November 2023 Newsletter

Hello Trans qathet Community, Allies, and Supporters!

Volunteer Call-Out: 

If you are interested in volunteering your time to Trans qathet, please respond to this email with the word VOLUNTEER, to receive more info and a sign up form! 

Trans qathet Drop-in Hours:

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

Wednesdays: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Thursdays:  2:00pm - 5:00pm

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, 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

NEW Food Donations:

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: 

The schedule for the biweekly online groups is now available, you can view the schedule and register for meetups at https://www.transqathet.ca/support-group   The next session will be Thursday, November 9th at 7:00-8:30pm, and the topic is Navigating Relationships. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpde6qpjwsGdCx_k9ZaLtiWiyLf-Jxs_pJ

The following session is Thursday, November 23rd at 7:00-8:30pm and the topic is Trans Bodies, Sexuality and Dating. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdeCtpz4iG9GHX1lvYTL9-dpZiH6oj8Bs

This is a confidential online space for anyone who is transgender or questioning. Pre-registering for the zoom will be required in order to join the group, to ensure the safety of the space. 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

October Tq Events:

Free Swim! At the Rec Centre Pool

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

We will be holding regular free swims this year at the Rec Complex, during their open pool hours. 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 change rooms during this event. Allies welcome!

Crafternoon 

Tq Mall Office

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 15th, 3:00pm-7:00pm

Get creative with us, Bring Your Own Craft. Or, see what supplies we have in stock! We have many project supplies that have been given or donated, many possibilities in different colours and dimensions. 

Games & Hang Out

Tq Mall Office

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 22nd, 3:00pm-7:00pm

Join us for a diverse range of games suitable for everyone. We'll have board games, card games, puzzles, and group games. 

Special November Tq Events:

Beach Fire - Trans Day of Remembrance 

Sunday, November 19th, 4:00pm-7:00pm

Willingdon Beach Pavillion

We have rented the Pavilion at Willingdon Beach to have a fire and gather under shelter, in case of inclement weather. Bring your own chair and non-breakable mug, we will provide the fire, hot drinks and snacks. Allies, friends and family welcomed! All ages event.  

Other Resources

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

Email: transcareteam@phsa.ca