Gender affirming care
ISH provides access to medical, surgical and social gender affirmation care for trans, non binary, 2 spirit and otherwise gender diverse folks. At ISH, we recognize that gender affirmation is a very personal journey, and different individuals will desire/need access to different types of services and care. Our role is to support you through your affirmation journey.
**April 2021 Update: Due to current service restrictions, we are unable to add any additional patients to our existing waitlist. We apologize for these limitations and know that we are working diligently to resolve this. Until we can resolve this, Please connect with Trans Care BC for help navigating services.
Please note the age guidelines/wait list times following the service description.
Clinical care
Hormone readiness assessments
Clients aged 16+
Doctors and nurses in our clinic can complete assessments for hormone readiness and prescribe masculinizing or feminizing hormone therapy. **Please note that as of April 2021 , we are not currently accepting new patients for a wait list for surgical assessments/referrals.. We apologize for this limitation, we are working diligently to resolve this.
Surgical assessments and referrals
Clients aged 18+
If you need access to gender affirming surgery, providers in our clinic can help with this, either by acting as a surgical assessor and/or referring you to another provider for assessment. For more information about accessing different types of gender affirming surgeries in BC, please see the Trans Care BC website. **Please note that as of April 2021 , we are not currently accepting new patients for a wait list for surgical assessments/referrals.. We apologize for this limitation, we are working diligently to resolve this.
Hormone medication monitoring and renewals
Clients aged 16+
Clients who have previously completed a hormone readiness assessment can see a physician at ISH for medication monitoring and renewals. You do not need to go on the wait list to see a physician for a medication renewal.
Hormone injection teaching and supplies
Nurses and physicians in our clinic can give hormone injections and teach clients to do self-injections. Thanks to our funders, we are able to offer free hormone injection supplies (syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and sharps containers) on site.
Bleed control
Monthly or cycle bleeding can be challenging for many folks and a major trigger for dysphoria in some individuals. At our clinic, you can see a nurse or a doctor to access medication like depo-provera or a hormonal IUD which can help to alleviate and/or eliminate cycle bleeds.
Gender aware and affirming sexual and reproductive health screening and treatment
Our doctors and nurses offer gender aware sexual and reproductive health screening services including Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, Testing and Treatment, pap/cervical screening, pelvic, genital and chest tissue exams. We recognize that screening and treatment may require extra time, the use of client specific language and discussion and other approaches to be respectful, comfortable and accessible client centred care.
Peer support services
Whitney (she/her/hers or they/them/theirs) is a Trans Care BC peer support worker available to help Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse clients of Island Sexual Health navigate services and get connected to care. She can help to assist you in accessing inclusive physical and mental health services, as well as to connect to supportive community. Whitney is also available if you’d like to have a tea and vent about the trials of transition. Feel free to get in touch if there’s something you’d like to discuss!. Please email Whitney directly to arrange.
Gender affirming apparel (GAA)
We have added gender affirming apparel to our store. We are stocking packers, packing underwear, gaffs including children’s gaffs) and binders. We understand that these items are mostly available online and that fitting for such things (especially binders) is complex and if done wrong can come with complex health risks. We offer in-person covid safe fittings by appointment. You can book a fitting appointment online.
Trans resources
TransCare BC
In BC, we are incredibly lucky to have a provincial based resource, Trans Care BC who supports the delivery of equitable and accessible care, surgical planning, and peer and community support for trans people across the province. Trans Care BC is a BC-wide information service and resource hub. We work to make sure people have the information they need to access gender affirming health care and supports.
- Phone: Toll-free (BC): 1-866-999-1514
- Outside of BC or unable to call a toll-free number: 604-675-3647
- Email:
Vancouver Island Trans Resources
The Chair in Transgender Studies is proud to host this resource and information site for trans and gender diverse people and their allies on Vancouver Island. This listing is not an endorsement – only a collection of local resources and businesses.
Gender Spectacular Families
Local based group that offer resources, education, and support in a variety of formats including a lending library for families. A great place to make local connections, gather resources and support..
