These updates were shared at the May 2020 coalition meeting. Sign up to join the RHO Trans Health Mentorship Call to receive the full set of notes following each meeting. The full notes include the question-and-answer section about gender-affirming care, not included here. We’ve also trimmed updates that have already been shared in previous minutes.
New RHO Training module on Puberty Suppression in trans youth is currently being developed to be released late summer or early fall.
If you have any information about services closing and/or services opening to support trans clients during the pandemic, email info@rainbowhealthontario.ca and RHO will send an email out to the mentorship call list.
Transition-Related Surgical Support Groups: Sherbourne is currently in the process of developing new supports for trans people of all gender identities before, during and after transition-related surgeries. These include educational workshops, group programs and online resources. We hope to start launching these new programs in 2020. Please continue to check the website for updates and if you have any questions send an email to: transprograms@sherbourne.on.ca
RHO is still welcoming requests for training despite the Pandemic. Prior to March, we were booking for December 2020, so new requests for face-to-face trainings will likely be scheduled for December 2020 or later. Submit requests here: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/training for training in your area. In-person training previously booked for Summer and Fall 2020 will be considered one at a time depending on the progression of Pandemic Public Health Guidelines in Ontario. If you have training booked with RHO in the coming months, a trainer will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Transbucket.com is a secure site where folks post their own before and after photos.
Covid-19 impact on TRS wait times and Trans Health Services
GRS and WCH are not currently doing any surgery and re-opening will depend on location of the clinics and Public Health guidelines.
Women’s College Hospital:
Surgeries have been canceled until further notice. Please check the website for updates: https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/ care-programs/surgery/transition-related-surgeries/.There is still some availability for appointments via telehealth or phone and for urgent in-person appointments. Get in touch if you have an urgent or pressing matter.
GRS Montreal:
GRS remains closed until end of May 2020 and will reassess close to the end of May. This closure includes all consultations and surgeries. GRS continues to contact patients directly. Check here for updates: https://www.grsmontreal.com
Sick Kids – Finding creative ways to continue with consultations via phone/video (challenging with new clients), in an attempt to reduce number of people coming in person.
Kingston Gender Health Clinic – Continues to support clients by phone and essential in-person appointments as arranged by provider. Check here for updates: https://kchc.ca/
CAMH –Check website for updates: https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/gender-identity-clinic-adult
https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/novel-coronavirus-update
McLean Clinic – No surgeries or consultations taking place. Those currently booked have been rescheduled.
Additional Resources
Volunteer peer support line for trans community:
facebook.com/c19supportline. Anyone who’s feeling isolated and would benefit from connection is welcome to call (connection details in link). Support line operates from 6-9 p.m. daily.
Telemedicine for Trans Health – Dr. Kate Greenaway/Dr Chris Cavacuiti – self referral https://www.connect-clinic.com/
Unity Health Google drive of resources for marginalized populations
Marginalized Populations and COVID-19 Google drive topics:
- Addiction and Harm Reduction Resources
- COVID-19 Information
- Food Resources
- Housing/Homelessness
- Income Supports
- Legal Supports
- Mental Health Resources
- Parent/Caregiver Resources
- Seniors Services
- Settlement Services
- Sex Work and COVID-19
- Supports for Indigenous People
Here is the Google drive link for you to view (no Gmail account required) – Please share with your contacts:
Google Drive link
Mental health resources:
Google Docs link
The resources for each topic will be reviewed and updated weekly.
For under 18’s: LGBT Youthline offers web, phone and text peer support at https://www.youthline.ca/
Trans Lifeline’s Canadian number is 877-330-6366
ROCK’s 24-hour crisis line for youth up to age 18 is 905-878-9785*
ROCK’s 9-5 access line for youth up to age 18 is 289-266-0046*
*Youth should specific if they wish to receive support that is trans-responsive and/or gender affirming. Please note that while we primarily serve youth in Halton, we strive to provide low-barrier service.
Gender Spectrum: Online resources for youth and adults supporting youth. https://www.genderspectrum.org/blog/ resources-for-challenging-times/
519 Covid-19: Essential Services and Supports: https://www.the519.org/covid19-services-supports
Coronavirus Anxiety Resource: Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety aims to be a place where you can learn how to take care of your mental health, get support, and find calm—with new resources added on a daily basis.
https://www.virusanxiety.com
For Health Care Workers: Psychological Support for Front Line Workers. If you are a front-line health service provider, and would like to contact a psychologist, please refer to the link below. It is a listing of psychologists who have volunteered to provide psychological services to front line health care providers. The listing of psychologists is organized into province and territory as well as languages spoken. It is important that you choose one who is on the list of the province or territory in which you are located. The psychologists on the listing have agreed to return calls for requests for service within 24 hours of their receipt and to provide services at no charge. https://cpa.ca/corona-virus/psychservices/