Trans Peer Outreach

May 18, 2023

Trans Peer Outreach’s One-on-One Consultation might be for you if you want to…

Meet with a Trans Peer Outreach worker where we discuss and share resources on:

• Strategies to address challenges related to your gender identity
• Community resources and engagement opportunities
• Understanding gender identity and expression
• Tools for improving communication regarding your gender identity
• Strategies and information on transitioning
• Aid with navigating healthcare and developing advocation skills for accessing healthcare

Consultation services can be as minimal as one-time meetings with a Trans Peer Outreach staff member over the phone or can include face-to-face meetings with staff, for up to three meetings total.

Please know that you must be residing within Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, or Peterborough County to access our one-on-one peer consultation services. For assistance with access to therapy, case management, or an immediate crisis service, please refer to the resource lists located immediately following the “Upcoming Events & Programming” section on this page. These resources are organized by age and relational role to help guide you, as such services are not offered through this program.

Trans Peer Outreach’s group programming might be for you if you want…

• Educational information on a variety of trans-related topics for folks with lived-experience
  • Gender diversity, exploring your gender, gender euphoria and dysphoria
  • Coming out, names, and pronouns
  • How to navigate gendered spaces, transphobia, and your legal rights as a transgender person in Ontario
  • Intimacy, relationships, and boundaries
  • Accessing gender affirming healthcare
  • Community building
• To socialize with other trans/non-binary/gender questioning folks and find community connections

In order to be able to participate in Trans Peer Outreach programming, you must be 16 years or older and identify as trans/non-binary or are questioning your gender.

The Trans Peer Outreach program offers no cost supports and services for transgender and gender diverse people, to assist them to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of community-based, client centred care that supports positive interdependence.

Services are delivered by people with lived-experience as a transgender or gender-diverse person, and who may also have experience living with a mental health concern. Trans Peer Outreach services are founded upon the principle that peers can better understand, relate to and support individuals with similar experiences, related to the health and well-being of people within this population, and are in a unique position to offer assistance.

Trans Peer FAMILY Outreach’s group programming might be for you if you want…

• Educational information on a variety of trans-related topics for loved ones with lived experience
  • Gender diversity, exploring gender, gender euphoria and dysphoria
  • Coming out, names, and pronouns
  • How to navigate the legal rights of transgender persons in Ontario
  • Relationships, communications, and boundaries
  • Accessing gender affirming healthcare
  • Community building
• To socialize with other loved ones of trans/non-binary/gender questioning folks and find community connections
• Ask you questions in a safe and accountable space

There is no catchment area, and all programming is done over Zoom! This is the perfect place to connect with tons of unique parents/loved ones and get a better understanding of trans issues!

One to One Support
Our Trans Peer Outreach worker works with parents and/or loved ones to help them answer some of their unique questions about their trans loved one and help guide them in supporting and understanding their trans loved ones transition. This is a very goal-oriented support and only meant to meet 3-4 times to accomplish the goal. Goals often include learning about trans identities, discussing transition goals, how to support transition, and/or gaining new tools and strategies to support a loved one etc.

Upcoming Events & Programming

To register for groups or if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out via email at transpeeroutreach@cmhahkpr.ca or via phone at 705-748-6711.

Supporting Ourselves and Our Loved Ones
This space is a monthly virtual drop-in peer support group for the parents and loved ones of trans folks/youth across Ontario/Canada! Family members and loved ones present and the topic is whatever is needed! Folks discuss and learn from one another and their lived experience and discuss their glimmers and glooms of having a trans loved one.

Location: Virtual

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Dates: Every Second Wednesday of the month (June 11^th, July 9^th, August 13^th, September 10^th, October 8^th, November 12^th, December 10^th)

Loving and Learning Together
This space is a 6-session educational course meant to educate folks on transness. There is a new topic every week in order to help loved ones better understanding transness and their trans loved ones.

Dates: Runs up to 3 times a year, once in the winter, spring, and fall. Register to be added to the waitlist and informed when sessions start.

Trans Talks:
Trans Talk is a monthly group where trans/non-binary/gender diverse and questioning peers get together to discuss living as someone who is gender diverse. Every month is a new topic where we educate about the trans experience, and learn from one another’s experiences.

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

2026 Dates: October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd.

2027 Dates: January 6th, February 3rd, March 3rd, April 7th.

Prepping for Pride – Friends and Family Event
Join us for a pre celebration for Peterborough/Nogojiwanong Pride! This event is open to all community members and allies. There will be button making, sign making, and Tie Dye! Come create the gear you will need to celebrate and be loud and proud this pride season. 

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: September 16th, 2026

Speed Friending
Getting connected can be really hard. Starting conversation, being in the right spaces, knowing who to talk to. That is what Speed Friending is for, breaking the ice for you. 

Location: HOPE Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Date: September 30th, 2026

Halloween Celebration
Join us on for an evening of Halloween Fun! We will be doing spooky crafts, enjoying some snacks, and watching a Halloween movie. Movie will be chosen by folks in attendance!

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: October 21st, 2026

Board Game Night
Join us on for an evening of Board Game Fun! This event is free to attend. 

Location: Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Date: November 18th, 2026

Holiday Celebration
Join us on for an evening of Holiday Fun! We will be doing cheerful crafts, enjoying a warm meal, and watching a seasonal movie. Movie will be chosen by folks in attendance!

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: December 16th, 2026

Paper Doll Workshop
Join us on for an evening of Paper Doll Making. Paper Dolls are great way to explore ourselves and our expression of gender in an easy going way. All materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring anything you would want your doll to have!

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: January 20th, 2027

Poetry Workshop
Join us on for an evening of Poetry. We will be learning more about poetry from a local poet! This workshop is meant for beginners. 

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: February 17th, 2027

Book Buddies
Join us on for an evening of Book Buddies! We come together to read in a safe and affirming space. This is a great space to engage in community in an easy going way. 

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: March 17th, 2027

Bowling Night
Join us on for an evening of Bowling Fun! This event is Free to attend. 

Location: Lakeview Bowling Alley

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: March 31st, 2027

Bird Watching
Join us on for an evening of Bird Watching! Try out a new hobby and take a look at the birds during their busy spring season. Bird watching supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies if you have them. 

Location: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Date: April 21st, 2026

Resources

Click here to view a list of resources for family and loved ones.

Click here to view a list of resources for youth.

Click here to view a list of resources for adults.

Click here to view a list of resources for service providers.

Contact

Please feel free to contact us by phone or email should you have any questions about programming. All programming is provided at no cost to participants.

Telephone: 705-748-6711.

Email: transpeeroutreach@cmhahkpr.ca

Note: If you have feedback regarding this program, please see our Feedback page or contact the program manager, Shari Warfield.

Please note that the current waiting time for Trans Peer Outreach services is up to six months. If you require immediate assistance, please reach out to the following resources:

• Trans LifeLine: 1-877-330-6366 or translifeline.org
• LGBT Youthline: youthline.ca (online chat services)
• 9-8-8: National Suicide Helpline: 9-8-8

Note: If you have feedback regarding this program, please see our Feedback page or contact the program manager, Shari Warfield at swarfield@cmhahkpr.ca.