Gender- and sexually- diverse people (GSD) belong in the feminist movement. We recognize that trans women are women, that threats to transgender and queer rights, bodily autonomy, inclusion, and freedom are threats to women’s rights and gender justice.
In 2022, OUTniagara released a comprehensive Community Strengths and Needs Assessment that identified a number of service gaps for GSD people in Niagara, including a service gap for GSD survivors of gender-based violence.
At Gillian's Place, we continually aim to address this identified need and gap in service through the development and delivery of in-shelter and community outreach services for GSD survivors of intimate partner and gender-based violence.
Members of 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, and especially trans folks, are at higher risk for struggling with mental health and suicidal ideation due, in part, to a lack of appropriate services and programming. Through fostering support and community, providing safety, education and resources, our programs and services, specifically designed for GSD people, will help address this issue, create awareness, safer spaces, and help build abuse-free lives.
Workshop Series Outline:
Participant Objectives:
- Learn about gender-based violence in gender and sexually diverse communities.
- Identify examples and early warning signs of gender-based violence.
- Document learnings and reflections to share with peers and service providers.
Participant Objectives:
- Explore different forms of safety, including physical, emotional, sexual, mental, and spiritual safety.
- Develop skills and experience in safety planning and pod mapping.
- Connect to the body in a way that feels safe and grounding.
Participant Objectives:
- Identify what types of services and supports GSD communities need and have access to.
- Gain familiarity with available in-person and virtual services and supports, including Gillian’s Place.
- Co-create maps of safer services and supports to share with GSD communities.
Participant Objectives:
- Learn about interconnected struggles and strengths in GSD communities.
- Develop awareness and skills in bystander intervention.
- Create public messaging about community solidarity and safety.
Participant Objectives:
- Explore the meaning of healing through the foundational human needs.
- Build skills in identifying needs and setting firm boundaries.
- Practice self-compassion by connecting to the body and a younger or future self.
Participant Objectives:
- Practice self-expression through music, storytelling and/or poetry.
- Identify internal sources of strength, joy, and pleasure.
- Seek self-discovery and identity development that is not limited to experiences of trauma.
Need to speak with someone safe?
Call or text our 24/7 Support Line: 905.684.8331*
*Given the limitations of technology, please call if you do not receive a response to your text message.
Other Resources:
Centre de santé cummunautaire: 24/7 Service en francais: 1.877.336.2433
Gillian's Place works collaboratively with Centre De Sante Communautaire Hamiton/Niagara and Fem'aide to better meet the needs of French speaking clients accessing GBV agencies and to adhere to the clients' right to have services provided in French. This collaboration ensures the client has a full range of services including safety planning, transitional support, medical, mental health, addiction and counselling supports.
Talk4Healing: Culturally appropriate counselling services to Indigenous Women for Indigenous Women. Call/Text: 1.855.554.4325 (HEAL)