New transgender support program in London has been 'very busy'

A new pilot program in London is helping people on the spectrum of transgender transitioning get accurate information and support.

The program, facilitated by the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection in London, started in October and runs eight weeks.

"It's been going really well," said Victor Feunekes, a sexual health educator. "It's been awesome seeing people already, just a few sessions in, starting to feel like they have community and feel more confident in the choices they're making."

Topics include how to deal withfriends and family, hormones,transphobia, dating and a host of other issues. Professionals are often brought in to support the curriculum.

"We're bringing in a nurse from the Intercommunity Health Centre, from their trans health team and we're bringing in a lawyer to give all that kind of information," said Feunekes.

There are no strict criteria for signing up. A person can already be transitioning or just thinking about it.

"It's whatever transitioning means," said Feunekes. "It could mean medical transitioning, it could mean surgery, it could mean social transitioning, coming out to people, transitioning looks really different for everyone."

The main thing is that they get accurate information, said Feunekes.

"Its hard to go online and know what information is relevant to London specifically. Ifsomeone is looking at how to access hormones or surgeries or how to create their own community, it can be really hard to find London specific information."

Fostering normalcy

In just four weeks, Feunekes isimpressed with how much group members are sharing with each other.

"I'm pretty surprised how talkative everyone is because it can be really uncomfortable being in social situations, especially if somebody has experienced discrimination."

Feunekeshopes the program will help foster discussion and normalcy around gender diversity among the broader population.

"Even if it's just a poster, people are seeing things about gender diversity more regularly and when people see things more regularly, it makes it more normal."

But, the bigger goal is to ensure the Gender Journeys pilot project becomes a permanent program.

"It would be really amazing if we could keep it going. We're just getting a vibe about how useful it will be."

Similar programs are also run out of Toronto, Peterboroughand Windsor.