Positive Space Programming at Compass Community Health is free and open to all community members!
Compass strives to serve and provide equal care for all, regardless of barriers such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, faith affiliation, immigration status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability or age.
We recognize members of the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community can and do face many barriers to health. We are committed to doing our part in reducing those barriers within Compass and empowering our clients to lead healthy and strong lives.
Gender Affirming Clinic
Compass Community Health hosts a Gender Affirming Clinic for Trans and Non-Binary folks.
Our clinic offers a spectrum of services, including:
1. Gender Affirming Care
Management of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy, including individual treatment plans and culturally sensitive cancer screening and contraception support, and coordinated referrals for surgical consultations as needed.
2. Client Navigation and Education
Identification Support and community resources to support overall wellbeing.
3. Gender Gear Program
Compass has a free program which provides gender-affirming gear for individuals who face barriers accessing these items. This includes binders, gaffs, and tape. There are a variety of different sizes and shades available to suit all trans and gender-diverse individuals.
4. AFFIRM
An 8-week CBT-based group for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth to learn about stress and coping skills. Two groups are offered; one for middle-school-aged youth and one for high-school-aged youth. Timing of groups is dependent on need. Affirm is offered in partnership with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and the Hamilton Family Health Team (HFHT).
5. Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Intergenerational Kitchen
Compass hosts an all-age kitchen group for members of the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community to come together, prepare a meal, and eat. A wide range of intergenerational participants from 14 to 75 years of age bring a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences.
6. Trans ID Clinic
In partnership with the Hamilton Trans Health Coalition (HTHC), the Queer Justice Project, and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic (HCLC), Compass’ Trans ID clinics support transgender and gender-diverse individuals in changing their legal name and/or gender marker. Lacking proper identification can be a barrier to accessing services, and the name change process is complex and often requires support for form completion, notarization, and advocacy. Financial assistance is also available for individuals who identify application costs to be a barrier.
7. Trans-Feminine Intergenerational Peer Support Program
Compass currently runs a monthly peer support program for Trans-Feminine identified folks to discuss concerns unique to them. At our meetings we discuss transition, employment opportunities, transphobia, and related issues, as well as working to build a community of trans sisters. This intergenerational, once-a-month meeting brings together trans-feminine youth (aged 16-29) and adults (30+) in the community.
8. Trans and Non-Binary Gaming Group (TTRPG)
Compass hosts a once monthly tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) night for Trans and Non-Binary folks to build community and experiment with different gender identities and names in a playful environment. All skill and experience levels are welcome!
9. Trans and Non-Binary Grocery Program
In partnership with Neighbour 2 Neighbour (N2N), we offer a monthly food bank for Trans and Non-Binary folks and their families to get food, fresh produce, menstruation products, and other necessities. All Trans and non-binary folks living in Hamilton can attend.
10. Self-Administering HRT Injections
A Registered Nurse (RN) illustrates how to safely self-administer HRT injections at home intramuscularly and subcutaneously.
11. At-Home Haircut: In this video tutorial, Hamilton hair stylist Natasha York and barber Kris Bell show how to cut short gender-affirming haircuts at home!
12. “Safer Space, Move in Place” Movement Break Video Series
This series of eight (8) short movement break videos to motivate and show folks how to move safely in their homes was developed during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This series was created by Miriam, a physiotherapist, and Kyle, a former Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Advocate at Compass.
Community Resources
Speqtrum
A youth-focused program for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ folks under 29 years old ran by the YWCA.
The Youth Wellness Centre (YWC)
A space for youth ages 17 to 25 to receive mental health care in Hamilton ran by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Hamilton Family Health Team
A family health team focused on providing inclusive primary care.
Hamilton Trans Health Coalition
A Hamilton-based nonprofit consisting of health care providers, advocates, and community members, focused on increasing the capacity and availability of equitable healthcare for transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary folks.
Allyship Guide
A guide for cisgender and heterosexual allies to support Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ loved ones, friends, and community members.
YouthLine
An Ontario-wide, confidential peer support hotline for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth under 30 years old.
Trans Lifeline
An international trans-led organization which provides peer support services and other resources for Trans and Non-Binary folks.
Want to know more? Email Autumn at AGetty@CompassCh.org or call at (905) 523-6611 ext: 2022