Simply Beyond

Gender dysphoria impacts how young people relate to their bodies, intimacy, and care. But when stigma and misinformation get loud, affirming language and evidence-based resources matter more than ever. In this conversation, host Cyn Sweeney sits down with Hanley Smith (Heal Nova Scotia; Check Me Out) to explore safer intimacy, language experimentation, and trans-inclusive sexual health—especially for those outside major city centers.

Together they discuss:

• Why affirming homes build lifelong resilience
• Language tools that reduce dysphoria (and what NOT to do)
• Fetishization red flags and staying safer
• Intimacy when you’re navigating body discomfort
• The rise of online misinformation—and how to fact-check yourself
• Why community knowledge is powerful but can’t replace evidence-based care
• How the Check Me Out tool works (380+ possible custom responses!)

Takeaways:

1. Silence communicates shame; curiosity communicates care.
2. Let people choose the words for their bodies—then follow their lead.
3. Safety isn’t one perfect decision; it’s informed consent across time.
4. Community resources survive persecution; they deserve engagement.
5. Engagement (not just donations) keeps programs funded.

Resources mentioned: 

• Check Me Out — Trans-inclusive sexual health tool (18+)
• HEAL Nova Scotia
• Sugar Health (NS) — Sexual health directory + warm line
• zine libraries
• sexual health clinics
• community surveys

Music Credit:
Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/ and Be Myself video

Connect with Simply Good Form:
🌐 simplygoodform.com
📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform

What if gender-affirming care included free access to pre- and post-op physiotherapy, holistic recovery planning, and safer binder use?

In this powerful launch episode of Simply Beyond, host Cyndi Sweeney speaks with two dedicated professionals offering free, trauma-informed physio support to trans and non-binary individuals preparing for — or healing from — gender-affirming surgery.

Together, they explore:

• What gender-affirming physiotherapy really means (and why it matters)
• The importance of preventative care and recovery planning
• Common myths and risks around binder use — and how to reduce harm
• Two things you should be doing to reconnect with your body today

Whether you're preparing for top surgery, starting hormones, or supporting someone who is, or you are just looking for gender-affirming wellness guidance, this episode will meet you with insight, care, and actionable steps.

Because joy in your body isn’t just possible — it’s your right.

SHOW NOTES:

Guests:

• Alexa Starratt (she/her) BSc, MSc, PT, PCES, Physiotherapist, Brickyard Health, @brickyardhealth
• Amy Prescott (she/xe), Resident Physiotherapist Brickyard Health, and member of Queer Physiotherapy Collective (QPC), @affirmpt

Resources & Links:

• Brickyard Health Lintree: https://linktr.ee/brickyardhealth
• Free Gender-Affirming and pelvic health physiotherapy at Halifax Sexual Health Centre: https://hshc.ca/gender-affirming-and-pelvic-physiotherapy/
• Free pelvic health physiotherapy with Alexa and a team of great specialists via North End Community Health Centre, Halifax: https://nechc.com/
• Free Binder Support Workshop: Subscribe to be the first to know: https://simplygoodform.com/simply-beyond/
• Post-Op Home Care and Self-Help for Top Surgery Resource: Link to follow
• Pre-Op Self & HomeCare for Top Surgery: Link to follow

Music Credit:
Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/  and Be Myself video

Connect with Simply Good Form:
🌐 simplygoodform.com
📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform

About This Podcast:
Simply Beyond is a Simply Good Form podcast about real stories and bold conversations that transcend the binary. Hosted by award-winning DEI strategist and proud mama bear Cynthia Sweeney (she/her).

Join host Cyn Sweeney (she/her) for a personal welcome to Simply Beyond, a Simply Good Form podcast. In this first episode, Cyndi shares why this rebrand matters, what’s changing (and what’s not), and how Simply Beyond brings together two past shows — Hey, Cis! and Trans Canada Stories — under one inclusive banner.

The first full episode drops on July 25th!

Music Credit:
Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/ and Be Myself video

Connect with Simply Good Form:
🌐 simplygoodform.com
📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform

Show Notes:
Guest: Laura Whiteland, CFP®, CIM - owner of Inclusive Financial Planning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-financial-planning/

Here's what we're talking about:

• As Kenny Rogers would say, 'You got to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold them.' Inclusion in the workplace isn't about free therapy, and this episode offers advice for cis professionals on navigating education with sensitivity and timeliness.
• Listen up community: Do the numbers on inclusion progress really add up? Turns out, not all letters in the LGBTQIA+ acronym are created equal.
• Hey cis folks: Fake it 'til you make it! How to build fluency for inclusive professionalism.
• How to avoid being ignorant, even when you're just trying to learn.

Author Susan Striker's book, Transgender History 

TD Connected Community Moment:
We love connecting community and in this episode's TD Connected Community Moment we would love to hear. your pressing DEI and gender identity inclusion questions. Connect through our blog and learn more about this episode here.

Read more and share your thoughts here.

