Trans Care BC is a provincial program working to enhance and coordinate trans health services and supports across the province, bringing gender-affirming care closer to home wherever possible.
We work to make sure people have the information they need to access gender- affirming health care and supports. Our services support those who identify as trans, Two-Spirit and gender diverse, their families, friends and loved ones as well as service providers.
Our health navigation team helps connect people in BC to gender-affirming health and wellness supports. The team includes health navigators, nurses, peers, and admin support staff, and also has access to a general practitioner for consultation as needed. It works alongside service providers and community contacts from across the province to help people find care and support as close to home as possible. People contact our program for many reasons. We always try to respond to the unique needs of each person.
We provide information on trans health and wellness and help with accessing health care and navigating the health care system. We also provide clinical support to health care professionals in the form of resources on clinical standards and education.
We do not provide direct clinical care or counselling services but are happy to refer to someone in your area who does.
Our main office is located in Vancouver but our information and consultation services are accessible to all residents of British Columbia by email and phone.
Our services are free.
Our team can help you:
- access information related to any trans health or wellness related question
- learn about options for gender transition
- access system navigation support if you’re unsure about care options and pathways
- find a gender-affirming family doctor
- find a gender-affirming counsellor or mental health provider
- find a support or social group in your area
Our team can help you:
- access information related to any trans health or wellness related question
- learn about options for gender exploration and gender transition
- access system navigation support if you’re unsure about care options and pathways
- get connected to relevant services and care providers
- find resources and tools that are useful for helping make spaces such as schools, sports teams and day cares more gender-affirming and gender inclusive
- access support if you’re a parent or caregiver looking for resources or supports for you or your child or youth
Our team can help you:
- get answers to question you may have
- access helpful resources, including recommended reading and online resources
- learn about parent support groups, networks and social opportunities for gender creative kids and families around the province
- find resources and tools that are useful for helping make spaces such as schools, sports teams and day cares more gender-affirming and gender inclusive
- identify counselling options that may be suitable for your needs
Our team can provide:
- support and clinical consultation related to the delivery of gender-affirming care
- connection to appropriate resources, to support capacity building in the area of trans health care
- you and your patients or clients with access to information related to any trans health or wellness related question you may have
Our team can:
- help you access information related to any trans health or wellness related question you may have
- recommend reading and online resources and websites where you can access the information you’re looking for
- suggest resources and tools that are useful for making spaces such as schools, sports teams and day cares more gender-affirming and gender inclusive
The Trans Care BC vision is a British Columbia where people of all genders are able to access gender-affirming health care, and live, work and thrive in their communities.
- gender-affirming care inclusive of non-binary identities
- accountable and transparent
- anti-oppressive, trauma-informed
- collaborative
- person-centred care
- equitable and accessible
Trans Care BC is working closely with partners and stakeholders – including the Ministry of Health, transgender communities, individuals, non-profits, regional health authorities and the First Nations Health Authority to develop a comprehensive provincial network of services.
We are expanding and sustaining health care services by:
- Developing gender-affirming, client-centred models of care.
- Working on equitable access to gender-affirming and supportive health care for children, youth and families.
- Supporting access to reliable information, resources and peer support for trans, gender diverse and Two-Spirit people, their families, friends and health service providers.
- Offering advanced practice training and follow up support for clinicians around B.C.
Trans Care BC is aligned with international standards of care, and supports the use and distribution of evidence-based information. We aim to improve care across the continuum and share best practices.
Using a hub and spoke model of distributed care, including health care provider education as well as novel approaches such as using health navigators, the program will bring health care closer to home for trans and gender diverse people in British Columbia.
This model allows us to leverage expertise and coordination centrally, but also work to expand primary care and peer support throughout the province.
Our approach is to:
- earn and build trust with trans communities, trans individuals, gender creative children and their families as well as with health care partners across B.C. through engagement and collaboration.
- take a person-centred approach and work with each individual to achieve their personal health care goals.
- respect diverse cultures, including the unique perspectives and needs of Two-Spirit people.
In October 2014, the Minister of Health announced that the Ministry of Health, PHSA and Vancouver Coastal Health would be working together to offer expanded and sustainable health services to support transgender communities across the province.
The trans health steering committee met from December 2014 to May 2015 and developed a provincial network model for person and family-centred health care services for transgender British Columbians.
The committee included trans individuals and family representatives, and consulted with people from transgender communities, clinical experts, and other stakeholders about how best to create and expand services.
PHSA became responsible for the provincial coordination of transgender health services in BC, including the Transgender Health Information Program, in fall 2015. Since then, PHSA’s Trans Care BC program has been under development.
