Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Gender Pathways Service do? / What is the purpose of the Gender Pathways Service?
The Gender Pathways Service provides gender-affirming care to gender diverse and transgender children and adolescents. Gender-affirming care as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.
We are a multi-disciplinary service which offers access to several specialties, including paediatric endocrinology, adolescent medicine, psychotherapy, nurse practitioner, nursing, social work and peer mentorship. The Gender Pathways Service follows all relevant North American and international guidelines, including the guidelines set out by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
How long will the first visit take?
Please prepare to be in the clinic for 2-3 hours for a new assessment.
My child is almost 18 years old. Can they still be referred to the Gender Pathways Service?
We take referrals up until 17.5 years of age. We will continue to follow patients until about 18 years of age. At that time, we will help with a transition of care plan to adult services.
We are not sure of our child’s gender identity, is an appointment in your clinic still appropriate?
We support children and adolescents at any age and stage of the gender journey. If in doubt, feel free to send a referral and we can follow up with you for more information.
Is there anything we can do while we wait for an appointment?
Please bring a list of your questions to your first appointment.
Also, please visit our resource page to become familiar with the different organizations and resources for gender-affirming care in the local area.
