In collaboration, SHORE Centre and Spectrum have put together a list of resources that are helpful for people navigating various stages of transition.
We are actively working on expanding the options we have here. This is a work in progress and non-exhaustive list. It is intended to be informational, and does not constitute medical advice - always follow your own medical
professionals' recommendations.
We also have published a walkthrough for legally changing your name or sex designation, you can find that here.
SHORE Centre: based in Waterloo, covered by OHIP, 17+
Langs: Cambridge, bills through OHIP
HIVE at Guelph Community Health Centre: Guelph
Gender Affirm Guelph: Guelph
Foria: Virtual all of Ontario, not OHIP covered
AFFIRM Clinic at Centre for Family Medicine: under 17, with primary care provider referral
FAQs on Transition-Related Hormone Therapy from Rainbow Health Ontario
Quick Reference Guide: Feminizing hormone therapy from Rainbow Health Ontario
HRT for People Assigned Male at Birth from Stepping Stone
Quick Reference Guide: Masculinizing hormone therapy from Rainbow Health Ontario
HRT for People Assigned Female at Birth from Stepping Stone
A guide to Self-administrating Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Injections from Rainbow Health Ontario
Safer Intramuscular Injections from TransCareBC
Safer Subcutaneous Injections from TransCareBC
Transgender Health Injections Guide from Fenway Health
Transgender Hormone Injection Workbook from Klinic Community Health
THRIVE Harm Reduction Supplies: THRIVE (formally ACCKWA) offers free injection supplies through their harm reduction program
Med Calculator - calculate how long your medication will last you before needing to refill!
Transition Related Surgeries: Frequently Asked Questions from Rainbow Health Ontario
Summary Sheet of Gender Affirming Surgeries from Rainbow Health Ontario
Accessing Chest Surgery in Ontario from Women's College Hospital
Quick Reference for Top Surgery from Catalyst Surgical
Chest Reconstruction Surgery Workbook from TransCareBC
Chest Reconstruction: A summary for health care providers from Rainbow Health Ontario
Chest Masculinization Guidebook: What to Expect from Women's College Hospital
My Surgery Timeline: Chest Surgery from Women's College Hospital
Referral Process to the McLean Clinic
Surgical Drain Care Tracker from TransCareBC
Top Surgery Guide: Mastectomy from Spectrum
Top Surgery Guide: Breast Augmentation from Spectrum
Accessing Vaginoplasty Surgery in Ontario from Women's College Hospital
My Surgery Timeline: Vaginoplasty from Women's College Hospital
Vaginoplasty Guidebook: What to Expect from Women's College Hospital
Vaginoplasty: Common Complications from Women's College Hospital
Vaginoplasty: Genital Hair Removal from Women's College Hospital
Vaginoplasty: Understanding what recovery may look like from Women's College Hospital
Vaginoplasty: Pre-surgical Exercises
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Pre- and Post-Operatively from Women's College Hospital
Post-Operative Vaginoplasty Guide to the First Year from Women's College Hospital
Recovery Sample Medication Schedule
Guide to Kegel Stretches
Guide to Abdominal Massage
Hypergranulation from Women's College Hospital
Getting the Pelvic Floor Ready for Dilation
Guide to Douching
Dilating Instructions
Dilation Assistance
Info series webinars held twice a year for metoidioplasty with the surgical team at Women's College Hospital
Previous recorded seminars from Women's College Hospital
Metoidioplasty handout (PDF) from Rainbow Health Ontario
Phalloplasty handout (PDF) from Rainbow Health Ontario
Surgical Guides from Foria
GrS Montreal also has a number of resources listed on their website:
Phalloplasty: https://www.grsmontreal.com/en/surgeries/female-to-male/6-phalloplasty.html
Metoidioplasty: https://www.grsmontreal.com/en/surgeries/female-to-male/12-metoidioplasty.html
Trans Care BC's resources: https://www.transcarebc.ca/surgery/penis-constructionhttps://www.transcarebc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Penis_Construction_Surgeries_Workbook.pdf
Directory of Post-Surgery Care/Help: from Rainbow Health Ontario
KW Trans Library: Local resource that is looking to create a library of post-surgical recovery items
Gender affirming gear
Gender Gear Guide from TransCareBC
Packing 101 (Folx Health): https://www.folxhealth.com/library/transgender-packer-guide
Guide to Packers from Ur Basics (they also sell packers and other gear)
Packing Blog Post from Trans Guy Supply (they also sell packers and other gear)
For more resources, check out TransCare+'s Resource Hub: https://transcareplus.org/resources
Bind Safe from The Get Real Movement
Gender Gear Info from Trans Wellness Initiative
TransTape Binding Resource from TransTape (they also sell gender affirming gear)
TransTape Financial Assistance Form: https://airtable.com/appoVNqXtZQ5a3uJS/shrwY8YgVGmcYQ6pc
For more resources, check out TransCare+'s Resource Hub: https://transcareplus.org/resources
In Waterloo Region, the Gender Variant Working Group (GVWG) hosts binder try- on events, where you can get help sizing and more information about binding in general. For more information, check their website: https://wwgendervariant.wixsite.com/gvwg/about-1
SHORE is also a drop off location for the GVWG's binder donation program! If you have binders that you are no longer using, that are in good shape, you're welcome to drop them off to SHORE Centre at our 50 Westmount Rd N location, and we will bring them to the GVWG for distribution to others!
