CS: reflected in title, this is an article for transgender folks- Chinese Medicine, Natural Transition (using plant-medicines to alter hormones or ease hormone therapy symptoms/post-surgery symptoms), and the Gender Binary Do yin and yang make Chinese Medicine binary? Yin and yang are often associated with female and male energy respectively, which leads to the misconception…
CS: The following post is written by LGBTQ-informed pelvic physiotherapist Michelle Fraser, who has taken the time to share some of her knowledge regarding pelvic health in the context of trans birth. There is mention of vaginal/rectal health, as well as a mention of trauma with no details. What is pelvic health physiotherapy? Pelvic health…
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Giselle Johnston over the past few months and I'm so excited to let you know about the Queer & Trans Childbirth Preparation Classes they're launching with co-facilitator Kira Liss on Feb 10 & 11 at Kensington Midwives in Toronto. Giselle works as a labour and postpartum…
Continue reading ➞ Queer & Trans Childbirth Preparation Classes in Toronto
CS: queer & LGBTQ+ community talk, talking about ageism, body shame, personal stories of nonbinary gender exploration, stories about discouraging parents, masculine barbershop culture, interview by nonbinary client with a cis-woman barber. I’ve been going to the Crows Nest Barbershop to get my haircut for the last year and a half, but I was really…
Continue reading ➞ I am queer and trans: where can I get a haircut?
ND is a cisgender, queer, Indian, Sikh woman from Vancouver, BC. Her family originates from Punjab, North India. ND moved to Toronto from Vancouver to become a midwife and has since started a family with her partner within the context of their open relationship. Her little girl is currently 11 months, full of delicious rolls…
Continue reading ➞ VOICES SERIES: ND’s Sex in Pregnancy and Postpartum Story
When I saw these badass dolls at the Toronto Erotic Arts and Craft Fair hosted by Come As You Are, I got tingles all over my body. Chason Yeboah's dolls aren't just beautiful, they're healing and powerful. I wanted to learn more about Chason and how these dolls came to be. What inspired you to…
Continue reading ➞ badass dolls with badass bodies [interview Chason Yeboah]
In researching resources available to the public about sex in pregnancy and postpartum something became very apparent: these voices are white and heterosexual. Very. Very. white-hetero. My next thought was: how can I expand this conversation? I can’t tell you I have an understanding of sex during pregnancy and postpartum without recognizing the extremely important…
Continue reading ➞ voices needed: sex in pregnancy and postpartum
I had the pleasure of auditing the Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula Certification program offered through the Home Hospice Association for inclusive language, and recently a colleague asked me for some advice on gender-neutral birth terms so I thought… why not make a list? Birth workers and mommy groups are all too often hyper gendered…
Continue reading ➞ 8 gender-neutral birth terms and how to use them
When I was a young wide-eyed University kid, I looked up to Come As You Are as the gold standard for good sex business! CAYA is a business cooperative sex shop located in Toronto. Though they used to have a beautiful, accessible, and colourful store front they now have a beautiful, accessible, colourful online store.…
In case it’s not evident from a name like Cliterature, let the record show that this event is a very good time. “Cliterature is a transformational and artful celebration of women’s sexuality through erotic readings, live music, dance and more!” as described by creator, Shelley Secrett of Secrett Events. “And more!” is an understatement. Events…
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