Fourth Annual Trans-Gathering Workshop creates a safe space for York University’s trans community

On March 23, York University’s Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education and Student Counselling, Health and Well-being are co-hosting the 4th Annual Trans-Gathering Workshop to provide a safe space for members of the trans community to ask questions, explore important topics and find community.

This choose-your-own-adventure-style workshop will be facilitated by Jay Jonah (MSW, RSW) and is open to all York community members who identify as part of our Trans, Queer, and Gender non-conforming community. Attendees will choose which topics Jonah speaks about. Participation in the workshop is encouraged, but not required.

The workshop takes place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Trans Gathering Workshop 2021 promo graphic

Life is one big choose-your-own-adventure book. Many people can start out on the same path but end up in vastly different directions based on the obstacles they encounter, decisions they make, or decisions that are made for them by others. Being trans may be a theme in your adventure book, but it is not all of who you are. This workshop is a place to explore how transness intersects with the rest of who you are.

This workshop provides a safe space to ask your questions, hear how other trans folks have navigated situations, and to find community. Potential questions to be explored include but are not limited to: Am I trans enough? Will everything change if I have surgery? What if I don’t want to medically transition? How do I know if I’m making the right decision? How do I access surgeries and/or hormones? How do I find and build safety?

All topics related to being trans or non-binary are open for discussion. Possible topics can include surgery, recovery, hormones, coming out during COVID-19, misgendering, dysphoria etc. Bring your questions and leave with information and perhaps some new friends.

Jonah is a trans-identified social worker and mental health clinician who has worked with the queer and trans community for nearly a decade. Jonah believes that just because you identify as trans doesn’t mean you have to conform to what it means to be trans. Trans, its meaning and definition, is unique to each individual. There is no wrong way to be trans, there is only your way to be trans.

Register for the workshop here.