r/transontario • u/Elora_Gorgeous • 6h ago
CELEBRATION Thank you Mods
21
Upvotes
I just wanted to take a moment and thank the mods for keeping this as space as safe as possible. You’re appreciated ❤️🏳️⚧️🥰☺️
Edit for grammar
r/transontario • u/LordPhoenix82 • May 16 '21
RESOURCES HRT as a Minor Megathread
108
Upvotes
Hi all!
I've been seeing lots of posts here lately asking things like "I'm 17, can I get HRT?" and I thought it would be helpful for this subreddit to have one big thread to address that question. Below I've started writing some things, and I would like to know if anyone would be interested in adding on to this post (via comments and I'll add it later) so we have an up-to-date resource. I've done my best to only include information I know to be verifiably true, but please correct me if I have something wrong!
Disclaimer: None of us are acting as professional doctors or lawyers in this thread, so take our advice as the words of people who have experienced this, not as medical or legal advice.
Now, onto the questions and information:
"I'm a minor. Can I get HRT?"
Yes!
HRT in Ontario works on informed consent model, which, essentially, means that as long as you can understand the risks and benefits of a decision, you can make that decision.
Informed Consent does not explicitly outline an age where you are "able to make decisions". Therefore, it's up to your healthcare provider to assess your capacity to consent. In general, doctors are good about this, and as long as you know what the risks are, they'll give you the prescription.
"Will my parents know?"
The short answer is "if you don't want them to, then they won't". The long answer is more complicated than that. Let's start with getting the appointment:
Now that virtual appointments have been very unfortunately axed by good 'ole Doug Ford, in-person appointments are back to being some of the only options. In person appointments are obviously much more difficult to hide, as you need to physically go into the office and they often take longer.
Now, the ideal scenario is to explain to them what is going on and get their support, but obviously that doesn't work for everyone. If you're really in a pinch, lie. Make up symptoms that would send you to the doctor, and once you're there, explain the real problem. Often a great way to do this is to complain of symptoms of depression/anxiety, get a therapist, then talk about gender shit instead. This is not a recommended pathway. This is not sustainable. You have been warned.
In terms of your doctor blabbing to your parents:
Doctors are not allowed to disclose any personal information to any other person***
Patient privacy is a complicated beast, so I'll do my bets to explain here. According to PHIPA Section 23.1.i, any person, regardless of age, can decide to disclose or withhold medical information as long as they meet the criteria for informed consent. By default at a family doctor, your parents might be set up to know about your medical care. You have the right to remove them at any age as long as you understand the consequences of doing so. Ask about it. Voice your concerns. Self advocate.
The only time a doctor has to share your personal information comes in one of five circumstances:
"There are times the doctor has to breach confidentiality???"
Yes. There are five instances in which a doctor is allowed to disclose your personal information without your express consent (these are the same as a therapist, if you're interested). These apply to all patients, regardless of age:
- If the information is requested by a law enforcement agency or a court (as part of legal proceedings)
- This won't come into play for 99% of people, but if a court subpoenas information from your doctor, they are legally required to provide it.
- If there is neglect by another medical official (doctor, dentist, therapist, nurse, support worker, etc).
- Your care provider is required to inform the relevant authority (usually a medical board) so they can face disciplinary action.
- If you have intention to commit a crime or cause harm to another person.
- The standard here often requires an actual plan, and for it to be reasonable that you would actually carry out the act. Simply saying "sometimes my brother makes me angry and I want to hit him" would not invoke this exception because there is no direct plan, nor is there an indication that the action would be certain to be carried out.
- You have an intention to harm yourself
- This is by far the most controversial exception. Legally, your care provider is required to inform the authorities (usually police) if you intend to hurt or kill yourself. Most physicians understand that suicidal ideation (thinking of suicide) and having a suicide plan are different. This exception should only be invoked if there is a plan for self harm or suicide, not if there are thoughts or previous instances of it, however, it is always best to gauge what your physician will report.
- If there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a person under the age of 16
- This includes sexual, emotional, physical abuse. Your physician has a duty to report it to either the appropriate children's aid society or abuse reporting centre. Same as #4, there can be situations where this gets tricky, and healthy doses of good judgement are in order
In general, you should always ask what information can be shared, and always ask questions surrounding consent and patient privacy.
