Supporting trans youth across sectors

COVID-19 is stressing our existing social services and compounding challenges for marginalized people who already face barriers to accessing public services. Julie James, a professor at the School of Child and Youth Care, will work with five young trans, gender diverse, and/or gender non-conforming young people who are leading the project, to examine the healthcare, education, and social service experiences and needs of trans, Two-Spirit, gender diverse, and/or gender non-conforming people in the context of the pandemic. The research team will begin by identifying which gender affirmative healthcare services (surgeries, hormone therapy, etc.) have been cancelled, postponed, or halted and the effects of those interruptions. The research team will also examine the effects of online education delivery, the loss of in-person community and social services, and how young people are connecting online to provide personal support to each other. Healthcare and community service providers are also stakeholders with needs in this process. "We hope that we will be able to identify how policies and practices are being shaped or modified because of COVID-19 and perhaps make recommendations in support of trans, Two-Spirit, gender non-conforming, and/or gender diverse young people and the healthcare and social service workers who aim to support them," says James. A central focus of the study is to understand what, if any, specific needs or supports are being considered for Indigenous, racialized, and/or youth with disabilities. "Many services may be offered remotely, but we will see if this creates safe spaces for trans and gender diverse young people, or if this further restricts access and isolates them in potentially unsafe places," says James. Results will be posted, and updated regularly as new data comes in starting, May 30, 2020 on www.transyouthcan.ca, external link.