RESOURCES
A Compiled Set of Resources for the LGBTQIA2S+ Community of Trinity Western University and Their Affiliates*
Content Warning: Some resources touch on suicidal thoughts and crisis hotline help, as well as address possibly triggering religious content and body dysphoria.
*These resources were gathered through the collaborative work of One TWU and all thanks and appreciation goes to a group of diverse members who were willing to share with the leadership of One TWU their most cherished resources in the hopes that each new generation can have the support and education they did, and more. If you would like to contribute, send us an e-mail at lgbtqtwu@gmail.com!
General Queer Education
Sexplanations Youtube channel: 5-10min videos on a wide range of topics to educate people who are new to their sexuality journey or have been walking this path for a long time.
Affirmation Guide: For LGBTQ+ College Students
By: Lorae V. Bonamy from Q Christian Fellowship
Edugraphic About Gender: The Genderbread Person (version 4)
By: Sam Killermann from It's Pronounced Metrosexual
Article Titled: "Myths about LGBTQ+ People"
By: The UnChanged Movement
YouTube Video Titled: ‘Why The “Born This Way” Argument Doesn't Advance LGBT Equality’ TedTalk
By: Dr. Lisa Diamond
YouTube Video Titled: "10 Sexualities To Know About”
By: Psych2go
Article Titled: "A Pronoun Guide from GLSEN"
By: GLSEN
Article Titled: "A Christian Case Against LGBTQ Change Efforts"
By: The Good Fruit Project (Q Christian Fellowship x The Trevor Project)
YouTube Video Titled: "Queer Theory"
By: Philosophy Tube
Gender Trouble By: Judith Butler
Book Description: This founding text of queer theory argues that “sex”—not just gender—is performative in nature, meaning that medical sexual markers are not descriptive of an ultimate gendered reality, but rather things that are worn performatively, much like clothing or drag (one of Butler’s prime entrances into her argument.)
The History of Sexuality: Vol. 1 By: Foucault
Book Description: Arguing against the notion of “we other Victorians,” that is, that modern people are sexually liberated over and against previous generations, Foucault launches a historiography of sexuality. This work laid some of the most crucial concepts in modern queer theory, and one cannot effectively delve into queer theory without some grounding in this text.
Lesbian Resources
YouTube Video Titled: “How do you know you’re a lesbian?”
By: Melisa Chamorro
Youtube Video Titled: "Femme Lesbian Problems"
By: Cammie Scott
Gay Resources
YouTube Video Titled: "My Coming Out Story and Advice"
By: Dylan Geick
YouTube Video Titled: "I’m Gay"
By: Eugene Lee Yang (of The Try Guys)
Bisexual & pansexual Resources
Article Titled: "Why Merriam-Webster.com Updating the Definition of Bisexual Matters on Bisexual+ Visibility Day and Beyond"
By: GLAAD
Q&A Resource: Frequently Asked Questions on Bisexuality
By: Bi.org
Article Titled: “What is Pansexual? 10 Things You Need to Know About Pansexuality”
By: Women’s Health Magazine
Article Titled: “Pansexuality Meaning And Why It's Not To Be Confused With Bisexuality”
By: Elle
YouTube Video Titled: “What Does ‘Pansexual’ Mean”
By: InQueery Them
Asexual Resources
An Introduction of Asexuality: “What is Asexuality”
By: Whatisasexuality.com
Article on Asexuality: “What Does it Mean to be Asexual?”
By: Healthline
Youtube Video Titled: "Asexuality 101"
By: Jenna Clarek
Youtube Video Titled: "Different Types of Asexuality | Greysexual / Demisexual"
By: HeyoDamo
Youtube Video Titled: "7 Things Asexual People Want You to Know"
By: Psych2go
Youtube Video Titled: "5 Asexuals Explain What “Asexual” Means To Them"
By: Tinder
Two-Spirit Resources
Rainbow Resource Centre Educational PDF on Two-Spirit history and orientation.
Youtube Video Titled “Two Spirit” - Injunuity
By: Vision Maker Media
An introductory video on what Two-Spirit is and history.
Youtube Video Titled: "Why We Need Gender Fluidity"
By: Nick Metcalf
A TedTalk on Two-Spirithood and why gender fluidity is needed in our modern world.
Trans Connect: An organization based in the Kootenays with links and youtube videos on Two-Spirit orientation and history as well as more local groups one can connect with.
"Dance For All People" Two-Spirit Reading List: A reading list put together by an Indigenous group that organize the age-old traditional dance for all people to bring about healing and transformation for and with mother earth and all her beings. Their reading list entails books on all different aspects of Two-Spirithood and history.