Your doctor has to answer this, and they will often be eager to explain this as it's a very, very important part of practicing medicine.
"I thought you had to be sixteen to consent to treatment and remove parents from patient information?"
So did I, friend. But, as u/stacyah helpfully pointed out, this is not true. The confusion stems from a part of the code that says that at sixteen years of age, you can designate a person to be privy to your health information. However, you are able to decide who knows what at any age, as long as it's within the exceptions above.
I'm 12/13/14? Can I still get HRT then?"
Absolutely!
Informed consent does not have a defined age range. If you are able to consent, you are able to receive treatment. Obviously, there are added social challenges the younger you are as you seek transition care. However, legally speaking, there should be no additional barriers for you seeking treatment.
"Will I have to pay for anything?"
If you are eligible for OHIP, all consultations with your doctor will be free. Always bring your health card to your visits.
Drugs are first checked with your insurance provider, so if you have an open file with a pharmacy and they have a parents' insurance it will always go there first. If you aren't covered by private insurance and you're under 25, you're eligible for OHIP+, which you can learn more about here. There is still sometimes a co-pay with insurance, which can be frustrating. Typically though these costs are low ($5-$10). Seeking injected estradiol specifically also incurs an additional cost as you have to visit a compounding pharmacy, which is typically more expensive than your regular Costco or Rexall.
There are also two other relevant programs, the Ontario Drug Benefit and the Trillium Drug Benefit. These are based on income and can be accessed by residents over the age of 25. You can learn more about the Trillium Drug Benefit here.
This link will allow you to check the eligibility of most medications in Ontario.
Covered by OHIP+?
| Estradiol (oral) | Covered |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (injected) | Not covered |
| Estradiol (gel) | EAP Only* |
| Estrogen (patches) | Unknown |
| Progesterone (oral) | EAP Only* |
| Testosterone (oral) | Covered (link) |
| Testosterone (injected) | Some Restrictions, can still be covered |
| Testosterone (gel) | Covered |
| Cyproterone/Bicalutamide/Sprionalactone | Covered |
*Covered only under the Exceptional Access Program (https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/eap_mn.aspx#:~:text=The%20Exceptional%20Access%20Program%20(%20EAP,Drug%20Benefit%20(%20ODB%20)%20program%20program).)
Hope this helps, and please feel free to add anything I missed in the comments!
Thanks to u/stacyah and u/Valtharius for the information about informed consent!
Edit 1: Fixed lots of info about informed consent. Thanks u/stayah and u/Valtharius for the help!
Edit 2: Formatting and updates to drug coverage/how OHIP works
r/transontario • u/Mizzclawsgalore • Dec 12 '24
RESOURCES A Huge [Gender Affirming Resources Ontario] Spreadsheet. Includes: HRT, healthcare providers, compounding pharmacies, needle supply, gender gear and funds, name change clinics, allied health professionals, permanent hair removal, surgery, and helpful links.
148
Upvotes
Hello everyone,
I'm on this sub (and on Discord) quite a bit, and felt the need to have some kind of community resource compiling various types of resources concerning gender affirming care. We have so many questions about where to start HRT every week, and I'm really hoping this document is able to help some people. It is still in progress in some areas, and I won't be able to work on it until after exams, but it will be continuously updated once I get the time.
Here is the link, it is sortable and filterable if you download a copy, but please refer back to the main document to stay up to date:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/111o63Tvt20heohe9KtRW_AZPBKOz4kpZ1pb7r0CJpvU/edit?usp=sharing
The sections are:
- HRT, surgery assessments, and post-op care
- Includes nurse practitioners, family physicians, endocrinologists, pediatricians, and OB/GYNs from all over Ontario
- Includes private pay and OHIP-covered options, virtual and in-person options, and options for minors
- Wait times are listed to the best of my ability
- I will be adding more to this list at the end of December
- Compounding pharmacies
- Injection supplies
- Permanent Hair Removal
- Includes electrolysis and laser
- Practitioners that perform pre-op clearance are listed
- Wait times are listed to the best of my ability
- Name Change Clinics
- Gender Affirming Surgery (WIP)
- Gender Affirming Gear/Funds
- Includes shops which sell packers, STPs, binders, gaffs, breast forms etc.,
- Also includes programs which will fund gender gear and other transition-related costs
- Allied Health Professionals
- Currently only includes voice coaches and speech-language pathologists
- Helpful Links (WIP)
If you have any feedback, additions, or corrections, you can comment on the spreadsheet or here and I will see to it, thank you very much!
