Who we are
Trans Care BC is a provincial clinical program operated by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). We work with our partners to set direction and provide leadership for trans health services across B.C. Our work helps ensure trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people get the care they need when and where they need it.
Trans, Two-Spirit A term used within some Indigenous communities to reflect complex Indigenous understandings of gender and sexuality and the long history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures. Two-Spirit encompasses sexual, gender, cultural and spiritual identity. It may refer to cross-gender, multi-gender or non-binary gender roles, non-heterosexual identities, and a range of cultural identities, roles and practices embodied by Two-Spirit peoples. Some people also use "2-Spirit" or "2S." (Source: Battered Women’s Support Services) and non-binary Umbrella term referring to people whose gender does not fall within the binary gender system of woman/girl or man/boy. Some individuals identify as non-binary while others may use terms such as gender non-conforming, genderqueer, or agender. Non-binary people may or may not conform to societal expectations for their gender expression and gender role, and they may or may not seek gender-affirming medical or surgical care. people of all ages with diverse lived experiences guide our work. Our services support those who identify as Two-Spirit, trans and gender diverse Refers to gender roles and/or gender expression that do not match social and cultural expectations. , their families, friends and loved ones as well as service providers. We work to help people find the information they need to access gender-affirming health care and supports.
We believe in building and maintaining good relations with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and programs. Regional and national Calls to Action and Recommendations guide our approach, which supports person-centred and culturally safer care and practices.
Our services
We provide information, resources and pathways to care related to trans health and wellness. We provide support to health care professionals in the form of clinical tools and resources and education.
Our health navigation team
Trans Care BC's health navigation team helps trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people in British Columbia identify health care system pathways, get information and find services, resources and supports related to trans health.
For more information, visit Health navigators at Trans Care BC or download a poster outlining the services provided by our health navigation team.
Our vision
The Trans Care BC vision is a British Columbia where people of all genders can access gender-affirming health care and live, work and thrive in their communities.
Guiding principles
- Gender-affirming care Processes through which a health care system cares for and supports an individual while recognizing and acknowledging their gender and expression. inclusive of non-binary identities
- Accountable and transparent
- Anti-oppressive, trauma-informed
- Collaborative
- Person-centred care
- Equitable and accessible
Download an infographic of Trans Care BC's Strategic Placemat.
Strategic aims
Trans Care BC works closely with partners and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive provincial network of services. These collaborators include:
- The Ministry of Health
- Trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary communities
- Individuals
- Non-profits
- Regional health authorities
- The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
We are expanding and sustaining health care services by:
- Developing gender-affirming, client-centred models of care.
- Working on equitable access to gender-affirming and supportive health care for children, youth and families.
- Supporting access to reliable information, resources and peer support for trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people, their families, friends and health service providers.
- Offering advanced practice training and follow up support for clinicians around B.C.
Model of care
Trans Care BC aligns with international standards of care and supports the use and distribution of evidence-based information. We aim to improve care across the continuum and share best practices.
Using a hub and spoke model of distributed care, including health care provider education and new approaches (such as using health navigators), the program will bring health care closer to home for trans and gender diverse people in British Columbia.
This model lets us use expertise and coordination from one central point, while also helping expand primary care and peer support throughout the province.
Our approach
Our approach is to:
- Earn and build trust with trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary individuals and communities, their families as well as health care partners across B.C. through engagement and collaboration.
- Take a person-centered approach and work with each individual to achieve their personal health care goals.
- Respect diverse cultures, including the unique perspectives and needs of Indigenous people.
Trans Health Steering Committee
In October 2014, the Minister of Health announced that the Ministry of Health, PHSA and Vancouver Coastal Health would work together to offer expanded and sustainable health services to support transgender communities across the province.
The Trans Health Steering Committee met from December 2014 to May 2015. The committee developed a provincial network model for person and family-centred health care services for transgender British Columbians.
The committee included trans individuals and family representatives. They consulted with people from transgender communities, clinical experts and other stakeholders about how best to create and expand services.
Program progress
PHSA became responsible for the provincial coordination of transgender health services in B.C., including the Transgender Health Information Program, in fall 2015. Since then, PHSA’s Trans Care BC program has been under development.