Gender News March April 2016
Hello to all our friends and allies, spring is finally upon us! We eagerly wash off all the old of winter and start to dream of spring. With spring we know, comes life and rebirth. Our world becomes alive with birds of song and flowers of color. We look for change and direction to hasten our steps. This is good. It nourishes the soul.
This month we get to enjoy Gender Diversity Awareness Week! Some know it as Transgender Awareness Week as well. I have tried to become more aware of diversity through this magazine and hope that you like it.
Anyone wishing to comment or offer ideas can reach us at gendernews@transsask.org . Of course, also be sure to subscribe to Gender News... http://goo.gl/W6ebAw
1 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
TRANS IN THE WORK PLACE By Secily-Marie Musco GN. What is your occupation? My current occupation is a Customer/Technical Support Representative for Trimble Navigation and their Estimating Software for the Mechanical Trades (Plumbing and HVAC). I am a licensed Journeyman Plumber that moved into the office of a Mechanical Contractor in 2007 and began working with this software as a user at that time. I was a Plumbing Estimator from March 2007 until August 2015
2 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. How long have you been in this field? I have been in this field for 3 months, but as noted above, I have been an end user of the software for more than 8 years before moving from Florida to Tennessee to work for the software developer. GN. Did you transition at your place of work? I transitioned at the Mechanical Contractor in Florida starting in October 2014 GN. How long have you been out? I came out as a Transwoman on October 3rd, 2014 and went Full Time in all aspects of my life on January 5th, 2015 GN. Was there a person who was overly supportive and was your rock? Yes. I have been lucky to have several people who have been overly supportive. All of them are girls and each serves a different purpose. GN. What did they do for you? When it comes to fashion and cosmetics, Deborah has been in my corner from the beginning. Fitness and Health has been Bridgit. Shari was there for me at work right from the start. She went with me to Support Meetings and I could always talk to her daily whenever I needed to. Wendy has been an “audio diary� if you will. I tell her everything on a weekly basis and she, too has been my rock. I also have a whole bunch of other people who stood by me not the least of whom was my Therapist, Jessica. She was the first person I came out to and from that moment on, she was very protective of me.
3 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. How did co-workers respond? My coworkers were exceptionally supportive and they made the next 9 months bearably while I suffered with management. GN. Was management helpful or did they have issues? Management was the opposite of helpful. From the moment they found out, I started to get written up as they built a case to fire me even though I was one of the best people at using this software in the country. GN. Does your company support you? My current company is very supportive of me. They hired me in August knowing that they were getting a pre-op MtF in the middle of her transition…and they hired me because they believed what the mechanical contractor did not, namely that I was one of the best people at using the estimating software in the country. The irony, of course, is now, when my former employer has a problem, they have to call tech support and they get me!!! And they don’t like it. GN. How do customers/public work related people respond to you? The customers I talk to every day have been great. While one or two sometimes say yes sir, most call me “she, her, ma’am” and they don’t seem to have a problem with me in the slightest. GN. What do you enjoy about your job? I love to help people by sharing my knowledge of the software with them. At the same time, I love to learn to and I get that from the customer when they show me a way they are using the software I hadn’t thought of, but also when I teach my fellow support people things they didn’t know. It is a nice balance of teaching and learning.
4 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. If you could do anything else different, what would it be? I would have not shaved my head 5 weeks before I came out! My hair is finally getting long, but it was difficult in the beginning. GN. If you were asked what advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the same? I don’t understand the question. Doing the same what? Coming out at work? Have a good lawyer, I did and it is still hard to prove discrimination without finding something in writing such as an email GN. Do you have regrets for any choices that you have made? As far as work goes? No. Everything happened the way it was supposed to. I look forward, not back GN. Do you plan on staying at the current job? Absolutely! I love doing this and my new coworkers are just as welcoming as my last with the added advantage….they didn’t know the person I was only the person I am! GN. Your: - Proudest moments. The first time I did a highly technical computer thing without asking one of my coworkers how to do it. - Funny The first time I had to call my former employer on a support call. I hadn’t told them where I was going. I walked in and quit on August 24th. When I started my new job on August 31st, they were the very first call I had to do!!! Bit of surprise for them to realize I had not only quit, but I had move to Tennessee and was now working as a support representative for the software I was using just the week before!
