In this issue
Welcome to HeretoHelp Within Reach! HeretoHelp Within Reach is a quarterly newsletter that highlights resources from HeretoHelp and the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information.
In this issue of Within Reach, find organizations that help and support trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people.
2SLGBTQ+ people face increasing threats in BC and the rest of Canada, with disinformation campaigns and organizations that aim to remove SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) education and block 2SLGBTQ+ supports in schools, police gender expression, and ultimately deny trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people the ability to live safely in our communities. In this issue of Within Reach, find organizations that help and support trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people. You can also learn more about what it means to be trans or nonbinary, what transitioning looks like, and how transitioning works in BC so you understand what’s true and what isn't when disinformation comes up in the news, on social media, or in your community.
Trans Lifeline
1-877-330-6366 (in Canada)
Trans Lifeline is run by trans people for trans and nonbinary people. They provide phone-based peer support through the Trans Lifeline Hotline (1-877-330-6366). The Hotline is divested from police, meaning they won't send police or emergency services to you without your consent. Trans Lifeline also offers the Family & Friends Hotline for people who support trans or nonbinary loves ones, community members, and health professionals. Call the main hotline (1-877-330-6366) and ask for the Family & Friends Hotline, where you will arrange a callback with a Family & Friends operator.
QCHAT
QCHAT is a BC-based peer support organization that helps 2SLGBTQ+ youth in BC. The QCHAT peer support chat is for younger people who need support from folks who understand what they're going through, have questions, or would like to find local resources. The chat is available from 6:00pm-9:00PM every day except Fridays. (Note: QCHAT is not a crisis line.)
Trans Care BC
Trans Care BC is a program from the Provincial Health Services Authority to support the health and well-being of trans and nonbinary British Columbians. The program provides a lot of information around gender-affirming health care in BC, social transitioning, and community support for trans people and their families and friends. Trans Care BC also supports health professionals with up-to-date information about gender-affirming care, training and education opportunities, and patient handouts. Trans Care BC offers a lot of factual information (including the process of accessing gender-affirming care and the medical guidelines doctors follow) that is useful to anyone who like to know how gender-affirming care works in BC.
QMUNITY
Based in Vancouver, QMUNITY supports 2SLGBTQ+ people living in British Columbia of all ages. GAB Youth (to age 25) offers drop-ins in person and online to meet other youth and connect with youth workers and the Bras, Binders, and Breast Forms (BBB) Program helps young people access free gender-affirming chest wear if they can’t buy items on their own. Older Adults and Seniors programs help people ages 55 and up build connections and community with in-person and online events. QMUNITY offers a number of peer support groups (including groups for trans and nonbinary folks, parents and caregivers or trans and nonbinary youth, and loves ones), information and referrals, low-cost counselling, the Trans ID Project, and more.
Gender Generations Project
Based in Victoria, Gender Generations Project empowers Two-Sprit, trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse youth to explore leadership through creative projects and fosters connections with mentors. They have a retreat twice a year as well as workshops and other events. Visit the Resources section of their website for supports and community spaces located in Victoria and around BC.
Trans Rights BC
Trans Rights BC provides information about human rights and legal obligations that allow gender-diverse folks in BC to live safely. Find information about your rights in different systems and settings and how to take action through self-advocacy, human rights complaints, and allyship.