Gender Gear Info from Trans Wellness Initiative
Gender Gear Guide from TransCareBC
For more resources, check out TransCare+'s Resource Hub: https://transcareplus.org/resources
Gender Gear Info from Trans Wellness Initiative
Gender Gear Guide from TransCareBC
Tucking Resources from Point of Pride
Tucking Guide from TransHub Australia
Safer Tucking Resource: https://drive.google.com/file/d/186reMLT0GQDvAxQATynbnTRSN9D1FNQH/view
Tucking While Swimming from Origami Customs (they also sell gender affirming clothing)
Safe Tucking Guide from TransCareBC
Trans Tape tucking resource from TransTape (they also sell gender affirming gear)
For more resources, check out TransCare+'s Resource Hub: https://transcareplus.org/resources
Healthcare Navigation
Doctor's Note for Workplace Misgendering Issues: This note provides a clear template to be used by a doctor to outline using your correct name and pronouns in a workplace as a medical directive.
Doctor's Note for Changing Sex Designation: This note provides a clear template to be used by a doctor to provide an effective note for someone submitting a form to legally change their sex/gender designation.
Doctor's Note for Surgery Referral: This note provides a clear template to be used by a doctor to provide an effective surgery referral for any gender-related surgery
Personal Note for Care Providers: This note is a template to provide to new clinics or care providers around how to address you and your body parts. You can request this note be appended to your file.
Trans Health Card: Designed by the Aids Committee of Toronto, this card can quickly summarize information regarding your transition to give to new or existing care providers to better understand your gender and transition without you needing to explain it all.
Info on Canadian Gender Affirming Insurance Coverage: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSkuHYY6Xlx9sa83erSXA60qSzGl_qQjlDYi9hC0ZxE6azXcsdvbiCvBM-Vt_J-rcynkzY3mQLWEcKx/pub
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB): program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other. Some gender affirming gear may be covered for those eligible: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1589548959041/1589548984219#s9-6Queer Death Club Directory: The people and organizations listed in this directory offer queer-affirming deathcare services. Largely physically located in USA, however many supports available virtually https://queerdeathclub.com/directory
Affirming service providers in Waterloo Region
Please see below some resources for peer and mental health support, specific for trans and gender diverse folks - These can be accessed at anytime in your transition journey, and there are many options that encompass a number of identities and experiences - we encourage you to check some out and use any that feel right for you!
Peer Supports & Groups
OK2BMe
Spectrum Groups:
- Trans Specific Groups & Services
-Calendar of Events (Spectrum and Community Events)
Individual & Group Counselling Supports
OK2BMe at Camino - You can ask for an OK2BMe counsellor specifically. Camino also offers Walk-In Counselling
Out of the Box Counselling - Specific experience working with with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and Neurodivergent folks
Porchlight Counselling & Addiction Services - walk in, individual and group counselling available:
Journey with Grace Counselling - Specific experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ and faith and spirituality (if that's a part of your experience!)
Blueprint Counselling - virtual across Ontario, specific LGBTQ+ counselling:
Exhale Therapy - A number of counsellors name their experience working with gender diverse clients - you can request specific counsellors or ask for a recommendation
For crisis mental health support:
9-8-8 is a national 24/7 Suicide Crisis Helpline: https://988.ca/
Here 24/7 is your front door to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Wellington: https://here247.ca/
TransLifeline Peer Support Hotline: https://translifeline.org/hotline/
LGBT Youthline: https://www.youthline.ca/
Kids Help Phone offers online and telephone counselling and volunteer-led, text-based support in English and French to youth across Canada: https://kidshelpphone.ca/need-help-now-text-us
We encourage you to explore and use these resources as needed.
Blueprint Nutrition in Waterloo: https://www.blueprintnutrition.ca/
If you have a primary care provider that is a part of a community health centre or family health team, there may be a dietitian associated with this practice! We encourage you to check to see if this is available for you.
