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Hair Removal for Trans Woman
Hello ~ I'm a mom trying to help my 18 year old son on his journey to becoming trans female. He started HRT a couple months ago thru Mayo. He really wants laser hair removal on his face now. He has a 5 o'clock shadow 12 hrs after shaving and hates looking in the mirror. Hair removal is very expensive and with the need for 10-20 sessions just on his face, he is looking at thousands of dollars.
Does anyone know if there is any trans-friendly health insurance or grant programs he can look into? He is going to apply for MN Care as he is still a student but not sure if they cover trans-health.
Any resources would be greatly appreciated!
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Kristy -
I don't know of any insurance programs that might help, but laser might be an alternative to electrolysis if your child's facial hair is dark enough. I understand there are some effective home use laser devices available for under $1K which is certainly less expensive than having the service provided by a professional.
However, Kristy, you need to understand that you have a daughter, NOT a son. I know the entire pronoun -
identity thing is new to you, mom, but the sooner you start incorporating correct identification into your relationship, the smoother her transition will be for you, your child and the rest of the people who are effected by it. By you modeling the new pronouns for others, you send a message of love, support and advocacy to your child and all in your social circle. Let your daughter know you are her ally! Good luck, mom.
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4 ReactionsI used a home laser. But it may not work for your girl. Groupon, always look on Groupon. Laser hair removal.
Hello, Kristy:
I am the child of a mom on this program (typing from her account), and she asked me to weigh in. I’m nonbinary, and when I transitioned medically, Blue Cross/Blue Shield covered all my expenses. I worked with M Health Fairview, and they were fantastic. I didn’t need hair removal, so I don’t know the specific requirements there, but I would advise your daughter to start talking about her transition plan with her therapist (if she has one) to get things like support letters ready. If she does not yet have a therapist, she needs to find one, because most insurance providers require you to work with a therapist for a certain amount of time before they approve any physical gender-affirming care.
Link to MHF info:
https://www.mhealthfairview.org/specialties/Comprehensive-Gender-Care-Program
Also, be sure to refer to your child as your daughter and use she/her pronouns and her chosen name if she asks you to do that. I assume that is the case if she is a trans woman, but talking with her and having her clarify exactly what she wants is a good idea.
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1 Reaction@kristy605, I'm popping in to add my welcome as both you and your daughter make many transitions. You might also be interested in these related discussions:
- What's an ally? How can I help a person transitioning? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-an-ally-how-can-allies-help-improve-a-patient-transitioning/
- Family support for LGBT children https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/family-support-for-lgbt-children/
@juliethenderson may also have some experience to add to your question about hair removal.
Kristy, have you and your daughter connected with a social worker at the Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic and Mayo? They can help find resources and answer questions about insurance, etc.