5 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
- Biggest challenges. Learning all of the other issues that don’t involve implementation of the software and by that I mean, all of the Operating Systems issue that customers run up against that have nothing to do with actually using the software. But I am learning and I love to learn so I soak it all in like a sponge! - Scariest. The scariest moment for me was the first day I went to work in Florida with a skirt on! I think I looked nice, I just wish I had the hair to match, but I had the shoes to match!!! - Worst moments . Dealing with management trying to build a paper trail by which to fire me. Going to work every day was so horrible, knowing I knew what I was doing but having to deal with them suddenly trying to get rid of me. Now it is so joyful! GN. Are you currently happy with your life at work? I am so happy with my life at work. My supervisor is a woman named Diane. Coincidently, she is the first time I have a female supervisor and what a change that has been. She has taken me under her wing along with Nancy, my group leader and the two of them have accepted me for who I am. From the start, they have judged me by what I know and not what I look like or my gender. GN. Are there any personal thoughts that you have that may not have been asked that you would like to offer? I have been very fortunate to this point. I have not faced a lot of discrimination at work and certainly not from any coworkers. They have all been very supportive. From the start, I have forced myself to “not give a shit” what other people think of me; going to work, getting
6 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
gas, groceries, shoes, going out to eat and all of the other things that come along with this transition. Sure, some people stop and stare, some have laughed and yes, it hurts, but I am determined to move forward with my transition. So far it has cost me my wife, house, job, life in Florida, friends, family and everything I knew last year at this time. But I have gained to. I have gained new friends, a new, better job and a whole new life…and I never would have guessed any of it last year at this time.
7 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
TRANS IN THE WORK PLACE by DantĂŠ Friedrich Dwayne Boege GN. What is your occupation? I work at a Sarcan Recycling depot in Regina, Sk. doing various jobs from serving customers in the front to driving the forklift & building television recycle pallets in the back. GN. How long have you been in this field? I have been at Sarcan for almost 4 years now. GN. Did you transition at your place of work? I was actually already out as being a butch lesbian when I started there then came out & have been transitioning since my coming out as transgender.
8 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN How long have you been out? I have been out as trans male for a little over a year now. GN. Was there a person who was overly supportive and was your rock? No, everyone has been equally supportive both my coworkers as well as family & very few friends. My co-workers & bosses all have seen me as a guy so it makes going through with my transition a lot easier / smoother I guess you could say. GN. What did they do for you? My bosses are actually helping me build up my hours so that when the time comes for my top surgery I will be able to get paid during the time that I am off work healing / recovering. GN. How did co-workers respond? Since the company that I work for deals with people who have various disabilities some take a little more time & understanding to explain but they all are happy for me & support me. So at the end of the day that’s all that matters. GN. Was management helpful or did they have issues? My bosses are very helpful as I had mentioned previously they are actually helping me build up my hours so that when the time comes for my top surgery I can get money while I am off healing/ recovering. They are very much supportive & have even suggested that if I need it to use the company counselling service. GN. Does your company support you? Yes, the company is giving me their full support & helping me anyway that they can when I need it.
9 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. How do customers/public work related people respond to you? Since I am not showing any significant physical/ visual changes customers don't really know other than the regulars that I see & can trust. The ones that do know are actually very proud of me & are supporting me 100% of the way. GN. What do you enjoy about your job? Honestly I enjoy everything there is plenty to do from serving customers, to basic cleaning, to sorting good paint to put out on the shelf to bad paint to go in a bin to be recycled, to putting electronics in totes to be recycled, to building tv pallets of tv's & computer monitors to be stacked & sent to have the lead & mercury safely disposed of while the rest is recycled elsewhere, to setting up & taking down totes of recycled plastics & aluminum, to taking & setting up bins for glass, to doing business orders, to building beer pallets, to driving the forklift, & lastly to loading & unloading semi-trailers. GN.If you could do anything else different, what would it be? Honestly it would have to be come out sooner like even before starting my current job. Because I feel that if I had that I would have been much happier & things would be going a lot better. GN. If you were asked what advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the same? I would tell them to go for it that everyone here is going to have your back & support you the whole way & if you have any questions to come to me & I would help you anyway that I can. GN. Do you have regrets for any choices that you have made? As far as coming out as transgender, only that I didn't come out sooner.
