We are a
multi-service programme that is primarily for marginalized,
lower income and/or street active people who are transsexual
and transgender (TS/TG). Here we do all sorts of things as a
service for the TS/TG community:
- a food drop-in
every Monday night
- a social drop-in for
youth every Wednesday night
- an outreach programme
that distributes free condoms and lube to TS/TG sex trade
workers
- we provide advocacy
- a legal clinic in
partnership with Downtown Legal Services
- a
housing clinic in partnership with Fred Victor Centre
- develop
and provide workshops and policy assistance to homeless shelters
/ hostels / and detox centers, with the aim of making services
more accessible to TS/TG people
- a comprehensive resource
collection of TS/TG material for clients to access
- referrals, peer support
and many other things TS/TG people and are coming from lower
incomes, sex work experience, and/or a street-active lifestyle.
- involvement in TS/TG research projects in areas related
to health, HIV/AIDS and homelessness
Our Trans Programmes
represent many things to the transsexual and transgender people
who walk through our doors. We are entirely peer-run, meaning
our staff are TS/TG, have 'been there' and celebrate our similarites
as well as differences in our respective life experiences.
People accessing our
services are looking for help and support from others like themselves.
They seek validation from people who will understand their feelings,
experiences, and the discrimination they often face in their
day-to-day lives. Experience has shown that this level of acceptance
is rarely found outside of trans -specific services.
We also recognize that
sex work is a legitimate form of employment and we validate
those who proactively choose to do sex work. We believe that
prostitution should be decriminalized, and we offer all trans
sex workers a safe space with safer-sex resources they may need
to live with pride and dignity. To this end we offer advocacy,
a legal clinic, an outreach programme, and referrals to sex
worker positive services in Toronto.
Early in January 2001,
we launched the Trans Youth Toronto drop-in. This drop-in provides
a supportive environment where Trans and questioning youth can
get together in a laid-back setting, share ideas and experiences,
access referrals to trans-youth friendly services, and learn
about resources.
We also provide information,
support, and resources for TS/TG adults facing many other
issues. Some of our clients have to deal with homelessness,
substance use, spousal and parental abuse, prejudice, violence,
isolation and depression. Take a look at the programmes listed
on the left for further information about the various services
we provide.
We believe
strongly in TS/TG PRIDE and strive to promote a sense of respect,
love for ourselves and our bodies, sexualities and lives.
This is the foundation for all we do.
