Vancouver Coastal Health delivers quality health services to the people and communities we serve. Read more...
Peer-based internet discussion lists can be a very useful way for trans community members who are geographically or otherwise isolated to get peer support, make social connections, find information, and hear about others' experiences. Because discussion lists are about individuals' perspectives, at times it can be confusing to distinguish opinion from fact (especially when it comes to health care), and to sort out conflicting opinions about treatment options. Please don't hesitate to contact us by phone at 604.734.1514 if you need help.
Gender Talk
www.gendertalk.com/info/tgism.shtml
A very good basic discussion with definitions of terms. Sex and Gender; Transgender Definitions, Terminology; Sexual Orientation vs Gender Identity vs Sexual Identity.
Trans Allies Toolkit
web.mit.edu/trans/alliestoolkit.html
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Trans Allies Toolkit site provides educational tools for anyone who would like to better understand trans people and gender differences. Very informative, savvy.
Transsexualism FAQ
www.tsfaq.info
"The Transsexual Person in Your Life: Responses to some frequently asked questions/frequently held concerns”. Geared towards families and friends; this is actually better than the title might suggest.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society
www.gires.org.uk
Excellent educational site (biological origins research papers; resources for families, children of trans; employers etc).
Press for Change
www.pfc.org.uk
Press for Change is a political lobbying and educational organization, which campaigns to achieve equal civil rights and liberties for all trans people in the United Kingdom, through legislation and social change. An excellent example of what’s possible.
NOTE: Some trans support groups in BC have phone/email but no web listing. Click here for a full listing of support resources in BC.
Cornbury Society
www.cornbury.org
Vancouver-based support and social group for anyone who dresses opposite to their birth gender -- including crossdressers, those who cross-live part-time, those who choose to take hormones (or other body modification), and people in transition. Website includes calendar of local events, extensive database of public library holdings relating to trans issues, and feminization tips.
Trans Alliance Society
www.transalliancesociety.org
BC-wide coalition of trans and ally groups. Website includes online library of education and advocacy resources, guide to peer support and social resources across BC, tips for finding trans-friendly service providers, and links to BC-based trans listservs.
Transcend Transgender Support & Education Society
www.transgender.org/transcend
Victoria-based group offering peer support and advocacy to trans people and loved ones, and free workshops for service providers. Website includes information about transgender terms and concepts; an up-to-date "how-to" guide with information about negotiating health, social assistance, and legal systems; and extensive internet links.
TAS-Discussion
groups.yahoo.com/group/TAS-discussion
For discussion of anything relating to trans communities and individuals in BC. Sponsored by Trans Alliance Society.
TransKootenays
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransKootenays
List for trans people, loved ones, and service providers in the Kootenays to brainstorm and share ideas about regional planning (creating a network of trans-friendly service providers, developing education resources and peer support programs, etc.). Sponsored by the Transgender Health Program.
Trans Youth - Vancouver
groups.yahoo.com/group/transyouth_vancouver
Listserv for trans youth and allies in Vancouver to connect and share resources. Membership restricted to youth 25 and under.
Vancouver Girls' Night Out
groups.yahoo.com/group/vangno
For local trans women/crossdressers to meet, chat, and plan outings together. Sunday night chats start on the website at 10 PM (for members only).
Vangender-l
groups.yahoo.com/group/vangender-l
Listserv for genderqueer, trans, intersex people and allies in Vancouver to be social, ask questions, get answers, discuss gender issues, and brainstorm ideas on gender.
Vanguys
groups.yahoo.com/group/vanguys
Listserv for FTMs and FTM-questioning people in BC.
Vicgenderqueers
groups.yahoo.com/group/vicgenderqueers
Listserv for genderqueer people and allies on southern Vancouver Island.
BC Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (BCRAD)
www.nwrad.org
Educational and social activities for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind LGBT people and their friends and family members.
Blind Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People (BFLAG)
www.bflag.org
Information and support for people who are blind/visually impaired and LGBT or allies.
Deaf Queer Resource Center
www.deafqueer.org
Focus on non-trans lesbian/gay Deaf resources; some trans information. Links, information, support, and chat space.
Gay ADD
groups.yahoo.com/group/Gay-ADD
Social, support, and information listserv for LGBT community members and friends affected by or interested in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
HandiTrans
groups.yahoo.com/group/HandiTrans
Listserv for trans people with disabilities, caregivers of trans people with disabilities, and allies.
Mentally Ill Underground Queers
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/m-i-u-queers
Listserv for LGBT people who are mentally ill and part of an underground culture (punks, goths, etc.), to talk about our trials that come from living in so many alternative cultures and discuss therapy, medication and stabilization.
QueerDisability
groups.yahoo.com/group/QueerDisability
Listserv for the development of ideas, challenging existing norms, and providing information for the Q/D community. This list is not a personal support group.
