Resources
The largest resource for trans people and parents of trans people of all ages is TransCare BC. They are an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority (the provincial government healthcare provider), and an excellent first stop for those looking for information and services. www.transcarebc.ca
To highlight some sections of particular significance:
Also on this page:
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Peer Support Groups
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Pride Related Organizations Around the Okanagan
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Common Resource Questions
Peer Support Groups
TransCare BC has a province-wide listing of peer support groups here.
For those in Kelowna, we can recommend:
Etcetera Youth Group
The Bridge Youth and Family Services
630 Cadder Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 7Y5
Phone: 250-763-0456
Email: info@thebridgeservices.ca
Web: thebridgeservices.ca/youth-and-family-services/youth-services/etcetera
www.facebook.com/EtceteraKelowna
www.instagram.com/etcetera_youth
The youth group is a is a weekly, facilitated program where youth ages 11-18 who identify as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning), and their allies, can meet and make lasting friendships with supportive peers. The name “Etcetera” reflects the diversity of the youth who participate in the program, including those whose identities are more varied and expansive than what could ever be described in an acronym.
Okanagan Gender Identity Group (OGIG)
Email: gendergroupkelowna@gmail.com
Web: facebook.com/groups/okanagangenderidentitygroup
A group to support and connect trans peers in the Okanagan area, through online zoom peer support meetings and monthly in-person social events.
For those in Vernon, we can recommend
Vernon Family Resource Centre Groups
Family Resource Centre
3303 30th Street
Vernon, BC
Phone: 250-545-3390
Email: rainbow@vernonfrc.ca
Web: vernonfrc.ca
Connecting Rainbows: A group for parents and caregivers of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
Kind Pride Club Ages 10 - 12: A crafts club for 2SLBGTQIA+ youth and allies ages 10 - 12.
Queer Field Trip Ages 13 - 18: A field trip to queer friendly places.
Vernon Trans Peer Support
Phone: 250-542-3114 ext. 245
Email: Trans.Peer@chmavernon.ca
Web: cmhavernon.ca/peer-support-services/
Trans Peer support is a free peer led community based social support service run by volunteers with lived experience. Trans, Gender diverse, and Two-Spirit individuals ages 12 and over. 1-1 virtual peer support and monthly in-person socials.
For those in the South Okanagan, we can recommend:
Rainbow Connection Penticton
Email: Pentictonpride@gmail.com
A coalition of like-minded individuals committed to fostering community engagement, offering a range of localized resources, interactive chat rooms, face-to-face networking opportunities, social gatherings, promotion for local enterprises, and active participation in social causes and initiatives.
RADAR Penticton
201-501 Main Street
Penticton, BC
Phone: 250-809-8476
Email: cain.critchlow@oneskycommunity.com
www.instagram.com/radar_foundry
RADAR is a safe group for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies to build friendship and have fun. Penticton Foundry also has a binder program.
RADAR Summerland
Summerland Arts & Cultural Centre (Top Floor)
9525 Wharton Street
Summerland, BC
Phone: 250-488-4396
Email: kayley.robb@oneskycommunity.com
Pride Related Organizations around the Okanagan
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Kelowna Pride www.kelownapride.com
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South Okanagan Pride www.sospride.ca
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UBC Okanagan Pride Resource Centre www.suo.ca/resource/pride-resource-centre
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UBC Okanagan Equity & Inclusion Office equity.ok.ubc.ca
Common Resource Questions
How does getting on hormones work?
TransCare has an information page on hormones here: www.transcarebc.ca/hormone-therapy
For adults and older youth, any general practitioner or family doctor can prescribe hormones themselves if they feel they have adequate knowledge and/or in consultation with TransCare’s Rapid Access to Care Expertise line. For younger youth, a readiness assessment is generally conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist and hormones are prescribed and monitored by a pediatric endocrinologist.
How can I get gender-confirming surgery?
TransCare has an information page on gender-confirming surgeries here: www.transcarebc.ca/surgery
Gender-confirming surgery is generally only available for those 18 or older, but top surgery may be available for youth depending on the assessment of your care team.
How can I change ID/driver’s license/legal paperwork to reflect gender identity and/or name?
See TransCare BC’s guide here: www.transcarebc.ca/explore-transition/id-change
Trans students at UBC Okanagan can change their “preferred name”, which appears on class lists, Canvas, UBC Student Housing, and UBCcard, by following the instructions here. There is no requirement for legal paperwork to do this, and preferred name need not match any legal or other name. students.ok.ubc.ca/courses-money-enrolment/preferred-name-change They can also change their gender marker by emailing equity.ubco@ubc.ca
Where can I get voice training in Kelowna?
Kelowna Voice Lab works with trans clients seeking voice training. There are also many online options available from across Canada.
What trans services are available for students at UBC Okanagan?
UBC Okanagan has two major providers of services for trans students: the UBC Okanagan Pride Resource Centre and the UBC Okanagan Equity & Inclusion Office. The former is a student-led group and part of the UBC Student Union Okanagan, and provides safe spaces and events for students in the LGBTQ+ community. The latter is an office within the UBC Okanagan administration responsible for handling all equity-related issues, including but not limited to issues relating to LGBTQ+ students.
What trans services are available for students at Okanagan College?
Okanagan College's trans services are coordinated through their Positive Space Committee. This is how they describe themselves:
Okanagan College’s Positive Space Committee challenges the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer students, staff and faculty even in environments with anti-discriminatory and inclusive policies. It proactively creates opportunities to foster constituent awareness and engagement and promotes inclusion of LGBT2QIA+ persons in every area of campus life. The Positive Space Committee exists to prevent particular negative occurrences from arising and to respond when they do occur. For students or community inquiry please contact Jewell Gillies (they/them), Positive Space Committee founder and Chair at jgillies@okanagan.bc.ca
What trans services are available for students in School District #23?
Services and GSA/Pride organizations generally vary by school; please contact your/your child's principal using the SD23 directory for more information.
SD23 has a district-wide policy regarding Discrimination Towards and By Students as it Pertains to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. It specifies that "any form of discrimination, intimidation or harassment against any person based on gender or sexual orientation" is prohibited and "members of the school community [are expected] to welcome, include and support all others regardless of their gender or sexual orientation". If you feel that you/your child are/is not being respected, contact the Superintendent or a School Trustee. You can also contact us and we can help advocate with or on behalf of you.