10 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. Do you plan on staying at the current job? Yes, actually they are helping me advance to become Assistant Supervisor. GN. Your: - Proudest moments. My proudest moment coming out as transgender - Funny Joking around & having fun at work I dance around at work all the time. - Biggest challenges. My current biggest challenge is trying to get my license for when I move up at my current job. - Scariest. Even though was my proudest moment coming out as transgender was also my scariest because even after telling my bosses that I had been thinking long & hard about it I felt that they may not accept it. - Worst moments. Right now I don't really have a worst moment as of yet otherwise it would be if I don't get the assistant supervisor position. GN. Are you currently happy with your life at work? Yes, my transition isn't going as fast as I would like it but then again nothing ever goes as fast as I would like it too lol. GN. Is there any personal thoughts that you have, that may not have been asked that you would like to offer? Not really.. just be you, who you are & who you want to be & be proud of who you are about to become because in the end no one is going to make you happy only YOU can make yourself happy.
11 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
12 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
TRANS IN THE WORK PLACE By StirlingMoess GN, What is your occupation? Sales associate at Princess Auto. GN, How long have you been in this field? In retail, roughly 10 years, with this company roughly 2.
13 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. Did you transition at your place of work? Yes. GN. How long have you been out? Publically, for around a year. Privately, since I was a teenager. GN. Was there a person who was overly supportive and was your rock? Yes and no. I have supportive friends and coworkers, but I don't really have a best friend or significant other which I'd call my rock. GN. What did they do for you? My friends just let me be myself, in terms of anything heavy I've kept it to myself or vented on either social media in a tasteful manner or did.. not so great things. GN. How did co-workers respond? Very supportive, instantly changed pronouns and name and they were more adamant about changing it over than I was. I'm very lenient about all of the change since I understand it'd be difficult. But they were very open to it and would and still do ask questions to better understand. Generally I'm treated like anybody else who is how I like it. GN. Was management helpful or did they have issues? 100% supportive. If I need time off for an appointment or procedure it's not a big deal and if I run into any issues they're there for me. GN. Does your company support you? Princess Auto Ltd. is supportive of LGBT community. The training videos upon new hires even sheds light on LGBT people in a tasteful manner. GN. How do customers/public work related people respond to you? I now pass 100% so it's just assumed that I'm a young man. When I was less passable people would hit or miss in gendering me correctly but I never encountered any negative treatment. I however don't make a habit to correct people when they bugger up so I'm pretty sure unless you know about me you don't have any reason to know and thus are left to your assumptions. Which is how I prefer it, I stay mostly low profile.
14 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. What do you enjoy about your job? The people I work with are about the only thing I enjoy about the dreaded world of retail. GN. If you could do anything else different, what would it be? My goal is to get into the mental health industry and eventually, hopefully, become a psychiatrist or psychologist. I've dabbled with the idea of becoming a gender therapist and making trans treatment more readily available in my area seeing as the nearest location for care where I am is Edmonton. GN. If you were asked, what advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the same? The same what? Job? I'd say stay confident. In my experience most people (not all) won’t care as long as you work hard and keep a positive attitude. How you come across in terms of attitude is most important to employers as well as your work ethic. As someone who has been part of the hiring process several times in the past, all most companies care about is that you're a hard worker, you want to work, and you're punctual. GN. Do you have regrets for any choices that you have made? Waiting as long as I did to go public and begin transition. I was fearful of the responses I would get at work and from other people for so long that I didn't make a move and was only out privately to close friends. Being open about it and accepting it is really the most freeing thing you'll ever experience, and my biggest regret in life is not doing this sooner. GN. Do you plan on staying at the current job? For a few more years while I work on schooling and get my surgeries dealt with most likely.