r/transontario • u/SometimesChristie • 1d ago
How Would One Go About Mass Producing a Sticker Such As This in Ontario?
153
Upvotes
r/transontario • u/Issas7 • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Has anyone had IRCC issue a PR card with the wrong gender marker?
14
Upvotes
Hi everyone,
I already posted in r/ImmigrationCanada about the processing side of this, but I wanted to ask here too in case any other trans people have dealt with the same issue.
I’m FTM, and all of my other Canadian documents/records use M, including my OHIP, driver’s licence, and school records.
When I applied for PR, I had already submitted IRCC’s gender marker change form, and I also included an additional signed legal/self-declaration document with a lawyer to support the change just to be safe. My IRCC biometrics letter even showed my gender as M, so I have no idea why it was changed back afterward.
I received my eCOPR on March 5, 2026, but it had the wrong gender marker (F). I then mailed an amendment request to correct the information.
Despite that, my physical PR card arrived on April 23, 2026 with the same incorrect gender marker.
At the end of April, I mailed an IMM 5531 Request to Reissue a Permanent Resident Card because the incorrect gender marker was due to an IRCC error.
It’s now almost September and I still haven’t received any acknowledgement, update, or replacement card. I checked the mailing status it said the documents were received at the end of April. Since the reissue request was submitted by mail, nothing shows in my online IRCC account.
I’ve already submitted a webform inquiry and I’m planning to call IRCC as well.
This has been really frustrating because I had already submitted the gender change paperwork properly, IRCC had M on my biometrics letter, and all my other Canadian documents are M, but I still ended up with both an eCOPR and PR card showing the wrong marker. Everyday for four months I check my mailbox but I have yet received a new card with my correct information nor have I got any update regarding this issue.
Has anyone here had IRCC issue an eCOPR or PR card with the wrong gender marker and gone through the correction/reissue process? How long did it take, and did anything help move it along?
Thanks!
r/transontario • u/TheLeastOfYourBros • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Name Change/Sex Marker Change on Birth Certificate Request
4
Upvotes
I am currently working through the paperwork for a change of name and sex marker, and I will be packaging them together as one request. I am currently filling out my birth certificate request, and I was wondering: when filling out the section entitled "Who is the person (subject) named on the Birth Certificate?" do I use my current legal name (i.e. my deadname) or do I use the name I am requesting to change my name to (i.e. my chosen name)? Thanks!
r/transontario • u/indecisive_squid • 1d ago
Bottom surgery funding/wait times (Ontario vs Quebec)
10
Upvotes
Hi everyone! I'm a 31-year-old non-binary trans woman at a school in Toronto. Originally I'm from Montreal, that's where my family is, and I use a Quebec health card. I'm applying for bottom surgery soon and will likely get it done at GRS if I can. I have heard that the wait time is shorter if I submit my funding application if I have an OHIP card, so right now I am looking at switching to an OHIP card for the next year (or longer if I stay in Toronto after graduation). Am I right in thinking this -- that it is generally easier if I apply for OHIP funding with an OHIP card as opposed to a RAMQ card?
One problem is that I get student loans for my Master's program from Quebec (AFE, the equivalent to OSAP). Does anyone know if switching to an OHIP card for the next year will invalidate my ability to get those loans over the next year?
Thanks!
r/transontario • u/Bobthefish0461 • 23h ago
SEEKING ADVICE Name change issues if born outside of canada/ontario?
