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December 2023 Newsletter

Hello Trans qathet Community, Allies, and Supporters!


Office hours for December by appointment Monday to Friday

We are planning on being open for our scheduled events, listed below and on our calendar. We will try our best to be open for drop-in hours for December, but it may not be consistent every week. Feel free to email, or call/text 604-414-6187 to make an appointment Monday to Friday, or to see if we are in before coming for a visit.


Trans qathet Drop-in:

Unit #27-7100 Alberni st., in Town Centre Mall, between Shoppers & Subway

Tuesdays 12pm-3:00pm

Wednesdays 10am-2pm

Thursdays 2pm-5pm


Drop in for a social visit, or to make use of the expanded resources and activities at our office, including WiFi, computers, printer and scanner, gender-affirming garments, clothing swap, a gender neutral washroom that is wheelchair accessible, a quiet room, books, tea and coffee, coloring books, board & card games, art & craft supplies, pronoun pins, flags, and more!


Announcements


Food Donations (Ongoing):

We are now accepting food donations for our community members in need! There is most need for nonperishables, easy to prepare, and prepackaged meals.  With the high costs of food and housing, we are working to support our most vulnerable community members who can no longer afford enough food, even after going to the food bank on a monthly basis. Easy & prepackaged foods are also more accessible to those who may not have reliable access to a full kitchen or potable running water. 

  • Grocery store gift cards

  • Microwave meals, canned soups/chili etc

  • Frozen, canned, or dried produce

  • Breads, pastas, rice etc

  • Pre-cooked meats


Donations can be dropped off during our Drop-in Hours, or during any of our drop in events held at our office in the mall. We have limited capacity to accept perishable donations, so we ask that you please confirm with a staff member before donating perishables. Please contact to make a donation at an alternative time, or if your donation needs to be picked up instead. 



Zoom Peer Support Groups: 

We have two support groups remaining for the year 2023! We will be re-evaluating the structure and timing of the groups, so do send feedback if you attended - or wanted to attend, and it didn’t fit in your schedule - any of the groups and would like to see changes in the new year. 


The next session will be Thursday, December 7th at 7:00-8:30pm, and the topic is being presented by two guest speakers, on Living Long-term as Trans. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdOmorjMrH9NCrI3jdyA_dBe8a-BEmRWg 

The following session is Thursday, December 21st at 7:00-8:30pm and the topic is Self and Community Care during Holiday Times. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMudOqvqjsqHN10XTcmMEwaLsgOJPrVh0dF 

This is a confidential online space for anyone who is transgender or questioning, you will never be obligated to share or prove anything about your identity. Pre-registering for the zoom will be required in order to join the group, and there is a single screening question to ensure that the group is attended only by the people it is designed for. You are welcome to participate in the zoom as much or as little as you like, and are welcome to join with video and audio off if that’s your comfort. 

Feel free to reach out directly to Laurance with any concerns or for more information: 604-414-6187 (text or call) / laurance@transqathet.ca



December Tq Events:


Free Swim! At the Rec Centre Pool

Date & Time: Wednesday December 13th, 6:30-8:30pm

We are holding regular free swims at the Rec Complex, during their open pool hours (In 2024 we are planning to hold private swims at the pool, for just the trans community). Let the person at the front desk know that you’re there for the Trans qathet swim, sign in (feel free to use an alias) and your entry cost will be free. Let us know if you’d like to participate in a buddy system for any of the gendered change rooms during this event. Allies welcome! 


Crafternoon + Film Screening

Tq Mall Office

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 21st, 3:00pm-7:00pm

Come and watch a screening of The Nutcracker Suite while we craft away! Bring your own craft, or projects to share with others, or check out our selection of donated craft supplies. A great time to work on those last minute gifts!!


Due to the extreme weather warning, today’s game night will be rescheduled to next Wednesday in the first week of January. Stay cozy and safe wherever you are, to wait out the big storm! 


RESCHEDULED Games & Hang Out & Re-Gift Exchange

Tq Mall Office

Date & Time: Wednesday, January 3rd 2024, 3:00pm-7:00pm

Join us for a diverse range of games suitable for everyone. We'll have the nintendo set up, as well as board games, card games, and puzzles in a relaxed atmosphere. Informal gift exchange - bring something to REgift if you like, does not have to be fancy, just anything that you don’t want or need. 


Special December Tq Events:


To Be Determined: We are hoping to have other get togethers during the holiday times, when the details are confirmed there will be an invitation sent out via this mailing list, so stay tuned for updates and join us if you can! 



Other Resources


An excellent resource for an in-depth presentation on why pronouns matter, how to share them and correct mistakes: https://pronouns.org/what-and-why 


QMUNITY Gender and ID Clinic:

Access notarial, administrative, and emotional support for name and gender marker change processes. Drop in virtually on the first Wednesday and third Friday of each month, 4pm-6pm. For appointments, email transid@qmunity.ca or call Connie at 604-868-4238.


Trans Lifeline:

Call (877) 330-6366 for peer support by trans individuals for trans peers. Call for non-crisis situations or if unsure about your identity. Full anonymity & confidentiality; no nonconsensual active rescue.


Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention:

Call toll-free at (1-800-784-2433) for confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, available 24/7 for individuals experiencing distress or despair.


Mental Health Support:

For emotional support, information, and mental health resources, call 310-6789 (no area code needed).


Trans Rights BC:

Visit www.transrightsbc.ca  for resources addressing legal rights commonly faced by trans and gender-diverse people.


Trans Care BC:

Toll-free: 1-866-999-1514

Outside of BC or unable to call a toll-free number: 604-675-3647


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