15 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. Your: - Proudest moments. The day I realised that I don't want to die, that everything will be okay, people actually like me, and I can survive. I'm not a very prideful person, but I am proud of myself for overcoming a 15+ yearlong clinical depression. - Funny I'd tell you a chemistry joke but I know I wouldn't get a reaction. - Biggest challenges. Overcoming depression and being schizotypal in the process. I ruined relationships that I still miss to this day, and destroyed a good chunk of my life because of mental illness. Getting past it was nowhere near easy. - Scariest. My greatest fear is to be alone, and I've faced it many times. I'll be honest, I don't' scare easy to at all. I've been through too much and won to fear the world. - Worst moments. Essentially the entire way in which I dealt with my last break-up will haunt me until the day I die. The self-indulged haze I was in caused me to completely destroy another person to the point the only way to help them was to remove myself from their life entirely. GN. Self-employed persons, what gave you the drive to start your own business? I'm technically also a freelance photographer and will be starting up a business making custom FTM prosthetics and prosthetic mods. Honestly, my drive for this is helping others and sharing beauty in the world. That’s all I need. GN. Has transition affected: - Business: No - Sales: No - Transactions: No
16 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
- Loans and banking: Haven't tried since transitioning. I do however have to show ID at the bank on occasions when paying bills because they have a hard time believing my name. - Government agencies: For the most part positive with little to no change. GN. Are you currently happy with your life at work? Yes and no. I'm tired of being in retail but if I was doomed to stay in retail forever, I'm in a great place. GN. Are there any personal thoughts that you have that may not have been asked that you would like to offer? Not at this time.
Silver Moose Photography Freelance photography sessions and artistic prints
17 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Stirling Moess lloydminster, SK 306 830 1680
18 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
19 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
TRANS IN THE WORK PLACE By Maddy Ream GN. What is your occupation? Voice Over IP Technician GN. How long have you been in this field? 7 years GN. Did you transition at your place of work? Yes at my current employer. GN. How long have you been out? 3 years GN. Was there a person who was overly supportive and was your rock? Yes, my senior director (bosses boss)
20 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. What did they do for you? He checks on me at least bi weekly and has assured a harassment free work place. GN. How did co-workers respond? Some were excited, others curious, a few shunned me but very few. GN. Was management helpful or did they have issues? Mixed bag, my immediate manager was very hands off, but not negative. My new manager is a woman and seems to empathize better. GN. Does your company support you? Yes so far they have. They also scored 100 pts on the HRC'S LGBT index for companies. GN. How do customers/public work related people respond to you? They don't know, interactions are over the phone. I have met some gay/trans customers though! GN. What do you enjoy about your job? It's technical, and the pay is decent. The co-worker demographic is very mixed in nationality and gender. GN. If you could do anything else different, what would it be? Create custom cars. I really have a knack for it! GN. If you were asked what advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the same? Be open with management about it when you are ready. If they are helpful, stay. If they are not, start looking elsewhere. GN. Do you have regrets for any choices that you have made? Not planning transition a little better, but I was eager. GN. Do you plan on staying at the current job? Yes, absolutely!
21 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
GN. Your: - Proudest moments. Coming out at an LGBT event for the entire company and getting a standing ovation! (I cried) - Funny Going to the company Christmas party all dressed up and watching the jaws hit the floor when I looked better than most of the women there :-) - Biggest challenges. Walking into work the first day as the real me and being confident. - Scariest. Sitting alone in a room coming out to my senior director as trans after being fired for it before. - Worst moments. Being confronted in the ladies restroom. While touching up my makeup in the mirror by a "less than supportive" employee from another department. GN. Are you currently happy with your life at work? Yes, best job I've had GN. Are there any personal thoughts that you have that may not have been asked that you would like to offer? Not really
22 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
23 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Volunteer Applications for Camp Caterpillar Now Available March 20, 2016
Camp Caterpillar is an all-gender camp for trans* and gender creative campers and their siblings.
