Trans Affirming
Network
To help make your experience viewing TAN as easy as possible
we have made two viewing options available.
Mental Health & Healthcare Professionals
The Mental Health professionals on this list are registered on an individual basis. This includes Psychologists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Therapists and more.
We believe this is important so you know everyone on this list has personally completed our training and has committed to creating the safest place they can.
General Listings
This list shows all the registered Business’s, Non-profits, Organizations & Associations that have completed our training. That can include places like Coffee Shops, Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis, Clothing Stores, hair salons & barbers, physiotherapists, massage therapists, art studios and much more.
All of our registered TAN members are offered free refreshment courses to ensure new staff members get the opportunity to be trained as well.
A collection of local businesses who all share the value that it is essential to create spaces that are welcoming, respectful and inclusive of trans and gender diverse folks and are committed to working to provide these spaces themselves. All members commit to the implementation of the following 9 actions you can expect to see when you visit everyone on this list:
1. BE EXPLICITLY WELCOMING
Seeing ourselves visibly represented through words, signs, etc. reduces our sense of isolation & fosters belonging and welcoming.
2. CHECK OUR BIAS AROUND GENDER
Gender identity & expression are varied and unique. We can’t make assumptions based on learned patterns. Catch and challenge, when they arise.
3. PRACTICE PROPER PRONOUN USE
Normalize asking for pronouns and sharing ours. Default to using a person’s name or gender neutral pronouns if we don’t know.
4. MOVE BEYOND THE BINARY
Ensure our language, forms, pricing, signage & policies are using gender neutral language. Create intentional space for non-binary folks.
5. CREATE AFFIRMING PHYSICAL SPACES
Implement as immediately if possible & be proactive about solutions while advocating for them when it is not.
6. BE TRANSPARENT & PROACTIVE
Establishing and sharing policies & practices ahead of time reduces anxiety from uncertainty and allows folks to plan & prepare.
7. MINIMIZE EMOTIONAL LABOUR
Removing obligations on folks to educate & have to overshare minimizes emotional labour.
8. BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR MISTAKES
Welcome the opportunity to grow by stepping out of our egos, apologizing for our missteps & sharing the actions we will take to do better.
9. EMBRACE CHANCES TO DO BETTER
Opportunities to continue to learn & improve are not a burden but rather gifts and treating them as such helps in building trust.
What is required of businesses who want to join the network?
First and foremost, we want all members of the network to share the beliefs and values as laid out on this page and a desire to actively take steps to create a more inclusive and affirming province for all.
From there, we ask that the entire staff and/or a manager, owner or someone who is able to guide the staff:
• Complete our ‘Trans Affirming Network’ training and info session which covers how to create more inclusive spaces and how the network operates;
• Actively work to implement the ‘9 steps’ with any needed support from Skipping Stone.
• Are open and responsible to addressing any mistakes and/or opportunities for growth.
If you would like to join, please complete the registration form here.