Youtube Video titled: Two Spirits, One Voice
By: Egale Canadian Human Rights Trust
Their description reads:
“Two Spirits, One Voice is an initiative that seeks to bolster support for persons that identify both as LGBTQI and Indigenous –Two Spirit people. This video, funded through both the Tegan and Sara Foundation and Laidlaw Foundation, attempts to educate the general public on the history and barriers that impact Two Spirit people in Canada. Two Spirit is an English umbrella term to reflect and restore Indigenous traditions forcefully suppressed by colonization, honouring the fluid and diverse nature of gender and attraction and its connection to community and spirituality. It is used by some Indigenous People rather than, or in addition to, identifying as LGBTQI.”
Trans Resources
Affirmation Guide: for Trans & Gender Expansive Identities
By: Taj Smith from Q Christian Fellowship
A trans owned and operated company that makes and sells binders for all body types, skin tones and comfort levels. Their clothes are ungendered and show models of all gender expressions throughout their website. They have good prices for the quality of binder and offer installment plans for people who can’t afford to put forward the average $30 on the spot for one of their pieces.
Underworks
Another company providing binders as well as underwear, post-surgery compression tops and other shapewear and maternity wear. Priced around the same as gc2b, they do offer well made binders. It is a larger company that does not seem to be queer run, unlike gc2b, and they do also gender their binders and compression tops. This might be important to note, incase their website is gender dysphoria triggering for anyone. (A common consensus in the queer community is that gc2b binders are higher quality and more comfortable.)
Glamour Boutique
Website dedicated to all sorts of gender expressive clothing including binders and tucking thong gaffs. Commonly used website for drag queens to purchase beard covering makeup, clip on earrings and wigs. Very reputable in the drag community and trans community.
Organization that works with all sorts of queer expressions, including trans, and offers a very easy to understand display of what is sex, gender, orientation, and expression are and how they work together. =
Youtube videos on binding & tucking safely
“How to Use a Binder Safely” By: PinkNews
“Chest Binding 101” By: MackMan
Video on how to size for both the gc2b binders and Underworks binders, important guidelines for binding in different weather and how long to bind for and how to buy one discreetly if you are in an unsafe space and how to wash them. His youtube channel is also a really amazing resource for FTM trans people wanting an inside look at surgery and friend/family dynamics as well as just fun vlogs and entertaining videos.
“How to Tuck! MTF Transgender Woman” By: Brandy Nitti
Video on how to tuck with multiple different methods and resources for purchasing clothing to help. One website she mentioned was glamour boutique, linked above.
nonbinary & GenderQueer Resources
Article Titled: "How Do I Know If I’m Nonbinary?"
By: them.
Life Isn’t Binary: On Being Both, Beyond, and In-Between
By: Alex Iantaffi, Meg-John Barker
Book Description: Challenging society's rigid and binary ways of thinking, this original work shows the limitations that binary thinking has regarding our relationships, wellbeing sense of identity and more. Explaining how we can think and act in a less rigid manner, this fascinating book shows how life isn't binary.
How to Understand Your Gender: A Practical Guide for Exploring Who You Are
By: Alex Iantaffi, Meg-John Barker
Book Description: This down-to-earth guide is for anybody who wants to know more about gender, from its biology, history and sociology, to how it plays a role in our relationships and interactions with family, friends, partners and strangers. It looks at practical ways people can express their own gender, and will help you to understand people whose gender might be different from your own. With activities and points for reflection throughout, this book will help people of all genders engage with gender diversity and explore the ideas in the book in relation to their own lived experiences.
She/He/They/Me: For the Sisters, Misters, and Binary Resisters
By: Robyn Ryle
Book Description: She/He/They/Me is a unique and engagingly creative take on an increasingly complex concept. A nontraditional, nonlinear structure allows readers to choose their own path, from a patriarchal culture to a scenario where sex doesn't even exist, and beyond. This method of individual exploration will help readers gain the understanding and confidence they need to engage in meaningful conversations about gender.
Ally & PArent Resources
Relational Guide: for Allies
By: Amy Hayes from Q Christian Fellowship
Free Mom Hugs: An organization of parents and allies of the queer community advocating for affirmation and equality for all. They work to educate civic leaders, church leaders and families on queer issues and encourage them to not only affirm the queer community but also celebrate it. They offer things like temporary financial assistance with food and housing, name change fees, travel expenses and more. They encourage parents to get involved and get educated through their website.
FreedHearts: An organization also full of parents and allies looking to educate in evangelical space spaces specifically. FreedHearts offers resources on biblical affirmation and comprehensive video courses for parents and church communities to use on gender and sexuality. They also have parent support groups and links to finding affirming churches in your area as well as in depth articles and research done on sexuality and the bible from an affirming position.
Kathy Baldock is a straight, white, evangelical, affirming ally who makes youtube videos, webinars, and writes books primarily for family members and friends of LGBTQ+ people who are struggling with faith and sexuality.
Medical Resources
Their Abbotsford or Surrey locations have resources including free counselling, an ability to see a Doctor/Nurse Practitioner, and set up appointments with psychologists for people aged 12-24. There are also support groups for those going through transition and free STI and STD testing. They also have a program called Plan-G where they help get you free medicines for mainly mental health related issues.
