Gender-affirming Care in Action: Stories and Insights from the Frontline
Thank you for joining us on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Gender-affirming Care in Action: Stories and Insights from the Frontline.” In this session, we had a conversation with a diverse panel of healthcare professionals and individuals with transgender lived experiences. Through their stories and expertise, we gained valuable insights into the healthcare needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals and expanded our understanding of how to deliver compassionate and high-quality care to all patients.
Speaker bios
Dr. A.J. Lowik (They/ Them)
Dr. A.J. Lowik is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, part of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. Their work focuses on the reproductive lives and health of trans people, including in the areas of menstruation, abortion, lactation, perinatal care, and fertility. They lead a Research Equity Toolkit project called “Gender & Sex in Methods and Measurement,” focused on providing researchers with the tools to design research that mobilizes gender and sex concepts accurately, precisely and inclusively. Dr. Lowik is the President of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, a member of the BC Period Poverty Task Force, and part of a BC Law Institute Project Committee reviewing Part 3 of the Family Law Act. They work with researchers, healthcare providers, social service organizations, yoga studios, law and policymakers, supporting the development of gender-affirming and trans-inclusive policies and practices.
Ari Para (They/Them)
Ari is a queer non-binary second generation Eelam Tamil (Sri-Lankan Tamil) Canadian. They consider themselves an artivist, finding ways to combine their love for art with their love for social justice and education. They are an ESL teacher, Teaching Assistant, theatre artist, jewelry maker, creative writer, and avid reader. Ari completed an undergraduate degree in Business Communications at Brock University while completing minors in Dramatic Arts & Women and Gender Studies. During their time in St. Catharines, Ari got involved with different EDI social justice organizations such as the Brock Student Justice Centre and OPIRG-Brock. Ari is currently completing their PhD in Education at York University after completing their MA in Education at York University. Ari has recently self-published two books, called “DEAR BODY”, and “displaced.”, both exploring the intersectionality of their queer and cultural identities. Ari is currently focusing their doctoral research on their QTBIPOC Disabled community, exploring post-secondary education experiences while reimagining more inclusive classrooms.
Dr. Dan Metzger (He/Him)
Dr. Dan Metzger is a Pediatric Endocrinologist at BC Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. Dr. Metzger and his team, in conjunction with mental-health partners in the community and onsite, have been seeing trans and gender-diverse youth since 1998. They were the first clinic in Canada and the second in North America to offer gender-affirming medical treatments for this population, and they have now served over 1000 youth in their clinic. Most recently, Dr. Metzger was a co-author on the Canadian Paediatric Society’s position statement on affirming care for trans and gender-diverse youth.
Dr. Ingrid Cosio (She/Her)
Dr. Ingrid Cosio has been a family physician in Prince George for 20 years. She is a primary preceptor for the Prince George Family Practice Residency program and recently completed a 10-year appointment as the Behavioral Medicine faculty lead at this UBC site. She is the Physician Lead for the Northern Gender Clinic, which provides gender-affirming care to BC’s Northerners. She co-leads a local advocacy group called Physicians for Diversity & Inclusion.
Jae Dela Cruz (He/Him/His)
Jae is a 30 year old Bisexual, Polyamorous, Trans Man of Filipino & Ethiopian descent residing in Toronto, Ontario.
An avid member of the Toronto Trans community, Jae has spoken on multiple panels for Pride Toronto, & the 519 2SLGBTQ+ community centre. He has also done work for other Trans & Queer initiatives across the city, spanning back to 2015.
