On January 20, 2009, ANKORS opened its doors to Trans Connect.

Transgender (Trans) is used to describe a wide variety of people; people whose identity, history or way of expressing themselves extends beyond social norms relating to gender. Trans Connect is a project that provides support and resources for Transgender and Gender Variant folks in the East and West Kootenays. Trans Connect also provides educational workshops and resources for service providers, educators, mental health workers, and police in the Kootenays.

Christopher Moore is the coordinator of Trans Connect, and welcomes everyone to drop by or call. 101 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H1 250-354-5362 or 250-505-5506 email: christopher@ankors.bc.ca

Trans Connect project is supported and funded by:

Trans Connect Successes

This is what we accomplished in the first year! In 2010 we are being sponsored by Columbia Basis Trust for Phase 2 of Trans Connect.

Trans Connect Successes

ACTIVITIES:

TRANS 101 WORKSHOPS FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS, MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS, EDUCATORS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND POLICE. 16 workshops were presented throughout the East and West Kootenays. 218 professionals, from 14 organizations in 9 communities, attended these workshops. Outcomes include professionals wanting to stay in contact for 1:1 support in working with Trans clients, significant contacts garnered for workshops in other agencies, and improved knowledge and skills of participants with respect to Trans awareness.

BUDDY SYSTEM FOR TRANSGENDERED FOLKS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES. The major outcome centred around a relief from the isolation felt by so many Trans clients. Three participants moved to the Nelson area because of the growing resources and support for the Transgender population.

WEEKLY DROP-IN FOR TRANSGENDER FOLKS. Positive outcomes from this service were: shared housing; sharing of resources (i.e., electrolysis clinics); communication around safe and unsafe spaces in the area; reporting of violent crimes; and general networking and social connections.

PROMOTION OF TRANS CONNECT VIA MEDIA (facebook, websites, radio, newspapers). Outcomes encompass general support for awareness, transgender folks finding our services, and support for family and friends. One elderly woman, with an adult Transgender daughter, contacted us as she has been shunned from her community. Trans Connect is a place in her community for her to give and to get support.

GENDER OUTLAWS: A group that meets twice monthly for peer-support and activities. Outcomes: Increasing number of participants; provision of a safe opportunity for folks to dress in their preferred gender; and networking.

CHANGING KEYS. A voice training workshop for Transgender Women. This was co-sponsored by the Trans Health Program in Vancouver. Outcomes included the increased self confidence experienced by participants when talking on the phone and applying for jobs & housing, etc. They were able to obtain a skill from a trained speech pathologist that had only been available in the past in Vancouver. Technology (skype) was used to make this possible for follow up.

RESOURCE AND REFFERAL NETWORK. Outcomes: Participants found local resources; more Dr.’s became willing to work with Transgendered People in the Nelson area; and liaisons with Mental Health and other community agencies were formed.

Testosterone Shots (with prescriptions) are administered by student nurses from Selkirk College, providing easy and safe access for Trans Men, forming a valuable relationship with Selkirk, and providing education and training for the student nurses.

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE On November 20, Nelson held a vigil on the streets in downtown Nelson. Trans Day of Remembrance is a day to acknowledge the violence and other forms of discrimination that Transgender People experience. This day’s event is held worldwide. The American Human Rights Campaign estimates that 1 in 12 transgender will die through violence. Trans Day of Remembrance is a day to understand this oppression, and fight for our rights through assertiveness and education. 16 people turned out and people on the street dropped by for information and to give support.

TRANSGENDER PARTICIPANTS. Usage of programs offered by Trans Connect is 303 participants. This number includes multiple usage of programs. Approximately 30 Transgender people from 6 communities in the E. and W. Kootenays use our programs. There has been Trans people from rural communities outside of our region who use our programs and Trans people have moved to Nelson because of the support and resources we have for Trans and Gender Variant people. This usage speaks to the unique programs that Trans Connect offers.