Recovery Village: LGBTQ+ Drug & Alcohol Treatment Resources
Studies have shown that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to use and abuse alcohol and drugs and tend to continue abuse throughout their lives. Recovery Village works to spread awareness and to be an informational resource for those impacted by alcohol and drug dependence: they are primarily US-based but they have online tele-therapy options as well.
Mental Health Resources
As of October 29th, 2019 Ajay Erasmus, Rebekah Rosenau-Lai, and Joelle Turner are all affirming and supportive resources and counsellors in the Wellness Center.
Their Abbotsford or Surrey locations have resources including free counselling, an ability to see a Doctor/Nurse Practitioner, and set up appointments with psychologists for people aged 12-24. There are also support groups for those going through transition and free STI and STD testing. They also have a program called Plan-G where they help get you free medicines for mainly mental health related issues.
Groups and Churches
Open Door Church in Maple Ridge, BC states that they are a diverse
and affirming church dedicated to the growth and diversity of its church body. They are also deeply involved in the local community and many of its members also attend Generous Space Ministries meetings. Their community has been very welcoming to One TWU members and continues to be open to connecting anyone interested in their community.
Their statement on an inclusive church: "We aim to practice a radical hospitality following in the footsteps of Jesus who recognized in every individual the image of God. In our diversity, we reflect the image of God — a community of faith diverse in our age, race, gender, ethnicity, diversability, gender identity, family configurations, gifts, sexuality, talents and life experiences. We invite the full participation of every member of our community as we explore and shared God’s love, both in our diversity and through our work."
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Contact: info@opendoorfamily.ca
Parish of St. George Anglican Church
The Parish of St. George has had a stance of affirmation that is
constantly reaffirmed with each interaction One TWU has had with them. They have offered up their space for events and love on each One member who has attended. They are a part of the Anglican Church of Canada and their Priest- Reverend Kelly Duncan- is open to getting coffee and connecting you to the church.
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Contact: kduncan@stgeorgeanglican.ca
United Churches of Langley’s Murrayville site is a haven for those who might find traditional church services too triggering. They have centering prayer services with singing bowls and candles on Wednesday mornings, contemplative Sunday services at 9am in the Sharon Chapel which also includes candles and singing bowls and some short hymns and bible passages. But the heart of that service is the 20 minute silent meditation section to allow you to rest in the spirit and listen to your body and the universe. They also have what would be considered traditional services at 10:30am in the main chapel on Sundays. There is something for everyone here and are welcome to anyone interested.
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Contact: office@ucol.ca
Queer Event Pages
GayVan.com is a website with all the queer events put on throughout Vancouver, from clubs to drag shows to poetry nights, this website has it all in one space organized by neighbourhood and type of event.
Crisis Hotlines
A crisis hotline with Queer specific training that you can connect with in the time of a mental health
crisis/emergency or suicidal thoughts.
Call: Trevor Lifeline
1-866-488-7386
Available 24/7
Text: TrevorText
Text the word “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200
Available Thursday and Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Online Chat: TrevorChat
Enter the online portal on The Trevor Project Website
Available 7 days a week, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET
A transgender specific lifeline for people struggling with thoughts of self-harm or struggling with their gender identity.
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Contact information:
United States
1-877-565-8860
Available 24/7
Canada
1-877-330-6366
Available 24/7
They provide call, email or online chat support for a wide range of concerns including HIV/AIDS anxiety, safe sex, relationship struggles, bullying, workplace issues, as well as coming out struggles. They also have a wide database of resources on their website including in-person resources like queer sports teams you can join, support groups and religious queer spaces.
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Contact Information:
Toll-Free National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
Monday – Friday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET
Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Youth Talkline
1-800-246-7743
Monday – Friday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET
Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET
For teens and young adults up to age 25
Online Peer-Support Chat
Monday – Friday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET
Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET
One-on-one confidential peer support; not for casual chatting.
Trans Teens Online Talk Group
Weekly moderated group for trans teens ages 12 – 19
Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. ET
Athletic Resources
Athlete Ally
An organization that advocates for Queer rights in sports, work to change policy and educate the larger community. Their mission statement reads:
“Athlete Ally believes that everyone should have equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports — regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Our mission is to end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ equality.”
Outsports
A online news resource with articles daily about professional queer athletes, athlitic policy and other sports and queer related topics.
Podcasts
These podcasts are suggestions taken from the internet and some of our members and have not been fully vetted by One TWU. Some touch on queerness and spirituality, some mainly spirituality and others primarily queerness in some capacity.
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The Liturgists
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Making Queer History
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Queerology
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Sisters of Thunder
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Homebrewed Christianity
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This Way Out
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Homoground
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Transition Transmission
BOOKS
