Mission
Trans Support NL is a non-profit organization based in St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador (NL), that aims to improve the experiences of Two Spirit, trans, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse folks in NL through advocacy, peer support, resources, community building, and education. We provide holistic support and services for the trans community.
Vision
We envision a province where Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse folks have equitable access to support, resources, medical and social care. We imagine a Newfoundland and Labrador where everyone feels safe and celebrated in their gender identity.
Commitments
To the Land and it’s First Peoples
We respectfully acknowledge and give thanks to the land on which we work. The Island of Ktaqmkuk (colonially known as Newfoundland) is the ancestral homelands and traditional territory of the Beothuk and Mi’kmaq.
We also recognize and give thanks to The Big Land of our province, Labrador, the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Innu and Inuit.
Recognizing the ongoing impact of colonialism, we understand that mere acknowledgment is insufficient. Advocating for the rights of two-spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people necessitates actively confronting the historical and ongoing harm inflicted upon Indigenous communities. Two-spirit and queer Indigenous individuals have long been leaders in global social justice movements.
In pursuit of genuine reconciliation and social justice, we are committed to learning, listening, and standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities. This commitment includes actively developing decolonized practices, ways of working, and approaches to thinking that uphold Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.
To Adapting, Diverging, and Equitable Access
We recognize diverse barriers to access. Our commitment to learning, respecting, and adapting is fundamental to ensuring equitable access for all.
Acknowledging the varied challenges individuals may face, whether due to socio-economic factors, physical limitations, geographic isolation, or systemic inequalities, we aim to continuously educate ourselves. This understanding guides us in adapting our practices and environments to minimize barriers and foster inclusive spaces.
In our pursuit of equity, accessibility goes beyond physical considerations to encompass cultural sensitivity and responsiveness to diverse needs. By prioritizing accessibility as a cornerstone of our approach, we strive to create environments where everyone can fully participate and contribute.
We pledge to listen actively and engage meaningfully with those whose voices have historically been marginalized. Centering their experiences and perspectives strengthens our commitment to building accessible and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Highlights!
Trans Support NL (TSNL) is a non-profit organization in St. John’s, Newfoundland (NL) providing holistic support and services for the trans community. Trans Support NL Inc. TSNL was officially incorporated in September 2017 by Tj Jones, Dr. Julie Temple, and Sara Pinsent. We are a grassroots group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the trans and gender diverse communities of our province however we can! As the only provincial organization with a mandate to the gender diverse community, we strive to be as flexible as possible to meet the on-the-ground needs. We’re currently a working-board of 3, looking to grow our team and impact!
Since incorporation in Sept 2017 TSNL has established 8 monthly peer support groups across 3 distinct regions of the province; 3 parent support groups, 2 adult groups, 1 youth group, 1 gender creative kids group, and a joint partnership with the local Friendship Centre (First Light) for a Two Spirit group. Through a partnership with the Echo Pond Environmental Centre we ran a 3-day overnight camp for trans kids in NL. During the pandemic we held monthly virtual games nights, in addition to the support meetings. We also began a gender-affirming gear program that has provided over 100 free binders across the province since January 2021.
Our website acts as a resource hub, with over 1000 hits a month, and showcases material we’ve developed to help trans folks navigate services and information for folks providing the services.
We also offer educational sessions, having trained thousands of attendees, including youth, medical, staff, community workers, educators of all levels, and an invitation to provide the plenary address at the 2019 ECE conference in PEI. As a result of our advocacy we are positioned as the expert organization on gender diversity and trans inclusion in NL. This includes consultation to the government and institutions on inclusive policy and programs.
