Supports for 2SLGBTQ+ Students

At the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC), we are deeply committed to health equity, focusing on prioritizing care in our student populations most affected by social and structural stressors and barriers. We recognize the difficulties that many Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other (2SLGBTQ+) students may face in accessing affirming and timely care when they need it.

We acknowledge the historical and current gaps in our healthcare systems and in accessing affirming care, that have left many 2SLGBTQ+ students and in particular, trans and gender-diverse individuals, underserved and hesitant to seek help.

To foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, all CSDC counsellors have completed 2SLGBTQ+ healthcare training through Rainbow Health Ontario. Some of our counsellors also bring lived experience to their practice. Students are welcome to request to be matched with a queer and/or trans counsellor. Whenever possible, the CSDC will make every effort to prioritize equitable access and supportive matching.

Supports for Trans and Gender-Diverse Students
At the CSDC, we are committed to providing affirming, accessible care for trans and gender-diverse students.
In alignment with our health equity approach, the CSDC has developed pathways to care that prioritize trans and non-binary students. Students are welcome to request counselling support from counsellors who are knowledgeable about trans experiences or with shared lived/identity experience.
To book an appointment, contact the CSDC front desk at csdc@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5195.

The Connected Care Team

The Connected Care Team is a new group of trans providers supporting the health and wellbeing of trans, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQ+ students in the TMU community.

The Connected Care Team includes a psychotherapist to support counseling needs, a registered nurse, and a care pathways specialist who can help connect you to services. The team also offers group programming and events to support connection and care.

When accessing medical care, counselling, or case management, you may request service from a dedicated trans provider, or you can reach out to the Connected Care Team for more information on accessing support.

The campus Medical Centre has doctors and nurses trained in the provision of gender-affirming care, including starting or continuing HRT and referrals for OHIP-funded surgery.

The Centre for Student Development and Counselling has a dedicated trans counsellor, as well as non-binary and queer counsellors with training to support trans and non-binary students.

To reach the Connected Care Team you can email CCT@Torontomu.ca, or reach out to the CSDC (CSDC@Torontomu.ca) or Medical Centre (Medicalct@Torontomu.ca).

Additional Resources at TMU:

• The Queer + Trans website brings together support, resources and events for 2SLGBTQ+ students in one place.
• TMU Medical Centre - gender affirming care 
• Transitioning at TMU - how to update chosen name, how to update legal name
  
• TSMU Queer Space (external link) 
• TSMU Trans Collective (external link) 
• Centre for Women and Trans People (external link) 
• Recreation and Active Wellbeing - 2SLGBTQ programming
  
•  (PDF file) Greenshield booklet re: gender affirming care coverage (external link) 
• Centre for Safer Sex and Sexual Violence Support (C3SVS):
  C3SVS offers a Trans Wellbeing Fund. There are 2 streams to the fund: stream 1 is dedicated to gender affirming clothing and gear, and stream 2 is designated for gender affirming surgical needs that are not covered by insurance or TMSU Health and Dental Plan.
• TMU Health Promotions Program - workshops, groups, drop-in supports
  
• TMU Centre for Student Development and Counselling - Group offerings