Taking Charge: A Handbook for Health Care and Social Service Providers Working with Trans People

Handbook for Health Care and Social Service Providers Working with Trans People

This handbook was compiled by ASTT(e)Q (Action santé travesti(e)s et transsexuel(le)s du Québec), in association with the Trans Health Network of Québec. Although the guide is geared primarily around health-related issues, it is also a great place to start if you are unfamiliar with the challenges and issues facing trans people, and could be a way to start thinking through whether your organization is an accommodating and trans-positive space.

I spoke with Jackson Ezra, the Peer Project Manager at ASSTT(e)Q, about creating the handbook, and how it has been used as an effective strategy to raise awareness of issues facing trans people among health care and social service providers. The guide is based on the Project Max guide, produced by Project 10 and was written by and in consultation with members of the trans community in Montreal, as well as in consultation with health care providers. When the guide was finished, ASSTT(e)Q send out hundreds of emails to CLSC’s and other service providers, and was met with an overwhelmingly positive responses and requests for the free handbook (the guide is available in both print and online formats).

As an anti-oppression “tool” I thought that this resource would be useful for community groups on two levels. First, it can be used to expand the capacity of our own organization around understanding trans issues. But also, I thought that a guide such as this, written by and in direct consultation with community members, could be a useful model for other organizations to make the needs of the communities they serve visible and accessible. It is a great way to make sure the issues and challenges facing the diverse populations your organization works for and with are heard.

ASSTT(e)Q also offers trainings on trans health. If you or your organization is interested, contact info@assteq.org for more information.