Lorraine Grieves
Lorraine Grieves is a Two-Spirit, (Métis/Cree/Blackfeet/Scottish//Irish/English) person with family roots in the Red River (Winnipeg) area of Manitoba. Lorraine grew up on the unceded and ancestral homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples in what’s colonially known as Vancouver, BC. Lorraine is the founding director of the provincial program, Trans Care BC, at the Provincial Health Services Authority. Since 2015, Trans Care BC’s work has focussed on improving, enhancing and coordinating services for trans and gender diverse people in B.C. Lorraine and the Trans Care team have been honoured to work alongside community members, clinicians, health authorities, multiple government ministries and health programs to bring gender-affirming care closer to home. Lorraine is a registered clinical counsellor with a passion for program development and systemic change efforts that centre the expert, lived experience wisdom of service participants in co-designing work that impacts them. Previous work has been focused on youth & family and adult community-based services with an emphasis on Indigenous health, youth health promotion, concurrent disorders, harm reduction and substance use treatment. Lorraine is proud to be the parent of a now-adult daughter who is an ongoing inspiration.
Description
Join a diverse panel of healthcare professionals and individuals with transgender lived experiences. From physicians to advocacy group leaders, each brings a unique perspective on the challenges and successes encountered in supporting transgender health. Panelists will highlight changes in practices and perspectives that have positively impacted transgender healthcare delivery. They will explore what constitutes a caring, supportive, and inclusive environment for transgender patients, as well as the grounding principles for gender-affirming care. Through their stories and expertise, you will gain valuable insights into the healthcare needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals and expand your understanding of how to deliver compassionate and high-quality care to all your patients.
Topic: Gender-affirming Care in Action: Stories and Insights from the Frontline
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PST
Location: Livestream
What will I Learn?
You will gain valuable insights about the healthcare needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals and expand your understanding of how to deliver compassionate and high-quality care to all your patients.
Affinity Spaces
An affinity group is a community of peers that offers support, guidance, resources, and mentorship to its members, who identify as like-minded with the group. Affinity groups are particularly valuable as they provide a sense of belonging, community, and collective empowerment to members of historically, systemically, and perpetually marginalized groups, whose experiences and voices are often not centered. An affinity space serves as a place to convene, share challenges, validate experiences, collaboratively identify needs, and celebrate successes. It can also be a space for sharing food, cultural celebrations, or ceremonies. Affinity groups bring together people who share relatable feelings and experiences, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space where their true feelings, expressions, thoughts, and opinions can be shared and recognized.
For some, these groups are the only places where they feel truly understood and seen for who they are. By definition, members of marginalized communities have fewer colleagues who share similar backgrounds to turn to. However, an affinity space allows colleagues to connect across geographical barriers, levels of seniority, and other differentiating factors.
Affinity groups can take on various forms, including physical spaces (such as an office or building) and/or online spaces (like a message board, website, hashtag, etc.). They can exist at different scales, ranging from local to international. They can be grassroots or institutionally organized.
Learn more about how affinity groups can support creating an inclusive campus.
Examples of affinity groups on campus:
Groups for Faculty, Staff and Students
- Asian Canadian Community Engagement Initiative
- First Nations House of Learning
- IBPOC STEM Network: Women and gender-diverse faculty, staff, postdocs and graduate students
- Pride Collective
- UBC Black Caucus
Faculty and Staff Groups
- IBPOC Connections: Staff & Faculty
- Indigenous Portal: Faculty & Staff
- Disability Affinity Group
- Queer Faculty and Staff Collective
Student Groups
-While primarily student groups, some of these also have faculty and staff presence.