Volunteer Applications for Camp Caterpillar are now open. Camp Caterpillar is looking for: 9-10 Counselors – lead cabins of 8 campers with a co-counselor who knows the Tapawingo routines. LGBTQ* identified folks prioritized, or allies with experience working with trans* youth. 1 Elder/cultural worker – primary support for our First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Two-Spirit youth, speak to youth one-on-one as needed, lead an activity. 1-2 Social worker/therapist/psychologist – speak to youth one-on-one as needed, lead the Caregiver Workshop on the last day. Experience working with LGBTQ* youth (especially trans* youth) is an asset. 1 Photographer – photograph the week and create a slide show for the Community Barbeque on the last day, burn CDs of the slideshow. Staff will require a criminal record check, must attend training and must be 18 or older. For more information, download the Volunteer Application Notice at this url... http://www.transsask.org/#!caterpillar/chu4 Tags
24 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
****Taken from the following website.**** http://www.ehealthsask.ca/vitalstats/births/Pages/changeofsexdesign ation.aspx Revised Criteria for Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration Individuals no longer need to provide proof to eHealth Vital Statistics that they have undergone gender reassignment surgery to apply for a change of sex designation on their birth registration which will change your birth certificate. To apply for a change to the designation of sex on your birth registration, you must be 18 years of age, or older, and born in Saskatchewan, and must provide eHealth Vital Statistics with the following: 1. A statutory declaration completed by the individual (the applicant) and signed before a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public that sets out the following: o The applicant's name as it currently appears on the birth registration; o The applicant's date of birth; o The applicant's mailing address, telephone number and email address (if available); o The change to the sex designation being requested; and o A statement that the applicant has assumed, identifies with, and intends to maintain the gender identity that corresponds with the requested change to the sex designation. 2. A letter from a physician or a psychologist, who is registered as a member of a College within Saskatchewan (eg. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan or Saskatchewan College of Psychologists) and is licensed to practice within Saskatchewan, or who is registered as a member of a College within another Canadian jurisdiction and is licensed to practice within that jurisdiction, which sets out the following:
25 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
o
o
o o
o
o
The name, address, telephone number and other contact information for the physician or psychologist, which may be on the physician's or psychologist's letterhead; That the physician or psychologist is a practicing member in good standing in a Canadian jurisdiction and includes his/her license number; The applicant's name and date of birth; That the physician or psychologist has treated or evaluated the applicant; That in the physician's or psychologist's opinion, the applicant identifies with and is maintaining the gender identity that corresponds with the requested amendment to the sex designation on the birth registration; and That the physician or psychologist is of the opinion that the change of sex designation on the birth registration is appropriate.
If an applicant resides outside Canada and is unable to provide a letter from a physician or a psychologist in Canada, Vital Statistics may be able to accept supporting documentation from a physician or psychologist outside of Canada. The physician or psychologist must provide proof that they are licensed to practice in another jurisdiction and are in good standing within that jurisdiction. Vital Statistics will address such applications on a case-by-case basis. 3. The fee to change a registration, which is $20.00. 4. The fee for a birth certificate, which is $25.00. If eHealth Vital Statistics is satisfied that these four criteria have been met, then the applicant's birth registration will be amended and a new birth certificate with the changed sex designation will be issued to them. Applicants will need to return any previously issued birth certificates or certified copies of their birth registrations, to eHealth Vital Statistics.
26 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the eHealth Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Registrar atvsregistrar@ehealthsask.ca Frequently Asked Questions Q. What are the revised criteria to change the sex designation on a birth registration? A. An individual applying to change the sex designation on his or her birth registration will need to provide a statutory declaration, along with a letter from a physician or a psychologist who is a registered member of a college within Canada and licensed to practice within a Canadian province or territory that supports the change requested.
Statutory Declaration - states that the individual has assumed, identifies with and intends to maintain the gender identity that corresponds with the change being requested. Letter from the Physician or Psychologist - states that the physician or psychologist has treated or evaluated the individual and that, in the physician’s or psychologist’s opinion, the individual identifies with and is maintaining the gender identity that corresponds with the change being requested and that the change of sex designation is appropriate.