TransgenderPDD
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TransgenderPDD
Listserv for individuals who have lives that have been touched by both Pervasive Developmental Disorders (autism, Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD, Attention Deficit Disorder, or similar) and Gender Identity issues.
BC Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (BCRAD)
www.members.shaw.ca/bcrad
Educational and social activities for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind LGBT people and their friends and family members.
Bint El Nas
www.bintelnas.org
Site "for women who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (including female-to-male and male-to-female trans people in any state of transition), and who are identified ethnically or culturally with the Arab world, regardless of where they live." Includes writing (articles, poetry, etc.), message/chat board, and lists of community resources.
Black FTM
groups.yahoo.com/group/blackftm
Listserv for "all Black/african diasporic FTM's who want to talk about issues relevant to us, tips, info, support etc."
Deaf Queer Resource Center
www.deafqueer.org
Focus on non-trans lesbian/gay Deaf resources; some trans information. Links, information, support, and chat space.
Egale 2-Spirited and Queers of Colour Caucus / Ad hoc Committee
www.egale.ca/2-spirit-colour
Focus group report, visions of the caucus, and information about how to subscribe to a new email list specifically for Two-Spirit people and LGBT people of colour in Canada.
Ethnic FTM
groups.yahoo.com/group/EthnicFtM
For all FTMs who are culturally "out of the mainstream" -- including Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Jewish, Muslim, Asian, Indigenous, Deaf, Mestizo, Pacific Islander, and French-Canadian FTMs -- and SOFFAS/health care providers. Discussion of general FtM concerns as well as concerns specific to ethnic and religious minorities.
Kali Parea
groups.yahoo.com/group/kaliparea
Listserv for lesbian/bisexual women and trans people (MTF/FTM) of Greek ancestry. Goals include "building a social network and increasing visibility and acceptance within our larger cultural community".
LatinTgirls
groups.yahoo.com/group/LatinTgirls
Listserv for Latina trans women.
Ô-Môi
www.o-moi.org
Ô-Môi "endeavors to support and advocate the rights and visibility of Vietnamese lesbians, bisexual women and female-to-male (FTM) transgender people." Website includes a discussion forum and subscription info for a mailing list.
Salaam - Vancouver Chapter
www.salaamtoronto.com/vancouver1.html
Vancouver chapter of Canadian organization for practicing and non-practicing LGBT Muslims and LGBT people who come from Muslim cultures. Peer counseling, advocacy, refugee support, and social, cultural and educational events.
South Asian Hijra/Transgender People
groups.yahoo.com/group/transgenders
A place "for hijras, jogtas, jogappas, parvathis, shiva shakthis, kinnars, kotis, transsexuals, transvestites, drag queens, drag kings, cross-dressers and other transgender people" in South Asia and the diaspora to "share views, support each other and celebrate a vibrant space/culture/movement".
TGPOC
groups.yahoo.com/group/tgpoc
International discussion-oriented listserv for trans people of colour and their significant others/allies. Created in 1998 by Nadyalec, an Arab/Muslim FTM activist.
TPOCX
groups.yahoo.com/group/tpocx
Listserv for trans people of color (defined as Native Peoples of the Americas, Asian, African/Caribbean, Latino/Chicano, Middle Eastern/Arab, People of Mixed Blood/Bi-racial identities) to share resources and talk about the complex intersections of race, gender expression/identity and sexuality. People of color who are questioning or exploring their gender identity are welcome.
Transgender Asia
web.hku.hk/~sjwinter/TransgenderASIA/links.htm
Links to transgender support, information, advocacy, education, and research websites in Asian countries and/or in Asian languages.
Transgender Christian Fellowship
groups.yahoo.com/group/tg-christians
Listserv for trans Christians and loved ones, to create a forum that is both Christian- and trans-positive.
TransJews
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransJews
Listserv for trans Jews and loved ones, focusing on discussion of how Judaism/Jewish culture affects gender experiences -- and vice-versa. All levels of observance and backgrounds welcome.
Transmen_Asia
groups.yahoo.com/group/transmen_asia/
Online support for Asian FTMs and their significant others.
TransMuslims
groups.yahoo.com/group/TransMuslims
Listserv for Muslims who identify as transgendered or gender variant. Discussion includes gender identity, issues of gender socialization in Islam, sex reassignment surgery, and Islam's views towards trans people.
Two-Spirit LGBTI Community
www.temenos.net/poc/twospirit
News, message board, recommended books, mailing lists.
Note: Intersex is an umbrella term for people born with sex chromosomes, genitals, or an internal reproductive system that does not medical definitions of what is "standard" for male and female bodies (e.g., a small penis/large clitoris, XXXY chromosomes, increased/decreased sensitivity to sex hormones). As with any other subsection of the general population, some intersex people are transgender, while others are not.