- AMS Autism Associates Club
- AMS Buddhism Association at UBC
- AMS Central American Student Association UBC
- AMS Central Asian Student Union at UBC
- AMS Coptic Orthodox Student Association
- AMS Falun Dafa Fellowship at UBC
- AMS Jain Students Association at UBC
- AMS Newman Club of UBC
- AMS Refugee Relief at UBC
- AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre
- AMS UBC Young Black Professionals
- Arab Students Association at UBC
- AMS Women Empowerment Club @ UBC
- Black Graduate Student Network
- Born For More – Origin
- Brazilian Student Association
- Catholic Christian Outreach
- Chabad Jewish Student Club
- Christian Students @ UBC
- Egyptian Student Association at UBC
- First Generation Students Union (FGSU)
- Hong Kong Student Association
- InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
- Ismaili Students Association
- Jewish Students’ Association
- Muslim Students’ Association of UBC
- Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights
- Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE): Indigenous mentoring initiative across all faculty programs at UBC
- UBC Bhangra Club
- UBC Black Student Union
- UBC Disabilities United Collective
- UBC German Student Association
- UBC HUA Dialogue
- UBC Japan Association
- UBC Kababayan – Filipino Students Association
- UBC Middle East Studies Student Association
- UBC Sikh Students’ Association
- UBC Social Justice Centre
- UBC Thai Aiyara
- UBC Ukrainian Student Union
- Women’s Centre
Please note that while we endorse the idea of affinity groups and acknowledge their potential to cultivate belonging, we are not specifically endorsing any particular group. Rather, we are sharing available resources on campus. You can find more groups here.
Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Thank you for joining us virtually on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples.” In this Indigenous Speakers Series session, we had a conversation with Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band and author of REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples. We explored strategies for achieving both individual and shared independence and understand why we need each other in creating a better life for Indigenous peoples.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples.” This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Speakers Series.
Speaker Bio
Chief Clarence Louie, O.C., O.B.C., H/Lt.Col. (39 SR CAF), H/Ph.D. (Queen’s University & UBC), C.B.H.F, BC B.H.F, A.B.H.F, N.A.A.A.
Osoyoos Indian Band
Chair, Okanagan Nation Alliance
Author – Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Graduated from high school 1978. Attended the University of Regina, (Saskatchewan Indian Federated College) Native American Studies Program. Continued Native American Studies at the University of Lethbridge, from 1979 to 1982.
Since December 1984 when first elected as Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, part of the Okanagan Nation in south central British Columbia, Clarence Joseph Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living. Under his direction (30+ years), the Band has become a multi- faceted corporation that owns and manages eleven businesses, 5 joint ventures and employs a thousand people. In 1998 the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation was formed to manage and provide strategic direction to the existing businesses and as well as seek out new economic opportunities. Clarence was appointed C.E.O.
Other achievements under Chief Louie’s tenure include the negotiated settlement of three Specific Land Claims, the successful negotiation of over 1,000 acres of lease developments, the acquisition of hundreds of acres of land to add to the reserve, the purchase of a viable off-reserve business, the financing of a major golf course development, the initiation of the Osoyoos Indian Taxation By-law, the financing and building of a new pre- school/daycare and grade school/gymnasium, construction of a new Health Center/Social Services building and in 2008 the building of a 1st class Youth Centre.
The Osoyoos Indian Band has modeled not only sustainable business development, but also socio-economic development, whereby the community’s social needs are improved. Chief Louie’s constant message is, “Socio- economic development is the foundation for First Nation self-reliance, our communities need to become business minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer underfunded government programs. Each of our First Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory. Native people must change their mindset from; Spending Money To Making Money”.
As confirmation of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s commitment to business, and social economic development the Band owns and operates a diversity of businesses on the reserve, including: vineyards, retail stores, a Readi-Mix company, a championship golf course, eco-tourism businesses and activities in the Forestry. In 2002 the Band opened the first Aboriginal winery in North America-Nk’Mip Cellars. The winery is a joint venture with Arterra Canada.
Although economic development is the means to achieving self-sufficiency, Chief and Council continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining the Okanagan language and culture in all aspects of the band’s activities including business. The establishment of the Nk’Mip Desert& Cultural Center is a testament to this commitment of balancing business while investing time and money in culture. This eco-cultural center provides visitors an opportunity to experience the Okanagan culture and explore the desert lands that are a part of their traditional territory. The Nk’Mip Desert & Cultural Center is also an example of the continued growth of the band’s businesses.