Q. Who is eligible to use the revised criteria for a change of sex designation on a birth registration? A. Individuals who want to change the sex designation on their birth registrations, must be 18 years of age or older and born in Saskatchewan. Q. Is there a template available for the statutory declaration and who can witness it? A. This form can be obtained by contacting vsregistrar@ehealthsask.ca. If the statutory declaration is signed in Saskatchewan, a commissioner for oaths or notary public can witness the signature. If the statutory declaration is signed outside of Saskatchewan, a notary public or a
27 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
commissioner or other official authorized by the laws of the other jurisdiction to administer oaths can witness the statutory declaration. If you apply in person at eHealth Saskatchewan in Regina at 2130 11th Avenue, Commissioner for Oaths are available to witness your declaration at no charge. Q. What if an individual cannot provide a letter from a physician or psychologist who practices in Canada? A. eHealth Vital Statistics may be able to accept a letter from a physician or psychologist from outside of Canada and will review this on a case-by-case basis. Please contact eHealth Vital Statistics atvsregistrar@ehealthsask.ca Q. Can I update my change of sex on other provincial documents such as my health card and driver’s license? A. In an effort to make this process as efficient and timely as possible, eHealth Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) have worked to coordinate the update and reissuance process for the birth certificate, health card and driver’s license. As part of the application process to amend a birth certificate, individuals may also submit the Health Card and Driver’s License Sex Designation Amendment Form (“Amendment Form”). This form is optional and can be obtained by contacting vsregistrar@ehealthsask.ca. If the requirements are met for the birth certificate amendment, the following updates can be authorized to happen simultaneously: Issuing a New Health Card An individual may choose to have the sex designation amended on their health card by indicating the change request on the Amendment form. The new health card will be issued immediately and sent by mail. If you have any questions about changes to the health card please contact vsregistrar@ehealthsask.ca Issuing a New Driver’s Licence When an individual submits the Amendment Form to eHealth as part of
28 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
their application, they have the option to authorize SGI to update their driver’s licence information at the same time. Once SGI receives the form from eHealth, they will update the change of sex information and automatically issue a new driver’s licence that will be sent to the address on record for the applicant. If the applicant wants a new picture as part of their driver’s licence, they can go into a local licence issuer and have a picture re-taken. The applicant will be responsible for the usual fees associated with having a picture re-taken. If an applicant wants to amend only their driver’s licence or if there are any questions about changes to your driver’s licence you can contact the SGI Medical Review unit by phone at 1-800-667-8015 in Regina 306775-6176 or you can email, mruinquiries@sgi.sk.ca or by mail at 2260 11th Avenue, Regina, SK S4S 0J9. Q. Can eHealth Vital Statistics change the sex designation on a birth registration if the person was not born in Saskatchewan? A. eHealth Vital Statistics can only change the sex designation of births registered in Saskatchewan. If individuals were born outside of Saskatchewan, they will need to check with the eHealth Vital Statistics office, or its equivalent, in the jurisdictions they were born to find out how to change the sex designation on their birth certificates. Q. Does eHealth Vital Statistics issue change of sex designation certificates? A. Although some provinces issue change of sex designation certificates for residents who were born elsewhere, Saskatchewan does not issue these certificates to Saskatchewan residents who were born outside of the province. Q. How was the revised criteria developed? A. eHealth Vital Statistics considered the best practices commonly used in the Canadian jurisdictions that have removed the requirement for proof of gender reassignment surgery to change sex designations on birth registrations when developing the revised criteria.
29 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Q. What is the difference between the criteria previously used and the revised criteria? A. Section 31 of The Vital Statistics Act, 2009, required proof of gender reassignment surgery to change the sex designation on a birth registration. The requirement for proof of surgery is no longer in effect. The revised criteria removed the requirement for proof of gender reassignment surgery. Q. How long will the criteria be in place for? A. The new criteria will remain in place until such time as section 31 of The Vital Statistics Act, 2009 is a
Gender Queer Pride Flag/ Wiki.com.
