Eugene, Ore. — Over the weekend, Point of Pride announced it will award $9,000 to two recipients:
Armaan Singh from Washington, who will receive $6,000 toward his gender-affirming surgery later this year. As part of his application process, Armaan shared with Point of Pride his struggle to identify as a deeply religious Punjabi person as well as a transgender man; how LGBTQ issues are simply not accepted or discussed in his culture; his journey surviving conversion therapy; and his current financial need as a dedicated student who also works multiple jobs.
Caden Williams from Oregon, who will receive $3,000 toward his gender-affirming surgery later this year. Caden’s story was equally touching. He shared with Point of Pride his financial need as an involved student and his work with multiple LGBTQ groups on campus; his lack of a support system; dealing with the loss of his father; and navigating the world aware of the intersectionality of being a black trans man.
In November 2016, Point of Pride received 477 applications for support from trans people around the world. In January, five finalists were selected for one-on-one support and the opportunity to receive funding.
In an effort to help the other three finalists also receive their gender-affirming surgeries, Point of Pride will continue to work one-on-one with them for the next 12 months: support will include helping them obtain trans inclusive health coverage or fighting with their current providers for coverage, connecting them with health care providers and surgeons, and researching other funding opportunities on their behalf.
Donations are collected year-round for this life-changing program. You can support Point of Pride’s mission by visiting pointofpride.org
