2SLGBTQAI+ Affirmative Practices

Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual, plus (2SLGBTQAI+) persons share a particular set of unique concerns and are often subjected to hurtful and negative judgments that can affect self-image and self-esteem, increase fears, impact careers and relationships, prevent personal growth, and affect their overall quality of life.

I am a cis-male, queer person who has been working with the 2SLGBTQAI+ community for over 10 years. As a queer person, I have experienced the discrimination, oppression, ridicule, and shame that 2SLGBTQAI+ clients may have experienced, and I understand how those hurtful external messages can become internalized and generate shame and sense of inadequacy and inferiority. I also understand the intersectionality: the way that individuals are affected by more than one form of discrimination, and the difficulties intersectionality creates. In my practice, I provide 2SLGBTQAI+ affirmative practices, a nonpathologizing approach to clinical practice that embraces a positive view of 2SLGBTQAI+ people, accepts, respects, and validates all experiences and expressions of 2SLGBTQAI+ identities and relationships (Carlson & McGeorge, 2010). This mean helping clients develop positive identity (ies) and self-esteem while addressing the impact of minority stress, discrimination, heterosexism, and homophobias. 2SLGBTQAI+ affirmative practice must acknowledge and facilitate conversation about the oppressive contexts that transgender clients often experience in our society and the healthcare system. I focus on creating a trusting environment for my clients to safely share, understand, and explore their unique life experiences.

For those interested in hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery, I provide affirmative and anti-oppressive assessment services. I am an approved assessor by Trans-Care BC.

Sliding-scale rates (including limited free assessment) are available for those who have financial constraints.