Chief Louie believes that job creation and increasing business revenue in a responsible manner will bring back what he describes as, “our First Nation working culture, the self-supporting lifestyle of our ancestors.” And further, First Nation leaders have a responsibility to incorporate First Nation’s language and culture in all socio- economic initiatives as the means to improve and protect your First Nation’s heritage. In 2002, Chief Louie played a key role in the successful negotiations to return a sacred cultural site, “Spotted Lake,” to the Okanagan Nation. Chief Louie’s efforts have been widely recognized in Canada and the United states.
- In 1999, he received the Aboriginal Business Leader Award from All Nations Trust and Development Corporation.
- In 2000, the Advancement of Native Development officers (CANDO) named Chief Louie the “Economic Developer of the Year”
- In the same year Clarence was chosen to join the Governor General of Canada in the 2000 leadership tour.
- In 2001 Chief Louie was appointed to the Aboriginal Business Canada Board and in 2007 was appointed asChair of the Board.
- In 2002- Aboriginal Tourism B.C. awarded Chief Louie the “Inspirational Leadership Award.”
- Maclean’s Magazine listed Chief Clarence Louie as one of the “Top 50 Canadians to Watch” in their January 2003 issue.
- More recognition came in 2003 as the U.S. Department of State selected Clarence as 1 of 6 First Nation representatives to participate in a 2-week tour of successful American Indian Tribes.
- In April 2004 the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation presented Clarence with the award for “Business and Community Development.” The National Achievement Awards represent the highest honor the Aboriginal Community bestows upon its own achievers.
- Past committee member B.C. Region Indian Affairs (Forestry and Economic Development)
- First Nation Boards – Denendeh Investments (Yellowknife – 2007), Stsailes Dev. Corp. (Chilliwack – 2009)
- 2006 – Order of British Columbia
- 2008 – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2011 – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business – Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame
- 2015 – Destination B.C. Board of Directors
- 2015 – B.C. Provincial Health Services Authority Board of Directors
- 2016 – Order of Canada
- 2018 – Canadian Business Hall of Fame
- 2019 – B.C. Business Hall of Fame
- 2019 – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (Federal Board)
- 2020 – Okanagan Nation Alliance Tribal Chair
- 2021 – B.C. Hydro Board
- 2021 – Honorary Doctorate Degree, University of B.C.
- 2021 – Book Author “Rez Rules”
- 2022 – Honorary Doctorate Degree, Queens University (Kingston Ontario)
- 2023 – Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, 39 Signal Regiment Canadian Armed Forces
A lifelong student of “Native American Studies”, Clarence shares his experiences (Key Note Speaking) and best lessons learned to Native people, Government and Corporate agencies across the U.S and Canada as well as overseas – Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France, in a simple direct business smarts approach, “Every First Nation comes from a working culture. Our ancestors worked hard for a living. Today life is as complicated or messed up as you make it. To improve your quality of life, you either go to school or get a job. Words without action, excuses and blame, leads towards more welfare dependency and poverty. It’s hard work and making money that improves one’s standard of living and provides for First Nation social needs.”Chief Louie believes that “Aboriginal people and government must make Economic Development – self-sustaining job creation and business growth an everyday priority. A real decent paying job that provides real opportunity is the very best social program on any Rez!”
The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In Business To Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future.”
Moderator
Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Director, Indigenous Engagement
Description
Written by Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup
I have consistently stated that Indigenous peoples are likely the only segment of Canadian society that is simultaneously coming to terms with the historic past and trying to build a way forward. Many Indigenous peoples grapple with a balance of tensions between identity and language as well as career and prosperity, and many still are disadvantaged with a lack of resources and capacity to improve their lives. We live in an interesting time of telling our many truths, reconciling for a better future, and creating a just redress all in an effort to create a better life for ourselves, for our children and for our grandchildren. We can create a way forward, a plan for today and tomorrow, and a rulebook that outlines a path to a better and successful life.
Chief Clarence Louie offers a path forward in his remarkable book, REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples. Chief Louie offers a thoughtful, honest, direct, and doable way to achieve individual and shared independence. He also offers a personal and intimate telling of his life in politics, and an authentic leadership that is indicative of including those that continue to support him. There’s a message that becomes abundantly clear in his rulebook, and that is, we need each other to create a better life for our people.
