VITAL PEOPLE
TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022
C3
PRODUCED IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE VICTORIA FOUNDATION
Gender-affirming apparel program a good fit for Island Sexual Health PEDRO ARRAIS Times Colonist The Island Sexual Health Society has launched a program that provides transgender adults and youth with a consultant and gender-affirming apparel for free or at a reduced cost, thanks to funding from the Victoria Foundation. About one per cent of the population identifies as transgender, an umbrella term for people whose gender — be it male, female or something else — does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. In B.C., an estimated 46,000 people identify as trans or genderdiverse, according to the province. Many express their identity though clothing. and often turn to shapewear — specially designed compression underwear — ranging from underwear that helps smooth out the genital area to waist cinchers and padded bras for people who want a more feminine figure. For those wishing to appear more masculine, chest binders and compression briefs can reduce the prominence of breasts and buttocks, with pockets for prosthetic appendages. While many such items are available online, fitting can be an imp ortant consideration — if worn incorrectly, poorly fitting shapewear can be harmful to health. “Because apparel items are considered a social rather than clinical aspect of gender-affirmation care, none of these items are funded by the Ministry of Health,” said Bobbi Turner Williams, executive director of Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre. The Victoria Foundation provided start-up funding that allowed Island Sexual Health to
SANDRA RICHARDSON
Gender-affirming-apparel consultant Sam Peters, left, with Island Sexual Health executive director Bobbi Turner Williams in front of a selection of clothing for transgender adults and youth. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST
offer gender-affirming apparel products in its community health centre store and to hire an apparel consultant. Clients can book an on-site appointment with the consultant to try out garments two nights a week. This year alone, there have been 100 fittings for clients of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. Most of the clients who arrive for fitting appointments
are gender-diverse youth under the age of 16, accompanied by “nervous, enthusiastic, devoted parents,” said Sam Peters, program lead. Parents “consistently express their gratitude” for the opportunity to speak to someone about what their child is going through, Peters said. “The experience of attending a fitting appointment together serves as a bonding moment and helps the parent support and understand
their child’s transition.” Approximately 75 per cent of the apparel given to clients through the gender-affirming apparel program is free or offered at a reduced cost. “We are excited to incorporate this program and think it is a really good fit with all of our other existing programs,” said Turner… For more information, go to islandsexualhealth.org. parrais@timescolonist.com
Alliance a hub for literacy groups PEDRO ARRAIS Times Colonist Finding services or people to collaborate on events, write grant proposals or share data is as easy as A-B-C for southern Vancouver Island literacy organizations, thanks to services provided by the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy. Most small literacy organizations in the Capital Regional District are volunteer-based with minimal staff. One of the region’s largest literacy organizations operates with only two full-time staff members overseen by a half-time executive director. With funding from the Victoria Foundation, the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy enables more than 30 literacy groups in the community to work collaboratively, share research and human resources. “I am a matchmaker because nobody has it all,” said Janine Hannis, one of the founding members of the alliance, which is run by a steering committee made up of local literacy organizations. “I believe we have more clout when we come together, so I help set up meetings and bring literacy organizations together on a regular basis to network.
Annual Vital Signs survey launched
Janine Hannis in the office of the Greater Victoria Alliance For Literacy, an umbrella group that enables more than 30 literacy groups in the community to work collaboratively and share research and human resources. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST We collaborate on events, collaborate on grant applications, develop and share data and also share volunteers and host professional development opportunities.” Hannis said that while many literacy organizations in the south Island region are small, they all bring something dif-
ferent to the table. Certain organizations focus on children with learning disabilities, some organizations focus on newcomers and others on one-on-one tutoring. Her vision is for the alliance to be the centre of a literacy hub, where everyone works together and grows “stronger
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Learn more at victoriafoundation.bc.ca
together.” The goal of the group is to address the “shockingly” high level of low literacy in the province. “Yes, most people do have a basic level of literacy enough to read and write, but it’s the higher level of literacy, the types of literacy that allow people to gain meaningful employment, secure housing, food security, that is actually quite low,” said Hannis. “Functional literacy yes, but advanced literacy that allows a person to be comfortable reading long passages with comprehension, navigating government forms, living and even thriving in an increasingly digital world, this is where the gap tends to widen. Those with low levels of literacy are b eing left behind.” She believes that the alliance can ultimately help organizations receive funding as well. Grantors want to see collaboration in their grant applications because it shows how the different organizations can get more bang for the buck by sharing resources. “It is sustainable and I believe it to be the model of the future,” said Hannis. “We hope to continue getting funding from Victoria Foundation to carry on our important work.” parrais@timescolonist.com
Over the past two years, we’ve heard countless stories of people coming together, lending a hand, and lifting those in need. We’ve also heard stories of the many challenges facing communities and that some individuals feel isolated and lonely. The 17th annual Vital Signs survey is out and this year we ask: “what does community mean to you?” It may seem like a simple question, but the answer can have a great impact. The survey is one part of the Victoria Foundation’s Vital Signs report that will be released this fall. The report is an annual checkup across 12 categories that combine survey results with data and local stories. The report provides a snapshot of livability and wellbeing in Greater Victoria. This year’s theme builds on the response we saw from our theme of equity and inclusion in last year’s report. 58% of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour indicated they feel included in the community. However, that leaves 42% who do not feel included. This year, we want to listen and understand why some feel included and some feel left out. One definition of community that resonates with me is the power of individuals coming together to champion what is important to them. Whether it’s the environment, housing, diversity and equity, or whatever cause matters to you, every day we see the power of Greater Victoria residents coming together to create a better world. These communities and their impact are felt in our work at the Foundation throughout the year. So, while it may seem like you’re part of a small group, the work you do when you come together can have an impact well beyond your community. This is also the second year for the Vital Victoria Data Hub, which features over 60 indicators on the quality of life in Greater Victoria and its demographics. It also features definitions and stat sources for the indicators. The Data Hub is another avenue to see the impact our communities have on Greater Victoria. Between Vital Signs and the Vital Victoria Data Hub, there are many ways to learn about the issues that matter to you However, it all starts with taking part in the Vital Signs survey. I invite everyone of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and physical abilities to have their voice heard. To thank you for your time, you’ll have the chance to win some great prizes including a hotel stay and gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants. You can fill out the survey on our website VictoriaFoundation.ca. When you take part in the survey, you are part of an expanding community working to make Greater Victoria a vibrant, caring community for all. Sandra@victoriafoundation.bc.ca Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.