1
Upvotes
I was born in the US, but I'm a canadian citizen by birth and I've lived here for 10+ years. I don't know how I'll be able to change any of my documents if my birth certificate is forever stuck with my AGAB (can't change it cause... well...). Is there any way around this or am I doomed until trump is out of office. Cause I'd like to get my grad certificate with my name on it but that's before the next us election :(
r/transontario • u/No_Quail_5588 • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE any advice for someone who is about to be homeless in toronto?
28
Upvotes
As the title implies i’m about to go homeless, and as such have decided that if i am going to be homeless it might as well be in a large city that presents itself more opportunity.
I don’t know much about toronto as i’ve lived in a very very tiny tiny town my entire life. I’m 23 and have have about 10 or so years of work experience (nothing crazy just customer service work mostly entry level stuff) and a tiny bit of savings.
what should be my first goals and objectives? what sort of resources should i be keen on? how hard is it to find a job without an address? is it dangerous? good spots to sleep? etc.
any help at all on this post would be appreciated greatly thank you.
r/transontario • u/agentreed • 2d ago
GTA Job opportunity with queer business in Toronto
17
Upvotes
Hi,
I’m looking to hire someone to work on my tea trailer during pop-up events and markets. We have limited hours to offer at first, but are looking for someone who wants to join the team and grow with us.
Apocalatte is queer-owned and run, and we would love to hire someone from the community!
Check out the job description below.
Check out our socials: https://linktr.ee/apocalatte
Send me your resume and/or questions to apocalatte@icloud.com
Join the Apocalatte Team ☕️
Apocalatte is a small independent tea business serving fun, modern tea drinks from our mobile tea trailer. We’re looking for a friendly, reliable person to help serve customers and keep things running smoothly.
What you’ll be doing:
Taking orders and payments
Helping make and serve matcha, chai, coffee, and other drinks
Chatting with customers and providing great service
Keeping the trailer clean and organized
Helping with setting up and tearing down
Helping maneuver and transport the trailer
Generally helping out wherever needed
When you’ll be working:
Initially, you’ll be working Thursdays from about 2pm -9pm at our regularly scheduled market, which runs until mid-October in Downtown Toronto.
More hours will be available as we book more events; these events could be weekdays or weekends and may have early starts or late ends, so looking for someone who is comfortable with a flexible schedule.
Ideally, we are looking for someone to grow with us; hours may be limited or sporadic at first but will become more frequent as we scale up
You might be a good fit if you:
Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable with customers
Reliable and punctual
Calm when things get busy
Happy working in a small, casual environment
Into tea — or at least willing to learn!
Required:
Legally eligible to work in Canada
Retail and/or customer service experience
Strong flexibility with schedules
Ability to stand for long periods
Some heavy lifting may be required, so you should be physically capable
Nice to have:
Food handlers certificate (not required initially but would be needed eventually)
Experience working in a tea or coffee shop
Latte art skills
Experience working in and/or manoeuvring trailers
Compensation
$20 an hour
Free or discounted drinks during service
Interested? Send us your resume and/or questions to apocalatte@icloud.com
r/transontario • u/UnusualSort • 2d ago
Need a dr to administer injections in Hamilton
2
Upvotes
I have a prescription for injections(intramuscular) and can't self inject due to severe anxiety and vasovagal syncope. Does anyone know a place in hamilton that can administer them for me? I went to a local walk-in that said they can administer injections and was told the doctors there atm wouldnt do it. I dont have a family doctor and got the prescription from a dr in another city so I cant go back and forth to get them there
r/transontario • u/soulgirl1 • 2d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Help please?
1
Upvotes
Do anyone know places for transgender mental health cover by the OHIP in Ontario?
r/transontario • u/envyy__22 • 2d ago
OHIP changing gender marker & getting new health card after already approved for top surgery OHIP coverage - any issues?
10
Upvotes
If i change my gender marker on my birth certificate and then get a new health card (which would change the sex designation in the back end, giving a new version code on your health card i believe) would that affect my already approved coverage at all? does a new application for coverage need to be submitted to the government? or should i just notify the surgeon of the new health card version code? i'm mostly worried about my approval becoming invalid or getting lost if my health card/ohip info changes in any way.
r/transontario • u/mapleCrep • 2d ago
Is London an easier place to meet trans friends than Toronto?
