% to non-Black people of color, and 10% to white folks.
How does Trans Lifeline determine identities?
We trust our community’s ability to self-identify when it comes to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and ability.
If my application is selected, how long will it take to hear from someone?
Within 4 weeks.
What if I’m not in the U.S.?
Our Gender-Affirming Hair Removal Microgrants are available to anyone regardless of citizenship status or geographic location but at this time they are only available to folks located in the U.S.
What if I’m under 18?
We offer microgrants to trans minors as well as trans adults.
What about confidentiality and discrimination?
Microgrant applications and information are kept confidential. Staff and volunteers will not share their personal contact information with microgrant recipients.
Trans Lifeline is committed to combating racism, white supremacy, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, xenophobia, ableism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, classism, and other oppressive structures.
Trans Lifeline does not tolerate harassment, bigoted commentary, verbal abuse, or debates on issues affecting our communities. Any applicant abusing staff, volunteers, or the program will not receive a microgrant and will be blocked from applying for funds.
Can I read about your equity policy?
Yes! You can find our equity policy here.
Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact us.