Hello Trans qathet community, allies and supporters!
We have had a busy few months, and here are some updates. March has many events planned at our office space, see details below! In addition to hosting events, this month we are also giving two workshops on trans safety and inclusion. Our first workshop is a province-wide webinar for Options for Sexual Health clinic, and we will be sharing our expertise on being trans in a rural community to clinics which are in rural locations all over BC. The other workshop is for the Powell River Public Library staff, and we look forward to collaborating with them on creating a welcoming safe space.
As well, our office space in the mall will no longer be available to us starting May 1st, so we are looking for a new space to move into so we can continue holding drop-in hours, events, and a safe space for those who access our resources. We don’t know where we will move to yet, so stay tuned!
Our Trans qathet office - Drop-in Hours
We now have an office space, shared with United Way and Youth Steering Committee, in the Town Centre Mall (between Subway and Shoppers). We have restocked our pronoun pins (designed and made by us!) and have many available for purchase by donation.
Drop by and say hi to us on Wednesdays 10:00am-2:00pm and Thursdays 2:00-5:00pm.
Events
Peer Positivity Meet-Up - In Person
Thursday, March 9
7:00-8:00PM at our office space
Our next peer support meet-up will be in our shared space with United Way, located in Town Centre Mall. The mall is closed at this time of day, but our space can be accessed from an outside door beside Subway. If you’d like to bring some snacks to share, please do!
If you need a ride, please contact us! We can offer a ride to and from the meet-up. Email info@transqathet.ca or call Laurance at 604-414-6187.
This is a confidential and non-judgemental social space for trans, non-binary, gender diverse, and gender-questioning individuals in the qathet Regional District. At our meet-ups everyone is given a turn to share about their lives if they want to - this is a place for celebration, encouragement, and support.
Happy Pi Day!
Tuesday March 14th
12-3pm
Drop by our office space and have a slice of pi(e) on us! And bring a pie to share if you’d like! This event is open to everybody, come by and say hi!
Arts, Crafts + Creativity
Thursday March 16th,
3pm-7pm
Get creative with us!
Bring your own art + craft supplies, or join in with our provided supplies. Any art or craft medium is welcome, as long as it is non-toxic. Drop in at any time!
Trans Day of Visibility March 31st
Details TBD!
Announcements
Helping Out Fund - donations always needed!
It has been over a year since we created the Helping Out Fund, which gives out microgrants to trans people and families in qathet. This fund comes from any money that we raise that surpasses the costs of running the program, and so the amount we are able to provide our community varies, and all donations help.
There is a donate button on our website transqathet.ca if you would like to contribute to the Helping Out Fund. (Note: as we are not a registered charity, your donation is not eligible for a tax receipt.)
Helping Out applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Our peer support team recognizes the barriers and marginalization trans and gender diverse people often face, and the profound impact it can have on one’s life, particularly for those who may be enduring poverty, lack of social support, illness, or other hardships. Everyone deserves to have their needs met, we are here to support our trans community members in need with our Helping Out Fund. You can fill out our Application Form to apply for funds, at www.transqathet.ca/helping-out. We will get back to you within 14 days of receiving your application! If filling out the form is challenging, we can assist you in receiving the funds you need in other ways. Email zeke@transqathet.ca with any issues or questions!
Other Resources
Trans Lifeline
(877) 330-6366
Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans peers. Call us even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans.
Full anonymity & confidentiality. No nonconsensual active rescue (calling 911, emergency services, or law enforcement)
Crisis intervention & suicide prevention
Toll-free: (1-800-784-2433)
Confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including feelings which may lead to suicide.
Mental health support
Call 310-6789 (no need to dial area code) for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
Trans Rights BC
Resources on the legal rights issues 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
Email: transcareteam@phsa.ca