On the first Thursday of every month, join us at CMHA for our trans support groups!
Our Youth and Caregiver support groups happen at the same time, from 6:00-7:30
Youth and Adults come together from 7-7:30 PM for an intergenerational social.
We end the evening with our adult peer support group from 7:00-8:30
When we gather in the Wood Buffalo Pride Peer Support Group Space we agree to:
Respect everyone’s right to PRIVACY.
What happens and is said in the Support Group stays in this space.
No taking photos or videos in the support group space.
We practice RESPECT
Respect for each other. Each of our lived experiences and perspectives is different. Assume positive intent.
Respect for what is shared. We recognize that if something is being shared or discussed, it has intrinsic value. While it might not apply or feel important to us, we acknowledge the value it has to others.
Respect for ourselves. We honour ourselves by regularly checking in on where we are at, what our needs are and we take actions to ensure they are met, including taking breaks, eating, drinking and self-soothing as needed.
Respect everyone's right to self identify, respect their identity and pronouns.
Ask for explicit CONSENT
Before touching someone else or getting into someone’s personal space (example: hugging, high fives).
Respect the first answer when asking for consent, do not pressure anyone for consent
Don’t “out” anyone without their explicit consent. Not everyone is safe or ready to be “out,” outside of support group.
If we run into other group members outside of group, we take extra care not to share that we know them from group and not to assume that the name or pronouns they use in groups are those that they use in other parts of their lives.
Consent can be verbal or non verbal
Consent can be revoked at any time
Right to PARTICIPATE
You have the right to share in the capacity that feels right to you.
You have the right to not share, or decline to participate.
It might look like actively listening and reflecting on the conversation around us.
All emotions are valid in this space. Respond how you need and respect people’s response.
(this is a space to be angry, sad or upset if you need it)
We use INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
When we share, we ensure we use ‘I’ statements instead of ‘we’. We are all only experts in our own lived experience and can only speak for ourselves.
We avoid oppressive and harmful language. This includes language that is homophobic, transphobic, racist and ableist among others.
Do our best to provide content warnings when bringing up sensitive topics.
Warn people that it might be triggering so they can make the best choice for themselves if they do not want to be in a conversation about that topic, and they can step out if they would like to. Respect other people’s boundaries around sensitive topics.
When youth and adults are both present, keep topics AGE APPROPRIATE and the space safe for youth.
Any time when youth are present are sober times.
Adults and youth should not share contact information.
No physical contact between youth and adults.
Adults and youth should not be alone together unless the adult is the caregiver.
Accountability:
If someone is acting or speaking in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, notify the facilitator so that they can take actions to remedy the situation.
If you are acting or speaking in a way that is not in alignment with the community agreement the facilitator may interject, or have a one-on-one conversation with you separately. They will review community agreements with you and seek to find a resolution that maintains the integrity of the agreement and the space. If a resolution can not be reached you may be asked to not participate in support groups until that resolution can be found.
You may also like the following events from Wood Buffalo Pride:
Also check out other
Nonprofit events in Fort McMurray,
Arts events in Fort McMurray,
Theatre events in Fort McMurray.
