News & Events
Peer Positivity Meet-Up - In Person!
Tuesday, September 13th
7:00-8:00pm at the PR Public Library
Our next peer support meet-up will be at the library in Meeting Room B - Jess will be hanging out at the library entrance before the meeting to point you in the right direction. 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, 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.
Helping Out Fund - apply by the 15th of each month
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. The deadline to apply is by the 15th of each month, and 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 about the funds!
There is a donate button on our website, 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.)
Our new office space!
We now have an office space, shared with United Way in the Town Centre Mall (between Subway and Shoppers). We have been working on moving in and getting the space ready. We are looking forward to opening for drop-in hours in October, stay tuned!
Back to School: A Guide for Gender Creative & Trans Students and their Educators, Caregivers, and Allies
We know that going back to school can be a stressful time for gender creative and trans students and their allies. This guide highlights a few of the rights that trans youth have in public and independent schools in BC, and provides links to websites for students, educators, and caregivers that offer support and guidance.
Trans Rights in Education (from Trans Rights BC): Gender identity and gender expression were added to the BC Human Rights Code in 2016 as protected grounds. Gender creative and trans students in BC schools have the right to an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment. They also have the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns they use, the right to wear clothing that corresponds with their gender expression, the right to play on sports teams that correspond with their gender identity, and the right to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Visit Trans Rights BC/Education to learn more.
viaSport British Columbia has a resource on 2SLGBTQ inclusion in sport; they also have a document on Trans Athletes Inclusion Guidelines.
The Trevor Project has a guide on Being An Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth.
Useful Websites for Students
Foundry BC - Foundry offers young people age 12-24 health and wellness resources, services and support - online and in various communities across BC. Click on this link for a resource on going back to school.
Kids Help Phone - Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 if you need someone to talk to. This space on their website is for 2SLGBTQ youth & allies.
The Trevor Project > Explore Topics > Gender Identity - this website has great info for trans and nonbinary youth.
For Educators
SOGI Education - SOGI 1 2 3 helps educators make schools inclusive and safe for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI).
Egale has a guide on building inclusive schools; they host free live webinars for educators and school staff.
Gender Spectrum is another excellent resource for educators and education professionals.
For Caregivers & Allies
Trans Care BC / Child & Youth - this webpage has support for families and information for schools.
Gender Spectrum has a page for Parents and Family and a guide about working with your child’s school.
Egale Canada’s resource section has articles for parents, educators, classmates, and coworkers.
Thank you to our allies and community for continuing to support Trans qathet and reaching out to us.