Support Robin's Transition

Gender transition is a journey. It's a process that unfolds differently for every trans person, depending on gender identity, gender expression, and personal goals and limitations. My own transition journey has been one of the most intense, wonderful, and challenging experiences of my life so far: simultaneously awe-inspiring, awkward, thrilling, joyous, and terrifying! One of the major practical challenges for me, as is true for so many trans and gender-nonconforming people, is cost. Though I am grateful to live in a state that is relatively progressive in its requirements of health insurance companies for providing gender-affirming care, there is at least one hugely important aspect of my transition that is simply not covered by insurance: facial hair removal.

 

Right now, facial hair is my number one source of gender dysphoria. Unfortunately, feminizing hormone replacement therapy (HRT)--which I've been happily receiving for a bit over two years now--does not result in the disappearance of facial hair, and being of mixed Italian and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, I was gifted by the universe with a rather full, dark beard. (Some of you may remember it from my pre-transition days!) Though I shave it every day (and put up with the inevitable nicks, scrapes, and scratches) I am left every afternoon with an annoying and dysphoria-inducing 5 o'clock shadow, and the time, effort, and emotional energy I put into minimizing my stubble takes a toll.

 

All of this is why I've finally begun the process of electrolysis, which is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. Electrolysis, however, is not covered by health insurance, and it's quite expensive. I've found a great, trans-friendly electrologist who is providing her services for a bargain price of $75 per hour--but a full beard like mine takes many hours to remove. It's impossible to say how long exactly it will take, as it's different for every person--but a rough estimate is about 100 hours. This is more than I can afford on my own, which is why I'm asking for your help.

 

Any amount you can spare is tremendously appreciated. Though I confess to feelings of awkwardness at asking so directly, I suppose it's an indication of how important this is to me. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the love, support, and encouragement you've provided thus far in my journey, and thanks in advance for your generous support as I take this next step.

 

Love always,

Robin