30 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
31 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Flag Raising, City of Regina #GDAW2016 Tuesday at 10 AM Provincial Flag Raising, International Transgender Day of Visibility Thursday at 11 AM TransSask Fashion Show Thursday at 6 PM TransSask AGM Saturday at 5 PM Trans-monologues Saturday at 8 PM Anyone wishing to speak at the Trans Monologues please contact us at gendernews@transsask.org
32 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
TransSask AGM - April 2 March 14, 2016
Get involved and support the Trans* Community of Saskatchewan It's that time of the year again, when the corporate engine begins chugging anew. This is a great opportunity to get involved at the corporate level of this grassroots organization. Decision making, event planning, fund raising, and all the meetings you can handle (actually, there's not that many meetings). To get involved, all you need is an up to date membership with TransSask Support Services. Memberships will be available at the AGM, or download a membership form, and all the other documents you will need HERE. Oh ya... we also order pizza. It's not just all work and no play. When: Saturday, April 2 @ 5:00pm Where: Unitarian Fellowship Centre, 2700 College Ave.
33 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
34 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
35 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org March 24, 2016 @ 12:15 pm –1:00 pm/ Peacock & Central Schools
Thursday, March 24 12:15pm Transgender Flag Raising at Peacock Collegiate Thursday, March 24 12:45pm Genderqueer Flag Raising at Central Collegiate Wednesday, March 30 12pm Moose Jaw Pride Office Opening – 60 Athabasca St. E Thursday, March 31 7pm Film Night “The Danish Girl” with Panel Discussion Moose Jaw Public Library Saturday, April 2 6:45pm Gender Blender Bowling – South Hill Bowling Centre Gender Diversity Awareness Week @ Moose Jaw Mar 27 – Apr 2 all-dayGLAMj Coffee Night @ Common Cafe + Bakery Mar 29 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Home? A Meeting of Poetry and Community Mar 30 all-day Office Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony @ Moose Jaw Pride Office Mar 30 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Pride Films @ Moose Jaw Public Library Mar 31 @ 7:00 pm –10:00 pm Gender Blender Bowling @ South Hill Bowling Centre Apr 2 @ 6:45 pm – 9:00 pm Social Justice Poetry & Spoken Word Workshop Apr 3 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Lunchtime GSA! @ Alternating between Peacock & Central Schools Apr 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm GLAMj Coffee Night @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 5 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm A Latte Pride @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Home? A Meeting of Poetry and Community Apr 9 all-daySocial Justice Poetry & Spoken Word Workshop Apr 10 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm GLAMj Coffee Night @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Moose Jaw Pride Planning Meeting @ St. Andrew's United Church Apr 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm A Latte Pride @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Lunchtime GSA! @ Alternating between Peacock & Central Schools Apr 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm GLAMj Coffee Night @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 19 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm A Latte Pride @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm GLAMj Coffee Night @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 26 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm A Latte Pride @ Common Cafe + Bakery Apr 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
36 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
37 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Breaking Silence Another exposed sister taken to the deck A boot by her head, a hand on her neck A reminder to us that we do have a choice Payments to be made when you use your voice It was a moment in time when life took a turn The life I built round it has been mine to earn So now you believe, you think I should talk Submit to your judgement if I froze or I fought I chose the silence, owned my own part The body heals quickly, not so the heart So now it is back, I won't claim your violence Do I provide fuel for their rage or stay content in my silence? The part I'd forgotten, that never did mend Until that moment, I had called you my friend.
Written By Heather Hay March 25, 2016
38 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
SUDUKO
Answers on page 42.
39 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Grab some crayons and have some fun!!
