Transgender and non-binary individuals face unique challenges surrounding their health and well-being. Accessing care providers that affirm their gender identity and expression can be daunting, and navigating the care options can be full of complex topics, such as surgery navigation, pelvic health, masculinizing and feminizing hormones, and more.
Simultaneously, gender diverse folks can face great difficulty navigating social aspects of their health. It can be difficult finding gender affirming gear, accessing fitness spaces, and legally and socially transitioning.
In light of all these challenges, we want to help trans and non-binary community members find information pertinent to their health and well-being. We’ve partnered with the Trans Wellness Initiative to help make trans and non-binary health information more accessible from our page. This section is dedicated to trans and non-binary resources relevant to multiple facets of their health. Check the links below for more information!
Note: This website is still in development. We will be adding new content on an ongoing basis over the coming months. If you’re interested in a topic that’s not covered, check back soon or contact us here to let us know.
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Finding a provider
It can be incredibly difficult finding a healthcare provider who is affirming of trans and gender diverse patients. This challenge can bring major inequities to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. In light of this, the Trans Wellness Initiative has established a directory of affirming healthcare providers to improve trans and gender diverse healthcare access, facilitate services navigation, and connect service providers working in health and wellness.
TRANSlations: navigating hrt access in alberta
This resource was created through a collaboration between the Trans Wellness Initiative, EMHC, CBRC, the Edmonton Pivot 2020 cohort, and the Albertan 2SLGBTQ+ community. TRANSlations is an original zine made up of community testimonials and works of poetry that illuminate the diverse experiences of twelve 2SLGBTQ+ community members as they navigate Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) access in Alberta.
Feminizing Hormones
The main goal of hormone treatments is to facilitate physical changes to “better match” your gender identity. There is no one way to transition and not everyone who transitions uses hormones. This section outlines different options including medication, short/long term monitoring, costs, side effects, and contraindications.
masculinizing hormones
The main goal of hormone treatments is to facilitate physical changes to “better match” your gender identity. There is no one way to transition and not everyone who transitions uses hormones. If you choose to take hormones, this section outlines different options including medication, short/long term monitoring, costs, side effects, and contraindications.
Social transition
There is no one way to transition and there are many options for transitioning that are not medical. Not everyone who socially transitions wants to medically transition, and social and medical transition timelines do not always align. Do what works for you!
surgery navigation
In Alberta, some surgeries are funded (with specific criteria that must be met) and some are not. There are many things to consider when planning surgery. This resource is meant to help you learn about the transition-related surgical options that are available in Alberta.
gender affirming gear
Gender affirming gear can help us feel more comfortable in our bodies and can influence the way people see us in the world. Trying out different options can be a relatively simple and approachable way to explore gender presentation on your own terms.
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEp)
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventative tool in the form of a daily pill for individuals who are HIV negative that is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission when taken regularly or on-demand.
legal transition
There is no one way to transition and there are many options for transitioning that are not medical. This section discusses legal transition, which is the changing of your current name and gender marker to match your gender identity.
pelvic health
Pelvic health concerns the pelvic organs which include your bladder, bowels, and genitals. When you are experiencing issues with one or more of these areas, it can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
fitness and gym access
Accessing and navigating fitness spaces as a trans or nonbinary person can sometimes be challenging. This section gives tips and tools to help you have positive fitness experiences.