AUSTIN, Texas —
There is a new way for people in the Austin area to feel comfortable in their own skin. The Glossy by Kind Clinic offers non-surgical cosmetic treatments specifically geared toward the LGBTQ+ community.
A recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows many LGBTQ+ adults feel they need to be careful about their appearance in order to be treated fairly in a health care setting.
Glossy by Kind Clinic is helping people feel at ease with receiving affirming care so their outside reflects how they feel on the inside. The clinic already gives specialized health care to the LGBTQ+ community.
Glossy by Kind Clinic has heard from people who say sometimes, it's hard to find help reaching their appearance goals.
The new clinic offers Botox, fillers and other treatments.
Dorrian Arriaga identifies as genderqueer and nonbinary. They went to the Glossy by Kind Clinic to feminize their face.
"I just want a softer, more feminine face. And, you know, I want a little snatch," Arriaga said.
They've gotten esthetic work done before at other places but said it wasn't the best experience. Instead, the atmosphere was "sterile" and felt "almost cold."
Caleb Phund-Smith, the associate director of clinical operations, agrees with Arriaga and said the environment at Glossy makes a difference.
"This is not a new experience for me, but I've always felt uncomfortable going into clinics. I've never felt an environment where I truly felt included or welcomed," Phund-Smith said. "Coming here and getting services from the staff here, it's such a comforting experience."
Before going to Glossy, some patients may look in the mirror and might not see what they feel on the inside. These services allow them to be their most authentic selves.
"What your needs are, are unique to you. And we're here to actually meet those unique goals," Juan Benitez, the chief advancement officer, said. "It's hard to find providers who understand those unique needs. And that's exactly why Glossy by Kind Clinic is here."
All treatments are for people 18 years or older. For transgender and nonbinary people, the services can be a gender-affirming care alternative.
"You're able to get those results that are lifesaving for transgender and nonbinary individuals that may not have the time to wait six months or even a year to get into those treatments, or be able to afford tens of thousands of dollars for those treatments," Benitez said.
Staff members like Benetiz and Phund-Smith said they will get their treatment at the clinic, and it has taught them how to offer a better experience for their clients.
"We can create an environment where they can come to us and feel heard and safe and know that we truly do care about them as a holistic human," Phund-Smith said.
The Kind Clinic and Glossy by Kind Clinic are both nonprofits. The proceeds from Glossy by Kind Clinic benefit Kind Clinic and its services.