Gender Journeys goes virtual, provides social connection and support among trans community

In a time when physical distancing is so important, the team of Gender Journeys is doing everything they can to help their clients maintain crucial social connection.

“Gender Journeys offers a safe place for trans, non-binary, and questioning folx to explore and feel affirmed in their gender, while providing them with information and education to make informed decisions for their own journeys. We’re also here for the family and partners of trans people, with non-judgmental support and education to help them care for themselves and the trans folx they love,” says Alex Karn, Education and Support Worker for Gender Journeys.

He notes that, perhaps most importantly, the program gives community members the chance to come together and see there are many others like them, living their lives and being loved and accepted for who they are.

The purpose of the program isn’t to lead participants to make decisions, rather to help them along their own experience.

“We are here to give people the support, accurate information and resources they need to navigate their own journey, whatever that looks like for them,” Karn says.

Since Gender Journeys first launched in the area in the form of a pilot project in 2013, the service has consistently evolved to meet the needs of the community. This has been especially evident in recent months.

“There have been so many changes to the program in the past few months. We are proud to have an amazing, passionate team with more diversity of lived experience than ever,” says Karn.
In an effort to reduce wait times for one-to-one service, the program has added two new part-time positions. Furthermore, they will be providing condensed groups in remote areas which will contribute to shorter wait times for group programming.

Once physical distancing restrictions are lifted, staff will also provide assertive outreach on a one-to-one basis in client homes across the coverage area to assist in reducing isolation for people in the trans community.

“We’ve also recently shaken up our group and event offerings to meet a wider range of needs for our clients. Folx were telling us that they wanted more opportunities to connect with community and do fun things together, so we’ve introduced more social programming like film and game nights, makeup tutorial workshops, a bowling day, drumming circles, an expressive arts group and more,” says Karn.

The team has also launched a monthly newsletter to provide people with information about what’s happening in the trans community as well as with the Gender Journeys program specifically.
As the spread of COVID-19 and the response to the pandemic has impacted communities across the globe, Gender Journeys has embraced the necessary shift in how they deliver service. The team is now offering groups, events and one-on-one peer support online via Zoom.

The COVID-19 response has also resulted in changes to the intake process for Gender Journeys, says Erika Oldridge, formerly a participant and now an Education and Support Worker for the program.

“Now that we’re not able to meet with program participants in person, we’ve had to get creative with our intake process. We welcome new clients and to make sure everyone who might benefit from our services can continue to access the program, we’re now conducting intakes remotely over the phone or via Zoom,” says Oldridge.

Alex Karn and Erika Oldridge of Gender Journeys

“If folx don’t have a computer or printer, that’s okay too. You won’t need to sign any forms or work with complicated computer programs. As long as you have a smartphone and a decent internet connection, you’ll be able to connect with us and access our services.”

In addition to the social groups and events, Gender Journeys also provides education and training, which Oldridge says is her favourite aspect of the program.

“We provide trans folx with the ability to make the best decisions for themselves when it comes to their transition. As a past participant, I can attest to that fact myself,” she says, noting the broader community can learn how they can support trans folx by accessing Gender Journeys’ trans sensitivity trainings.

“This service is always free but the program welcomes any donations,” she adds.

For clients, past and present, who want to help the Gender Journeys program, Oldridge and Karn invite them to participate in a research questionnaire, interview or focus group.

This project will help Gender Journeys make the case about the need for continued services. With the community’s help, their goal is to be able to secure funding to continue this program for years to come to help improve the quality of life for trans folx in the Peterborough area and beyond, and to continue breaking barriers and building hope.

After all, at the end of the day, it’s the hope they have for the trans community – and an inclusive community as a whole – that drives them to continue their work at Gender Journeys.

“My ideal future for trans folx would be a world where gender is not assumed just by looking at someone and hearing them speak. Instead, people would introduce themselves with their pronouns and create space for others to do the same,” says Karn.

“Trans folx wouldn’t be shut out or discriminated against when accessing employment, housing, healthcare, education, and other programming and services, and they would feel respected and seen for who they are in all areas of their lives.”

Anyone interested in participating in the research questionnaire or in any of the ongoing services can contact Gender Journeys by emailing genderjourneys@cmhahkpr.ca. The team also shares their events and groups on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GenderJourneysHKPR, and can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @genderjourneys.