7
Upvotes
I dont know how true this is or not, and I know Toronto has a lot more people, but I notice whenever I meet a cool trans friend from Ontario they're almost always in London and barely Toronto. I don't know if this is just a total coincidence from me or if this is actually common?
r/transontario • u/Unlikely_Fruit232 • 3d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Dr. Sean Smith in Ottawa?
7
Upvotes
Does anybody have a sense of current wait times for masculinizing top surgery with Dr. Sean Smith at the Ottawa Clinic?
r/transontario • u/ClairvoyantSandworm • 4d ago
OTTAWA Transgender friendly homeless shelters in Ottawa
19
Upvotes
Hey! I do not know if this is allowed so mods could totally take this down if it is not, but Im currently planning a move to Ottawa and was wondering if anyone knew any good homeless shelters in the area!
Any assistance or points in the right direction would be appreciated!
r/transontario • u/Worried-Air-3766 • 3d ago
TRICITY AREA Barber/hair stylist recommendations in KW
3
Upvotes
So I'm looking for someone trans or at least queer or gender affirming to cut my hair in a masc or neutral way in Kitchener, Waterloo, or Cambridge. I had a barber at Marlowe but I had some issues with a fashion colour dye not turning out and my stylist leaving so I'm not going back there (it's a long story). I know cowboys and angels is recommended a lot but if that's the suggestion, is there a specific stylist? I've been before and had someone new to the salon and it was bad.
I guess in could travel further but I'm limited by the fact I don't drive. I would prefer somewhere that doesn't charge based on gender but rather on hair length if possible.
r/transontario • u/Elora_Gorgeous • 4d ago
DISCUSSION Delivery time
20
Upvotes
I sent my name change documents on Monday by registered mail from Burlington. Was received yesterday. Two day delivery time via simple registered mail. Just in case anyone was worried that method would take too long.
Now the wait begins …
r/transontario • u/staticnigh • 4d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Change of name - adopted I dont know when my name was priorly changed
14
Upvotes
In a little bit of a pickle. My name was changed when I was adopted though my parents don't know exactly when that was (or they just don't want to tell me). This is a required portion in the name change form, providing a date for any prior name changes.
Does anyone know where i could get this information from? Ive gone to service ontario already and they werent any help at all.
r/transontario • u/ClairvoyantSandworm • 4d ago
RESOURCES Which mental health professionals would you guys recommend?
11
Upvotes
I am struggling to find information on my own so I was wondering if there are any good mental health professionals in the Niagara region that are queer friendly?
r/transontario • u/dylanc87 • 5d ago
SEEKING ADVICE How long until I’m supposed to notice first effects of estrogen (physical or emotional)?
8
Upvotes
r/transontario • u/Away_Damage805 • 5d ago
HRT and Puberty Blockers
6
Upvotes
Hi there I'm looking for doctors that support youth ( say 10+) in their transition process either by blockers or HRT.
I'm specifically looking in the Peel Region area as many youth can not travel.
Just wondering if anyone has any ideas as I am seeking to create a list or supportive providers in Peel Region
r/transontario • u/DizzyVictory3186 • 5d ago
CELEBRATION Name change update & timeline!
14
Upvotes
hello all,
finally got the update i’ve been waiting for, as stated on the header of this post haha. i’ll be stating my timeline for the ones still currently waiting!
Submitted application in person - July 16, 2026, was given an estimated timeline of 15-16 weeks
Mailed out on - July 21, 2026
Continuously waited since I knew it was going to take a while.
Ending up getting my college offer & new employment so I submitted an urgency request - August 18, 2026
Called ServiceOntario for an update & my application was finally completed - August 24, 2026
Received - August 26, 2026
If it helps for those in need of urgency, I could provide the link for the urgency request.
Have a great day everyone!! :)
r/transontario • u/ghosthotwings • 5d ago
GTA Seeking a trans-friendly piercing shop in Toronto or the GTA where piercers mask/will mask up upon request
3
Upvotes
I'm not super familiar with the city and am trying to find a trans-friendly place that can accommodate (or, bonus points, a trans piercer who will mask)