One of our focuses as an organization is to support the Two Spirit, non binary, trans, and gender diverse communities of Newfoundland & Labrador through providing training to service providers in our province. In doing so, we hope to mitigate the challenges still frequently experienced by members of these communities in accessing services.
Our priority is increasing awareness and integration of gender diversity in education, medicine, social services, child and youth-focused organizations, and other community-oriented groups. If you, your group, or organization falls under any of these categories, we are here to help you expand your understanding of gender diversity and develop more inclusive curriculum, practices, programming, and operations.
Our training also acts as a social enterprise for our organization. As a non-profit run by volunteers, our training helps fund our other programs that continue to support our community. If funding presents a barrier, please connect with us to discuss what options may be available!
Introduction to Gender Diversity & Language
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Style: Lecture
Our one hour presentations serve as an introduction to the topics of gender and gender identity. We discuss terminology and language used within the trans community, differentiate between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and introduce the different types of transition and what they can look like for gender diverse folks. We end with a list of resources, and then open the floor for questions.
Gender Diversity: Expanding our Awareness
+ Unpacking our Biases
Duration: 3.5 hours
Style: Workshop
Certificate of completion available
Our half day sessions were built with professional development in mind. They allow for greater sector-specific customization and engagement. We begin with an activity designed to guide participants through exploring their own beliefs and biases around trans and gender diverse people. We then move into a presentation that makes use of video and audio clips, research data, and lived experience to define gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation; discuss how gender creativity and identity may present in children and youth and the importance of parental/adult support; introduce social and medical transition; and challenge some of the more predominant myths around gender diverse people. After a short break we facilitate a workshop that investigates the answers from the bias activity further, and the session concludes with a discussion of strategies and policy development for inclusion catered to the audience, a list of suggested resources, and a Q&A period.
Conference Participation
Presentations, workshops, plenary talks/panels, keynote addresses all available. Please reach out at tsnl.umbrella@gmail.com
Session descriptions are general guidelines – we may suggest a different session style, type, or length depending on learning objectives determined through coordination.
Testimonials
Tj and Logan from Trans Support NL were invited to provide a presentation to the Sexual Harassment Board of Memorial University. It is a joint Board (two components – St. John’s and Grenfell Campus) and is comprised of all university stakeholders, including community representation. Logan and Tj provided an interactive, accessible experience, and created an open space that enabled collective dialogue. It was an extremely positive and informative session.
Ms. Rhonda Shortall, Sexual Harassment Advisor, Sexual Harassment Office, Memorial University
Dr. Vicki Hallett, Department of Gender Studies, Memorial University, Member MUN Sexual Harassment Board
“In 2018 we were privileged to have Tj Jones and Dr. Julia Temple Newhook facilitate a staff development session. They joined us to talk about the work of Trans Support NL Inc. and to help us better understand the issues facing gender diverse and trans youth. They did an amazing, well informed, moving presentation that was complemented by their professional and personal insights. Would strongly recommend the session!”
Wilma MacInnis, MSW, RSW
Director, Strategic Services and Outreach
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
Selection of Past Engagements
2019
2018
2017