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
• Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.
• For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Trans Canada Stories is about sharing trans stories and celebrating trans people and allies, from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
In episode 7 'AccessAbility Week and Toilet Talk', we’re shaking it up a little, in the spirit of celebrating equity and inclusion.

This week is National AccessAbility Week!

The theme of this year's Accessibility Week is Forward Together: AccessAbility and Inclusion for All. 
It runs nationally from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, 2024, to celebrate:

• the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada
• the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriers
• ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive Canada

Physical accessibility is a major component of inclusion work, but we always have to consider less obvious barriers to creating welcoming environments. Today, we’ve called in an expert, and she’s unstoppable when it comes to her valuable contributions and leadership, advocating for accessibility, life and laughter.

Michelle Mahoney was born with a condition that limited mobility in her arms, hands, and knees, and she was born with clubbed feet and a dislocated hip. The doctors told her parents she would probably never walk.

Flash forward to 1995 … when Michelle graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with what she likes to refer to as a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Independence. After working at Dalhousie University for 23 years, Michelle now sits on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals Nova Scotia, and Easter Seals Board of Canada as the Nova Scotia representative. 
She is also the Accessibility Officer at University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Michelle is an avid surfer, enjoys downhill skiing, and waterskiing, and enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog, Gus and in this episode we're talking about accessibility both visible and invisible and the inequities of needing to pee.

Show Notes:
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.
Thank you to TD Bank Group for making stories like these possible.
Red Shirt Day: https://redshirtday.org/about-us/
Easter Seals Nova Scotia: https://easterseals.ns.ca/
Easter Seals Canada: https://easterseals.ca/en/

Today's TD Connected Community Moment:

Red Shirt Day:
https://www.facebook.com/share/tbhVf9YZLzRpfiEV/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Red Shirt Day of Action for Access Ability and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for disabled people and their families, celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society.

Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. It takes place on the Wednesday of National Access Ability Week each year.

Anyone can take part in Red Shirt Day. Put on your favourite red shirt, take some photos and make a pledge to help improve accessibility and inclusion in your community. Then post your photos and your pledge on social media with the hashtags.
#RedShirtDay
#RedForAccessAbility
Other great Red Shirt Day Resources for kids:

Kids Inclusive: Kids Corner: A resource designed to help children understand different abilities through games, stories, and activities.

• The Rick Hansen Foundation: School Program: Offers lesson plans, toolkits, and activities for educators and parents to promote inclusion and accessibility.
• PBS Kids: Disability Awareness: Tips and resources for teaching children about disabilities and promoting inclusivity.
• Book List: Children's Books About Disabilities: A collection of children's books that highlight different disabilities and promote empathy and understanding.

Today's TD Connected Community Moment:
Be a guest. Tell us who you'd like to hear on an upcoming episode. Share with us the trans-forward topics most important to you. We would love to hear from you and it's easy to engage. You will NOT be added to any emailing lists; infact, participation is anonymous!  Share with us here.
#TD #AccessAbility

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
• Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.
• For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

This episode we’re featuring an interview with Terri McDowell (She/Her), who has built a career working in a traditionally male dominated industry. As an award-winning trans woman, who rose to the C-Suite level on her own terms, Terri reflects on her growth both professionally and personally. 
Terri is a Senior Tax Partner with EY: Ernst Young. Globally, EY has a presence in 183 countries and has almost 450,000 employees based around the globe.  Firstly, we are NOT talking tax on this episode. 

What can employers can do to create a professional services firm where people feel safe to show-up as their authentic self everyday?

Cyn first met Terri in 2022, at the National 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce Awards, where Terri won Business Leader of the Year. Terri is Partner/Principal at EY in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and her recognition as Business Leader of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce underscores the significance of representation and visibility for marginalized communities in leadership positions, serving as a role model for others.

During this interview, you’ll hear Terri's insights on transitioning while building her career and moving from surviving to thriving.

Our conversation highlights several key Topics:

1. Key principle for anchoring a corporate business inclusion strategy.
2. Balancing Professional and Community Engagement.
3. Inclusive Leadership: Terri's experiences as a trans woman in various professional settings and creating welcoming work environments for all employees, regardless of gender identity or expression.
4. nuances of cultural dNA and trans inclusion.
5. Career Development and Diversity of Experience.
6. Building Allyships and the importance of finding common ground.

Show Notes:
Connect with Terri on LinkedIn.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce
The Tax Foundation

Today's TD Connected Community Moment:
Be a guest. Tell us who you'd like to hear on an upcoming episode. Share with us the trans-forward topics most important to you. We would love to hear from you and it's easy to engage. You will NOT be added to any emailing lists; infact, participation is anonymous!  Share with us here.
#TD

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
• Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.
• For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Join us for an exciting journey in Episode 5 of Trans Canada Stories, titled 'Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion'! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome B Adair (he/they), a fresh addition to the SGF Inclusion team. B shares their inspiring journey from navigating the challenging anti-trans climate in Alberta to embracing new horizons on the East Coast of Canada.