40 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
41 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
42 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
43 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
Crisis Hotlines Trans/Queer Specific Trans Lifeline
1-877-330-6366
PFLAG
1-888-530-6777
LGBT Youth Line
1-800-268-9688
(USA) GLBT National Help Center or for youth
1-888-843-4564 1-800-246-7743
Local Crisis Lines Saskatoon Crisis Intervention (Mobile Crisis)
306-933-6200
Prince Albert Mobile Crisis
306-764-1011
Regina Mobile Crisis
306-525-5333
NorthEast Crisis Line (North Sask)
1-800-611-6349
SouthWest Crisis Line (South Sask)
1-800-567-3334
Kids Help Line
1-800-668-6868
Sexual Assault Lines Battlefords
1-866-567-0055
Lloydminister
306-825-8255
North Saskatchewan
1-800-611-6349
Prince Albert
306-764-1039
Regina
306-352-0434
Saskatoon Interval House Saskatoon SouthEast Saskatchewa
1-888-338-0880 306-244-2224 1-800-214 7083
44 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
45 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
MARCH For more information on an event, contact Events@TransSask.org. Note: Events are the responsibility of the hosting organization/individual. TransSask can not guarantee against rescheduling or cancelled events. If you have a recurring event which is welcoming of trans folk, let us know at Events@TransSask.org. For Special events, consider advertising with Gender News. Check out the advertising rate card on the back.
TransSask's Quick Reference Calenda HOLIDAYS (Religious & Secular) LGBTQ+ OBSERVANCES IMPORTANT DATES SPECIAL EVENTS
27: Easter (Christian) Mar27-Apr02: Gender Diversity Awareness Week 29: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 30: Mahavir Jayanti (Jain) 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
APRIL 01: April Fool's Day 01: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 01: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 01: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 01: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 02: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 02: Gender Blender Bowling (Moose Jaw) 05: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 07: Parent and Spouse Support Group (Regina) 08: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 08: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert)
46 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
08: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 09: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 11: Support Group @ Unitarian (Regina) 12: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 13: Vaisakhi (Sikh) 15: Day of Silence 15: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 15: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 15: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 15: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 16: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 17: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Anniversary (1982) 19: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 22: Earth Day 22: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 22: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 22: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 22: Support Group @ UR Pride (Regina) 23: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 23-30: Pesach / Passover (Jewish) 26: Gender Revolution
(Saskatoon) 29: Holy Friday (Orthodox) 29: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 29: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 29: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 29: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 30: Mahavir Jayanti (Jain) 30: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 30: Deadline for Submissions to Gender News MAY 01: Beltane (Pagan) 01: Pascha / Easter (Orthodox) 02: International Hug a Trans* Person Day 03: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 05: Parent and Spouse Support Group (Regina) 06: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 06: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 06: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 07: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 07: Gender Blender Bowling (Moose Jaw) 08: Mother's Day 09: Support Group @ Unitarian (Regina)
47 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
10: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 13: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 13: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 13: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 13: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 14: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 15: Gender News Online (Pride Month Edition) 16: TransSask Founding Meeting (2011) 17: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 17: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 20: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 20: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 20: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 21: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 21: Visakha Puja / Buddha's Birthday (Budhism) 23: Victoria Day 24: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 27: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 27: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 27: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 27: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina)
27: Support Group @ UR Pride (Regina) 28: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 29: Ascension of the Baha’ullah (Baha’i) May29-Jun04: Moose Jaw Pride Week May29-Jun4: Prince Albert Pride Week 31: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) JUNE 02: Parent and Spouse Support Group (Regina) 03: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 03: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 03: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 04: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 04: Gender Blender Bowling (Moose Jaw) 05-12: Saskatoon Pride Festival Jun7-Jul7: Ramadan (Islam) 07: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 10: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 10: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 10: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 10: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina)
48 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org
11: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 12-13: Shavuot (Jewish) 13: Support Group @ Unitarian (Regina) 14: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 17: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 17: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 17: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 18: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 19: Father's Day 20-26: Queen City Pride 21: National Aboriginal Day 21: Litha / Spring Solstice (Pagan) 21: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 22: Saskatchewan Sexual Orientation Bill Anniversary (1993) 24: TransSask Youth Gathering (Regina) 24: A Latte Pride (Moose Jaw) 24: Queer Coffee (Prince Albert) 24: Gender Talk (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 24: Support Group @ UR Pride (Regina) 25: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 28: Stonewall Riot Anniversary (1969)
28: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon)
49 Gender News is a TransSask Publication/ gendernews@transsask.org