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group
www.medhelp.org/www/ais
International support group providing information and support to young people and adults with complete and partial AIS, parents of AIS youngsters, and those affected by Swyer's syndrome (XY gonadal dysgenesis), 5 alpha reductase deficiency, Leydig Cell Hypoplasia, Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, Mullerian dysgenesis, Mullerian duct aplasia, vaginal atresia, and other related conditions.
American Association for Klinefelter Syndrome Information and Support
www.aaksis.org
Education, research, and support relating to 47XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome). Website includes educational materials, diagnostic and treatment resources, online newsletter, and research news.
Bodies Like Ours
www.bodieslikeours.org
Peer support and information for people born with atypical genitalia, as well as education for family members and health professionals. Working to help eliminate shame, secrecy, and isolation. Handouts, message boards, research papers, referrals, and much more.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Research, Education and Support (CARES) Foundation
www.caresfoundation.org
Information for the public and physicians about symptoms, diagnostic protocols, treatment, and genetic frequency of congenital adrenal hyerplasia. Support and information for affected individuals and their families.
DES Sons
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/des-sons
Health information and DES research network for individuals born or raised as males whose mothers, while pregnant with them, received diethylstilbestrol (DES). Site includes peer support, bibliography of DES research, and an extensive online resource library.
Hypospadias and Epispadias Association
www.HEAinfo.org
Information and resources for men with hypospadias/epispadias, their loved ones, and health professionals. Site includes personal stories, a glossary of terms, and links to online peer support lists.
Intersex Initiative
www.ipdx.org
Network of intersex activists and allies working to stop the medical abuse of intersex children, and to challenge medical and social erasure of intersex existence through raising the awareness of issues faced by intersex people.
Intersex Society of North America
www.isna.org
Reading materials, links to support groups for intersex people and their family members, and specific resources relating to AIS, Kleinfelter Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, CAH, and Hypospadias.
MRKH Information
www.mrkh.org
Links to support groups, information, and other resources for women with vaginal agenesis (Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome).
Turner's Syndrome Society of Canada
www.turnersyndrome.ca
Organization working to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Turner's Syndrome. Focus on public education. A mutual support network is available through local chapters.
XY Turner's Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis Support Group
www.xyxo.org
Online information and listing of peer support for people affected by XY/XO (mixed gonadal dysgenesis).
Hetero Trans Couples
groups.yahoo.com/group/heterotranscouples
Group specifically for heterosexual transgendered couples where one partner is MTF (male-to-female) and the other is FTM (female-to-male). Support and the sharing of personal experiences. For people age 18+.
LiveJournal - Partners of Transgender People
www.livejournal.com/community/partners_of_tg
Place for partners of trans people to talk about their experiences, share information, and get support.
PFLAG Transgender Network
www.youth-guard.org/pflag-tnet
Support, education, and advocacy for transgendered people and their parents, families, and friends. Website includes printer-friendly version of Our Trans Children (3rd ed.).
Resources for People of All Ages with Transgender Parents
www.colage.org
Sponsored by COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere). Despite COLAGE's name, they actively support children of transgendered parents of all sexual orientations.
TransFamily
www.transfamily.org
American support group for transgendered and transsexual people, their parents, partners, children, other family members, friends, and supportive others. Referrals, literature, and over-the-phone information on transgender issues.
Antijen
www.antijen.org
This site has been going for over 10 years, providing young trans people with ways to connect, share stories and survival tips, and get help from peers as well as the adult who runs the site (known affectionately as "Aunt Jenny").
Connecting With Pride
ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/connectingwithpride
Space for LGBT and questioning youth in BC to exchange ideas and information.
GenderPeace
www.genderpeace.com
Site for young trans women to connect and share stories with each other. Message boards moderated by the site administrator for safety, and links to other sites for young trans women.
Mermaids
www.mermaids.freeuk.com
British support and information service for young trans people and their families.
Teen Crossdressers
groups.yahoo.com/group/TeenCrossdresssers
Listserv for people born male who like to crossdress and are under age 25.
Trans*Topia
www.youthresource.com
Resources for transgender, transsexual, and genderqueer youth: stories, information, books, and more...
Trans Youth Toronto
www.the519.org/
Drop-in program for trans youth age 26 and under, and friends and family who support them. Website includes links to resources and a local email list.
Trans Youth - Vancouver
groups.yahoo.com/group/transyouth_vancouver
Listserv for trans youth and allies in Vancouver to connect and share resources.
Transgender Teens
groups.yahoo.com/group/transgender_teens
Listserv for trans teens to talk about anything in their life.
Youth Gender Project
www.youthgenderproject.org
Peer-based, pro-feminist, anti-racist transgender, transexual, genderqueer, intersex and gender-questioning (TGIQ) youth and young adult organization in San Francisco. Website includes listings of online groups for TGIQ youth, LiveJournal resources, and links to TGIQ artists' and youth groups' sites.
VCH resources
British Columbia Resources