Trans resources

Given the spectrum of gender identity and the variation in each person’s expression, there is no single pathway for a trans person to follow in order to actualize the presentation of their authentic self. Non-binary patients may also seek hormone therapy to modify their secondary sex characteristics. When hormones are chosen as part of transition, some patients may seek maximum feminization/ masculinization, while others may seek a more androgynous appearance.

This quick reference guide was derived from Sherbourne’s Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Primary Care with Trans and Non-Binary Patients and is designed to be used in conjunction with the full Guidelines.

Organized by the Rainbow Coalition of Refuge and Rainbow Refugee Society in the Spring of 2023, this webinar focuses on the unique and particular challenges of LGBTQIA refugees and newcomers, and shares some skills, knowledge, and resources. 

In this one hour webinar Tatiana Ferguson (she/her), Co-founder of Black Queer Youth Collective and EDI specialist, in conversation with Sizwe Inkingi (she/her), Program Officer, Rainbow Railroad and former Bilingual PSI Coordinator, OCASI-PSI, review data from Trans PULSE Canada Report to share insights about Trans and Non-binary newcomers to Canada. In the second part they have a candid discussion about resettlement and finding & building community by, for, and with Trans and Non-binary refugees, im/migrants, and newcomers. Tatiana and Sizwe talk about identity, programs and supports, and why we need more Trans-led newcomer spaces. Recorded on Monday, March 27th, 2023. 

The Trans PULSE Resource Guide is a compilation of resources available for trans and transitioned people across Canada.

This resource, in its second edition, was last updated in September 2011. As the Trans PULSE Project wraps up, the guide will no longer be updated. Please note that information may be outdated. 

A research report released in the summer of 2022 by the Department of Justice Canada. It examines the extent and effects of legal problems experienced particularly by transgender, two-spirit, and non-binary people for the last three years. The report consists of semi-structured interviews with 27 transgender, two-spirit, and non-binary people recruited across Canada. It shows that numerous legal problems encountered by the research participants have “lasting social and legal consequences” that expose them to additional problems in the future. These legal problems were categorized thematically under five domains: (1) legal statuses; (2) economic security and standard of living; (3) health care and services; (4) violence and other forms of abuse; and (5) detention facilities and law enforcement.

People who identify as non-binary are those whose gender identities resist/reject the gender binary (man vs. woman). They include people who identify with a gender other than man or woman, who do not identify with any gender, or who have a gender identity that fluctuates, among other identities. Previous research has found that up to 1 in 3 transgender (trans) people identify as non-binary. Thus, although not all non-binary people identify as transgender or trans, it is important to consider the unique experiences of non-binary people when assessing the health and well-being of broader trans communities. This is a report released by TransPulse Canada in 2021, it details the experiences of trans and nonbinary peoples navigating Canadian healthcare systems.

SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, developed this toolkit on trans mental wellness and suicide prevention in response to trans community needs and priorities. Given that many trans and gender diverse people struggle with suicide, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, this toolkit was created to:

1) Help trans and gender diverse people in and beyond Waterloo Region who may be struggling with suicidality or poor mental health.

2) Provide concrete tools and strategies to service providers working with trans and gender diverse people on inclusive care and trans suicide prevention.

3) Support parents, caregivers, friends and loved ones of trans and gender diverse people to be supportive of trans and gender diverse people in their lives.

4) Increase awareness of trans mental health and suicidality in and beyond Waterloo Region.

A local Toronto collective that “builds and delivers customized gender essentials to those in need.” Each toolkit is customized to fit the request and they’re always looking for volunteers to help put them together. This is such an essential service for Trans folks during Covid-19 days and beyond.

The Trans Fusion Crew - a weekly drop-in group to explore, learn about and share experiences of gender and everything else - traditionally held a drop-in every Thursday at the Sherbourne Health Clinic, but Covid-19 has put in-person meetups on pause. For now TFC is still running as part of the SOY Community Check-In which happens every Tuesday 5-6:30pm on Zoom, along with the other groups like BQY, Newcomer Express, and Intersections.

Folks are also welcome to reach out to transprograms@sherbourne.on.ca for more info, and Zoom codes and other info including Mature Trans Sisters, gender journeys, and the surgical groups.

Mod Club is a transguy and non-binary transition research and community website. It brings resources and community in one place. They also have a Youtube channel and their own podcast! You can sign up on the site for free and get access to things like a surgery gallery, curated affiliate stores, connections to other member. It provides an access to a welcoming trans community.