This website is designed to provide general information only, not direct services. We try to keep the information below up to date, however, please check the service provider’s website and hours of operation before visiting.
Important note about access to services in Greater Vancouver area
The Greater Vancouver area, commonly referred to simply as “Vancouver”, is not one city. It includes many municipalities that operate under different health authorities. That is, some services or clinics may not be available because you live in a different municipality. This is why it is important to check what trans-friendly services are available in different areas of the greater Vanvouver. Please consult with Trans Care BC for more details (1-866-999-1514).
Saige Community Food Bank
Saige Community Food Bank is a food bank for trans and gender diverse individuals. No ID, proof of income, housing or sign up required. Saige takes place every second and fourth Friday afternoon at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House (East Vancouver). Make sure to arrive early. Ask the Saige Community staff about volunteering options and related benefits.
Website: https://saigecommunityfoodbank.com/
Trans Supper Club @PACE
Trans Supper Club is a weekly dinner (Tuesday from 5-7pm) at Pace for trans and gender diverse folks with sex work experience. A free meal and bus ticket are included. Pace also offers other support services for transgender people, like counselling, help with changing documents etc. Phone: 604-872-7651.
Website: pace-society.org
I Belong
I Belong supports SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and sex characteristics)newcomers by facilitating discussions around sexuality, gender, race, culture, and class. The Peer Support Group is held every 2nd Monday of the month, while the Counselling Support Group occurs every last Monday of the month at MOSAIC.
Please contact ibelong@mosaicbc.org or 604 254 9626 ext. 1024 for more information. Click here to register using our online registration form.
Rainbow Refugee
Rainbow Refugee holds monthly support group meetings every second Thursday of each month at QMUNITY that help trans folks to connect with their peers, receive advice about trans-friendly housing and other resources.
Website: rainbowrefugee.com/contact
Work permit
Apply for the Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as possible. Not having your SIN may cause delays in getting your work permit. Learn more at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-srchct.jsp?lang=eng&city=vancouver&slctProv=BC
It can be challenging to find medical practitioners who are knowledgeable about transgender patients. The following resources are specifically for trans people who require medical needs like hormones and surgery.
Trans Care BC
If you need medical care or have questions about finding a doctor or clinic, continuing or enrolling in HRT, or for other medical concerns, please contact Trans Care BC.
Phone: 1-866-999-1514
Website: phsa.ca/transcarebc
Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
CWHWC is a free drop-in clinic for transgender patients, helping them with all trans-related health care issues like injection supplies, after surgery care etc. CWHWC also offers other resources like mental health support, name change, binder/bra exchange, massage therapy etc. Clinic dates are generally every second and fourth Sunday afternoon of the month. The clinic is located within the REACH Community Health Centre on 1145 Commercial Drive (East Vancouver).
Phone: 604-442-4352
Website: cwhwc.com
There is no centralized system that gathers information about, or provides housing for trans folks. There are Facebook groups that might be helpful while looking for housing. Please remember that these are semi-open resources on social media. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided; please use discretion and bring a friend when you are viewing potential housing rooms or apartments.
Home for Queers Vancouver
Homes for Queers Vancouver posts announcements about rooms in shared housing and apartments for LGBTQ+ folks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/595853080561320/
Ask people in your support group, they might connect you with people who are looking for roommates.
Remember: you have tenant’s rights. Please consult legal housing rights in BC: tenants.bc.ca
MOSAIC
MOSAIC offers various counselling programs.
Phone: 604-254-9626
Website: mosaicbc.org/services/counselling
Trans Care BC
Trans Care BC offers a directory of services and peer support groups.
Website: phsa.ca/transcarebc/care-support/access-care/mntl-hlth-wellness
Phone: 1-866-999-1514; outside of BC or unable to call a toll-free number: 604-675-3647.
VAST
VAST supports refugees’ mental health.
Phone: 604-255-1881
Website: vast-vancouver.ca
QMUNITY
There are free or reduced-cost counselling programs at Qmunity.
Website: qmunity.ca/get-support/counselling
Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
HIM offers counselling and life coaching programs for male-identified folks.
Phone: 604-488-1001
Website: checkhimout.ca/gay-mens-health/mental-health
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Coastal Health hosts trans health program that offers various resources.
Website: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/transgender-health-program
For details contact THP coordinator Lukas Walther at 604-734-1514, extension 2, or at 1-866-999-1514 (toll-free in BC). You can also visit vch.ca/transhealth or e-mail lukas.walther@vch.ca.
WAVAW
WAVAW is Vancouver organization that offers trans-inclusive services for survivors of sexual violence, including counselling and a queer safety course.
Phone: 604-255-6344
Website: wavaw.ca/inclusion-project/
Trans Collective (Drug Users Resource Centre)
The Trans Collective is a weekly drop-in space offered by the Drug Users Resource Centre on 412 East Cordova (Downtown). For trans-identified people who use substances.
FTM British Columbia
For male-identified transgender people, FTM British Columbia is a Facebook group where people can ask questions about hormones, surgery, doctors etc. These are trans men speaking from their own lived experience.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/480549185437425/
FTM Etc.
FTM Etc. is a peer group for anyone on the FTM spectrum or questioning. Their meetup happens every third Saturday of the month at the Raven Song clinic from 1-3pm. They offer community knowledge about transitioning, including HRT and surgery.
E-mail: bcftmnetwork@hotmail.com
I Heart My Chest
Qmunity offers this brochure on chest health for all trans folks.
Download: http://qmunity.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/I_Heart_My_Chest_-_English_version.pdf
TransRightsBC
TransRightsBC gives you an overview of the legal rights transgender people have under both federal (Canada) and provincial (British Columbia) law.
Website: transrightsbc.ca
Big Bros Barbershop
Big Bros is a trans-owned and operated barbershop in East Vancouver. Big Bros also offers binders, monthly clothing swaps and other resources for trans folks.
Phone: 778-379-3248
Website: bigbrosbarbershop.com
Chair in Transgender Studies
Website: uvic.ca/research/transchair/contact/resources/index.php
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