Indigenous peoples also need truth, reconciliation and redress to work, and this means that non-Indigenous Canadians need to be a part of the solution, a part of the rulebook, and a part of the processes to bring about transformative change in this country that has created an abundance of wealth, prosperity and independence. Please join me for this important, timely and relevant conversation with Chief Clarence Louie.
Topic: REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Date: Wednesday, March 13th, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm (PST)
What Will I Learn?
You will learn about a unique perspective from a BC First Nations Chief of what it means to come to terms with each other in the context of truth, reconciliation and redress.
Continue Learning
“The time to make things happen is now. The time to seek out our individual and shared power is now.”
Learn more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives here
Discover more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series here
Find REDI’s Indigenous-Specific Resources here
Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare
Thank you for joining Vancouver Coastal Health and Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Respectful Environment, Diversity, and Inclusion on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST) for “Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare.” In this session we learned about and celebrated the important contributions made by Black professionals in BC healthcare. The panel featured Aisha Sallad, UBC Midwifery Student Manager; Barbara Sutherland, Director of VCH Coastal and Acute Services; Dr. Oluseyi Malomo, Staff Psychiatrist at Fraser Health and Clinical Instructor at UBC; and Dr. Taru Manyanga, Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at UNBC. The panel was moderated by Madison Tardif, REDI Equity Advisor at UBC, and Oluwaseun Ajaja, Regional Manager for Anti-Racism at VCH. During this session, the panelists shared their experiences navigating the healthcare work environment and emphasize the importance of recognizing and promoting Black excellence in health care.
Speaker bios
Aisha Sallad, Midwifery Student Manager, UBC
Aisha is the Student Manager for the UBC Midwifery program. Aisha is responsible for overseeing all aspects of student recruitment, advising, educational program planning, and student retention initiatives for two UBC Midwifery programs – the 4-year undergraduate Midwifery program and the Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP).
Barbara Sutherland, Director, Coastal and Acute Services, VCH
Barb Sutherland is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience providing frontline care to those most in need. She served as the Director of Operations at Royal Columbian Hospital and recently came out of retirement to support Lions Gate Hospital as Interim Director of Coastal and Acute Services. Barb is a certified leadership coach with extensive experience supporting leaders in gaining competence and confidence in their roles.
Dr. Oluseyi Malomo, Staff Psychiatrist, Fraser Health;
Clinical Instructor, UBC
Dr. Oluseyi Malomo is a Staff Psychiatrist at Fraser Health and Clinical Instructor at UBC. In addition to being licensed to practice in Canada, he is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrist in the UK.
Dr. Taru Manyanga, Assistant Professor, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Taru Manyanga is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia. He is affiliated with the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Taru obtained his entry-to-practice physical therapy degree from the University of Manitoba and completed a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Ottawa. Taru is a registered physical therapist who has practiced physical therapy in four provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, BC) and one territory (Yukon). He occasionally provides physical therapy services in rural First Nations communities in northern British Columbia.
Taru’s research applies an equity lens in examining and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., physical activity, sleep, less screen time), particularly among rural and underserved populations throughout the life course. Taru is a member of several clinical and research organizations where he is actively involved in projects advancing physical therapy and promoting healthy lifestyles for overall health and wellbeing.
Moderators
Madison Tardif, Equity Advisor, REDI
Madison Tardif is an Equity Advisor at the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) within the Faculty of Medicine. In her capacity at REDI, she offers strategic guidance and supports capacity-building for department heads, faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to implementing decolonization, anti-racism, and inclusive practices.
Oluwaseun Ajaja, Regional Manager for Anti-Racism, VCH
Oluwaseun, the inaugural Regional Manager for Anti-Racism at Vancouver Coastal Health, is a seasoned human rights lawyer with a wealth of experience in public policy, intergovernmental affairs and conflict resolution.
Topic: Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare
Date: Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PST
Location: Livestream