Other Virtual Options:
Emily Opthof: https://www.heroptimalhealth.com/team-rd
Blossom Counselling Centre: https://blossomcounsellingcentre.com/lorishort-zamudio
Danforth Psychology: https://www.danforthpsychology.ca/dietitian-services
Queerly Nutrition: https://queerlynutrition.com/
Eating Disorder Specific Supports:
Body Peace Canada - Trans+ Support Group: https://www.bodypeacecanada.ca/peer-support
NEDIC’s Affirming Care for Every Body: https://nedic.ca/2slgbtq/
One resource specific to patients seeking pap testing is: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Check-it-out-Brochure.pdf
For your information, one resource for clinicians is: https://hamiltontranshealth.ca/trans-pap-101/
SHORE Centre offers trans inclusive HPV testing tests: shore.inputhealth.com
TransHub Hair resource: https://www.transhub.org.au/hair
Point of Pride's Permanent Hair Removal Guide: https://www.pointofpride.org/blog/electrolysis-vs-laser-hair-removal-an-intro-for-trans-folks
For more resources, check out TransCare+'s Resource Hub: https://transcareplus.org/resources
In Waterloo Region, there are a few locations that we know of that offer trans inclusive hair removal services:
Indulgence Studio: https://indulgencestudio.ca/
DermaEnvy Skincare: https://www.dermaenvy.com/ (have a policy for trans clients to get up to 50% off for transition related hair removal: https://www.dermaenvy.com/transgendersupportprogram)
Sweet Beauty Esthetics https://www.sweetbeautyesthetics.ca/
If you would like to speak with a clinician at SHORE about topical pain medication for gender affirming hair removal, please request an appointment at https://shore.inputhealth.com/ for a Topical Anesthetic (Numbing Cream) Consult and it can be discussed in your appointment.
Dresscode Project: https://www.dresscodeproject.com/
Marlowe General: https://www.marlowegeneral.com/ (Kitchener)
Cowboys & Angels: https://www.cowboysandangelssalon.ca/ (Waterloo)
Reverie Studio: https://reveriethestudio.ca/ (Guelph)Community and Individual Voice Training Lessons - these offerings are not typically covered by insurance, but check with your own provider to confirm!
Trans Voice with Jodie - group or individual classes (offers sliding scale) feminizing and masculinizing supports
Voice by Kylie - virtual offerings
The Trans and Non-Binary Voice-Coaching Series - youtube series
Speech Language Pathologists - These services may be covered by private insurance if you have a clinician's referral. Check with your insurance provider and please let us know if you need a referral!
Megan Buttle - Kitchener Waterloo & Surrounding Areas
Voice Clinic at McMaster Children’s Hospital / McMaster University Medical Center - a clinician at SHORE may be able to send a referral for OHIP covered care here
The Voice Box - St. Catherine'sVoice Training at Unity Health (St. Michael's Hospital) - Toronto:Individual training, email audspeech@unityhealth.to or 416-864-5282 Group program, email: VoiceGroups@unityhealth.to
Toronto Adult Speech Clinic - Toronto, but offers virtual appointments:
Social and legal transition supports
Rainbow Health Ontario's Guides:
Trans Feminine Folks: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/resource-library/social-transition-tools-for-transfeminine-folks/
Trans Masculine Folks: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/resource-library/social-transition-tools-for-transmasculine-folks/
Starting a Conversation with your Primary Care about Trans health Care from Rainbow Health Ontario
Coming Out Resources (as Trans and/or Non-binary) from Planned Parenthood
Coming Out Later in Life from UPMC Health Beat
Things to consider, ask yourself and help you plan and prepare to come-out:
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/coming-out-as-transgender-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.scarleteen.com/read/identity/becoming-out-totally-non-exhaustive-step-step-guide-coming-out
Sample Letters to Support Coming Out:
The Gender Quest Workbook (pdf) from Instant Help Books
Fertility & Family Building Supports
2SLGBTQIA Resources from Generation Fertility Waterloo
Elective Egg Freezing from Generation Fertility Waterloo
Fertility Preservation from Generation Fertility Waterloo
Fertility Preservation for Trans People who Produce Eggs from Rainbow Health Ontario
Fertility Preservation for Trans People who Produce Sperm from Rainbow Health Ontario
Fertility Preservation Uninsured and Out of Pocket Cost Estimates
Reproductive Options for Trans People from Rainbow Health Ontario
Reproductive Options for Trans People (Rainbow Health Ontario); Details on 'Breastfeeding After Hormone-Initiated Breast Development' on page 5: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/resource-library/reproductive-options-for-trans-people/
Chest Feeding for Trans/Non-Binary People https://lactationnetwork.com/blog/breastfeeding-faq-for-trans-and-non-binary-parents/#:~:text=Can%20I%20breastfeed%20if%20I%20was%20assigned%20male%20at%20birth,the%20male%20and%20female%20brain