She, He, They, Ze; what’s the purpose of pronouns? Are they just grammatical structures, or something more? And is gender only tied to trans identities, or is it a part of us all?  

Feeling safe and grounded in your gender identity is not a luxury; it’s essential to mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore what well-being can look like for trans and gender-diverse students; the challenges that may intersect yet differ from the rest of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the pressure of being out, and the quiet resilience of those who aren’t. A sense of comfort in one’s identity is an essential part of wellness and safety, yet trans students often face stigma and discrimination that can deeply impact their mental and emotional health. 

This conversation works as a guide for trans students to be grounded in their wellness despite these challenges, while also offering cisgender listeners insight into how they can be better allies. Together, we reflect on the evolving nature of gender and sexuality, and why building a stable, healthy, and accepting connection with one’s identity is the true guide to wellness. 

We explore these topics as our host Susu B. sits with our guest, Brian Ginther (they/them) who is a non-binary queer interdisciplinary multi-media artist, designer, and writer, and a work-study student at York University’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change. Brian shares their perspective on identity, community, and self-acceptance and provides us with valuable tips and resources that truly invite trans folks on campus to exist loudly.  

Resources:

• Trans, Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Asexual at York: a student-run service for the queer and trans community at York University. we host a drop-in space, vibrant discord community, events and more! https://tbl.gay/ 

• SexGen York 

SexGen York is the University-wide committee responsible for advising and advocating around issues and concerns of sexual and gender diversity. 

• The Centre 

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education honours the rich history that is PRIDE and highlights the need for dedicated services and supports to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. 

• Student Counselling, Health & Well-being 

Access resources and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at York University; such as student name change form, gender neutral washroom map, tips & guides, clubs & networks, and more.  

• SCHW offers support groups for York’s 2SLGBTQIA+ student community, facilitated by counsellors who identify as part of the community. We create a safe space where stories can be shared, support given and self-care nurtured. 

https://students.yorku.ca/counselling/groups 

• Centre for Women and Trans People: a non-profit that provides recreational, cultural, political, and artistic programs for York students and those in the GTA.  

• Trans Lifeline: Canada (877)-330-6366 
• YFS Gender Affirming Health Care Plan: https://www.yfs.ca/healthplan    
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• Sherbourne Health Trans Care Program - https://sherbourne.on.ca/primary-and-family-health-care/2slgbtq-health/trans-health-care/  
• CMHA Gender Affirming Clinic: https://cmha-yr.on.ca/get-support/gender-affirming-health-clinic-16/  

Career Resources: Career Resources  

• Canada’s Best Diversity Employers 2024: Canada's Best Diversity Employers recognizes employers across Canada that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. This competition recognizes successful diversity initiatives in a variety of areas, including programs for LGBT employees.  
• Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce: CGLCC supports LGBT+ businesses, entrepreneurs, students and allies, and helps Canada’s corporate world connect with the LGBT+ business community. It is a leader in supplier diversity and the certifying body in Canada for LGBT+ businesses.  
• Ontario LGBTQ2+ Chamber of Commerce: OGLCC is a federally chartered, non-profit organization with the goal to create an environment in which LGBTQ businesses and professionals can thrive through the sharing of knowledge and resources.  
• Pride at Work: Pride at Work Canada empowers employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. They help create safer, more inclusive workspaces that realize the full potential of all employees and bring down barriers to employment.  
• Emerge LGBTQ Mentorship Program: Emerge LGBTQ Mentorship program is designed specifically for LGBTQ Convention Refugees and Permanent Residents residing in Canada for less than 5 years.  
• Start Proud: Start Proud facilitates the professional development of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the LGBTQ+ community.  
• exeQutive: exeQutive is a forum for Toronto/GTA-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) leaders — current and aspiring professionals, executives and entrepreneurs.   exeQutive connects you to the pink network – a diverse group of exceptional leaders in the LGBTQ community - and supports you with your professional growth & personal journey  
• JobBoard.lgbt: JobBoard.lgbt is a specialized online employment network that highlights employers who are dedicated to providing unique, interesting, and fulfilling experiences to our growing network of LGBT job seekers.  
• EngiQueers Canada: EngiQueers Canada is a nationwide non-profit organization that represents over 30 similar member groups at engineering schools across the country.