Get ready for an engaging discussion as we delve into topics ranging from beachcombing adventures to the vital concept of privilege, and why equity work is beneficial for everyone. Plus, we tackle burning questions about inclusive forms and the imperative to redefine professionalism in the workplace.

But wait, there's more! We absolutely adore hearing from our listeners, and during our TD Connected Community Moment, we extend an invitation for you to send in your questions. Your queries might just be featured in our next episode of Trans Canada Stories!

Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! 🎙️✨

TD Connected Community Moment
Don't miss out—share your questions with us right here: https://forms.gle/e4mUyfaQEwWRftC77
We'll include answers in an upcoming episode! 

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
• Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.
• For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Few Webcomics have been as prolific and long-running as Assigned Male, the brainchild of trans Québécois cartoonist Sophie Labelle. First releasing in October of 2014, Assigned Male portrays life through the eyes of a trans middle schooler named Stephie who alternately makes light of, and chafes under the realities of growing up a transgender child in a cisgender world. The webcomic series is still ongoing.

In 2017, Labelle first squared off against the rising tide of anti-trans and fringe-right haters, when a book reading for her new comic, Dating Tips for Trans and Queer Weirdos, was cancelled under threats of violence. During this time, Labelle received death threats and was doxxed, which would ultimately lead to her resettling with her partner in Finland, where she lives today. In the wake of these events, however, Labelle's audience expanded rapidly across Canada and the world. Today, she has more readers and supporters than ever before.

To see Sophie's work, or to purchase one of her books, visit her website at https://www.serioustransvibes.com/

TD Connected Community Moment
For a chance to win a signed copy of one of Sophie Labelle's books, follow this link and fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiXNtHEfun9GeOwTQs_vnf7ahZurKtjfkIu9VTfUxE0pIbkA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Contest runs until January 6.

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
  
  Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.

In anticipation of Shelley Thompson's novel Roar hitting shelves, Emma and Cyn take the opportunity to learn more about the process behind the publication of this fiercely anticipated novel. This episode, we're taking a peek into the world of sensitivity reading, and the sorts of insights this process gives to authors looking to properly represent marginalized communities in their works of fiction.

Emma and Cyn are joined by Ronnie Ali, a Registered Psychotherapist, Diversity and Wellness Consultant in the arts and entertainment production, a Trauma-Informed Practice Specialist with Challenge Accepted, and Clinical Supervisor at the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy. Due to these exceptional qualifications and her insightful nature, Ronnie was chosen to be a sensitivity reader for Roar, and worked closely with Shelley Thompson to deliver a narrative that felt respectful, gripping, and authentic to the trans experience.

Outside of her work as a sensitivity reader, Ronnie focuses on ending cycles of violence by addressing the roots of oppression and discrimination through research, psychoeducation, social programming, mindfulness training, and consultation services. The majority of the clients at her practice are trans and gender non-conforming. Ronnie identifies as a trans woman of colour and an immigrant settler in Turtle Island.

Order your copy of Shelley Thompson's Roar
Follow this link to order from the publisher: https://nimbus.ca/store/roar.html

TD Connected Community Moment
Here are a couple of book recommendations from our guest, Ronnie. Both are written by trans BIPOC femmes. Check them out: 

• From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom
  https://arsenalpulp.com/News/2020/LISTEN-Julie-Andrews-reads-from-From-the-Stars-in-the-Sky-to-the-Fish-in-the-Sea-by-Kai-Cheng-Thom-for-Julie-s-Library 
• Zom-Fam by Kama La Mackerel
  https://metonymypress.com/shop/books/zom-fam-la-mackerel/

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
• Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.
• For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/
• The first 6 episodes of Trans Canada Stories were made possible with support from community partner TD Bank Group.

During the Cold War, Canadians became targets of a widespread, systemic effort to identify and expel all any queer people working in the military or public service. This included today's guest, Martine Roy.

Martine was a young woman from Montréal who, looking for a purpose-driven career, joined the Armed Forces. Her world was shattered when one day, she was arrested out of the blue, and subjected to rounds of humiliating interrogation on the subject of her intimate life and sexuality. Eventually, she was dishonourably discharged for being in a relationship with another woman.

This so-called "homosexual witch hunt" lasted for over three decades, and the stories of those persecuted during this time are shared in Sarah Fodey's 2018 documentary, The Fruit Machine.

In this episode, we hear from Martine what it was like to live through this traumatizing experience, but also how she's found new purpose in her life and what steps have been taken to secure justice for the hundreds of people affected by the Purge.

Watch The Fruit Machine (2018) on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLEn0h4hJI

TD Connected Community Moment
So, what did you think about The Fruit Machine? Did you know about Canada's LGBT Purge? Send us a message on our SpeakPipe, and you may be featured in our next episode! To leave us a message on SpeakPipe, follow this link: https://www.speakpipe.com/TransCanadaStories

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
  
  Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.