Gender Affirming Care

Program Types: Physical Health and Sexual Health.

At McMaster, we’re committed to providing gender-affirming care and resources to support you at every step of your journey — whether you’re exploring, questioning, or transitioning.

Keep reading to:

  • Learn about gender-affirming care services offered at the SWC
  • Read articles related to gender-affirming care and navigating transitions
  • Learn about peer support on campus
  • Learn about community supports and crisis resources

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Student Wellness Centre

At McMaster, the Student Wellness Centre offers Gender Affirming Care services such as:

  • Medical and Social Transition Assessments
  • Prescriptions for hormone therapy
  • Referral Letters
  • Gender-Affirming 1on1 Counselling
  • Wellness Program: Embracing Gender Diversity
  • In person drop-in group for gender diverse and gender questioning students to connect with other (Runs through Fall and Winter Semesters) 

Make an appointment with the Student Wellness Centre about the different gender affirming medical and counselling services you can access as a McMaster student! To speak with a healthcare provider, call 905-525- 9140 ext. 27700 and book an appointment.

 

SWC Wellness@Mac Articles

Navigating Gender Dysphoria

Exploring Gender Identity- Social Transitioning

Exploring Gender Identity- Navigating a Medical Transition

Supporting Gender Diverse/Questioning Friends

 

Silhouette Article:

McMaster’s Student Wellness Centre is a safe place for Trans students | Opinion | thesil.ca 

Peer Support on Campus:

Pride Community Centre (PCC):  

  • Programming, access to resources, and peer support through a physical space for students to meet and socialize with each other
    (runs through Fall and Winter semesters).
  • Bonus: Check out the PCC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Handbook!

Queer and Trans Color Club (QTCC):  

  • A club for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC) 2SLGBTQIA+ students.  

Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN):  

  • A peer support driven service for women, trans folk, and gender non-conforming individuals. 

Engiqueers:  

  • A social and advocacy organization for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within the Engineering Faculty. 

DeGroote Pride Association:  

  • A club specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in the DeGroote School of Business, focusing on creating an inclusive environment.    

LGBTQ2SIA+ Athletic Advocacy Group (LAAG)  

  • An advocacy group aimed to provide an inclusive and supportive environment and Community across McMaster Athletics & Recreation through education, programs, and social events.

 

Online and Community Resources:

  • Speqtrum by YWCA Hamilton: Youth founded and oriented community offering a variety of programs and supports 
  • Reach out Hamilton: St Josephs Healthcare Hamilton: Safe environment for young people age 17-25 to receive care for mental health issues 
  • Trans Wellness Ontario: Provides care, services, and events for trans communities. 
  • Rainbow Health Ontario: Directory designed to help you find health and social service providers who have expressed a commitment to providing competent and welcoming care to 2SLGBTQ people in Ontario   
  • PFLAG Canada: Support, education, and advocacy for diverse sexual orientations. 
  • LGBT Youth Line: Confidential peer support via phone, text, or chat. Hours: Sunday to Friday, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM 
  • SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ older adults. Phone: 1-877-360-5428  
  • Compass Community Health: Provide care and programming to 2SLGBTQI+ people including; Gender Affirming Care, Gender Gear Program, Trans ID clinic, Grocery Program, and more! 
  • Trans Care Directory: Directory to help gender diverse individuals find care providers in Canada.  
  • Get Real Gender Joy Gear Program: Provides gender affirming gear at no cost for youth in an effort to support self-determination and reduce common financial and/or social barriers.  
  • Gender Gear: A worker-owned co-operative, owned-and-operated by trans and non-binary folks, to make finding gender gear simple, easy, and affordable.  
  • Trans ID Clinic: Provides virtual and/or in-person legal assistance to 2 Spirit, trans, and non-binary folks in Ontario with ID applications, name change, gender marker change, and other related needs. 

 

Crisis Resources:

  • Call 988 or Text “pride” to 988 for the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offering specialized services for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults who want to connect with a counselor.
  • The Trevor Project
    The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
  • Trans Lifeline
    24/7 peer support by and for trans people.
    Phone: 1-877-330-6366  

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Whether you are exploring, questioning or navigating a transition, you deserve care and support that affirms who you are. We hope these services and resources help you feel seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way. We’re here to walk alongside you- you are not alone!