She Strengthens

The Hidden Costs of Transitioning

As a 28-year-old trans woman, I’m no stranger to the financial burdens that come with transitioning. Assigned male at birth, I’ve always known that my journey would be filled with challenges – but nothing could have prepared me for the staggering costs associated with becoming my true self.

The Weight of Student Loans

With over $200,000 in student loan debt, I’m already shouldering a significant financial burden. Add to that my modest income of $70,000 as an attorney, and it’s clear that every penny counts. Unfortunately, my employer doesn’t offer health benefits, leaving me to fend for myself in the complex and often discriminatory world of healthcare.

Health Insurance: A Necessary Evil

I’ve had to purchase my own health insurance through my state’s exchange, which sets me back a whopping $350 per month. This middle-tier plan barely covers the essentials, and I’ve already racked up a $1,000 bill for hormone replacement therapy – a crucial aspect of my transition. At least my hormones are now covered, costing me a relatively affordable $15 per month.

Building a New Wardrobe

As I begin to present myself as a woman, I’ve realized that building a new wardrobe from scratch is a daunting task. Women’s clothing sizes are notoriously unreliable, and my changing body makes it difficult to anticipate what I’ll need. Over the next five years, I expect to spend over $5,000 on a wardrobe that makes me feel comfortable and confident.

The Painful Truth of Hair Removal

As a hairy individual, I’ve had to contend with the added expense of hair removal. Three sessions of laser hair removal and electrolysis have already cost me $600, with at least four more sessions needed to achieve my desired results. And that’s just for my face – I’m looking at an additional $5,000 to $15,000 to remove unwanted body hair. To make matters worse, health insurance rarely covers these procedures.

Surgery: A Necessary Step

While not all trans individuals opt for surgery, I know it’s a crucial part of my journey. Unfortunately, even with insurance coverage, the costs can be astronomical. I’ve heard horror stories of insurance companies bailing on coverage or creating unnecessary hurdles, leaving many to crowdfund for their procedures. The thought of paying up to $40,000 out of pocket is daunting, to say the least.

The Price of Happiness

Despite the financial strain, transitioning has brought me a sense of joy and comfort I never thought possible. I’ve come to realize that happiness isn’t a myth, and that feeling comfortable in my own skin is worth every penny. While the costs are undoubtedly high, I would pay almost anything for this sense of clarity and peace.