Info for 2SLGBTQIA+ community
From wellness supports and initiatives to funding and transition processes, UVic has a dedicated support system for our 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and more) community.
We commit to providing a safe and inclusive living, working and learning environment for all people in our community.
All-gender washrooms
Washrooms should be safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of your gender. All-gender washrooms are available in many buildings at UVic.Harm reduction & sexual health
UVic’s Harm Reduction Centre (HRC) helps you make informed and safer choices around sex and substance use. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to access harm reduction supplies and educational materials at UVic.
UVic Student Wellness offers sexual health services and information to people of all genders, identities, orientations and abilities.
Other resources
Funding
Trans+ scholarship
Scholarships for Trans+ students or students studying Trans+ topics are available through the Chair in Transgender Studies.
- UG Students ($500)
- Master's ($1,000)
- PhD ($5,000)
- Visitors ($1,000)
- Community researchers ($1,000)
Student Life Grant
The Student Life Grant provides year-round funding opportunities for student-led initiatives and events that enhance UVic student life.
Training & education
EQHR’s Anti-Oppression Education Program includes an in-depth session focussed on centering 2SLGBTQIA+ knowledges in anti-oppression work.
Student groups
QVic is a drop-in social space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in residence. Follow the QVic Facebook page to see what's in the works, such as hosting games nights, fashion shows and more.
The UVSS Peer Support Centre offers peer-to-peer support on campus and online whether you have questions about mental health, concern for a friend or need help accessing resources.
A UVSS advocacy group, the Pride Collective is an organization for all people who are queer, queer-positive, gender-variant and/or intersex. Find panels, hangouts, games, Q&A sessions and more events focused on the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+.
Open to both UVic students and community members, UVSS advocacy group Gender Empowerment Centre is a welcoming space for self-identified women, non-binary individuals, trans people and gender non-conforming folks. It provides a place to organize, network, access resources, attend workshops and events, study and relax.
Resources
Plans & policies
The Better Data Project
Launched in late 2022, the Better Data Project aims to address equity barriers across the UVic community by collecting personal information in an ethical way. The more we know about our campus community, the better we can support their success.
Committed action through the Equity Action Plan
Relationality and belonging — create transparent processes that value, recognize and reward scholarship rooted in differences in worldviews that advance equity, diversity and inclusion.
Equity-centred culture — develop communications plans, strategies and resources that focus on diversity and a commitment to social justice and societal change. UVic should be authentic and honest about the barriers and challenges marginalized communities face.
Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Policy
2SLGBTQIA+ realities, experiences and safety are embedded in the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Policy and in our education.
Discrimination & Harassment Policy
UVic strives to prevent discrimination and harassment from taking place, and to act promptly, fairly and judiciously with the utmost confidentiality.
Chair in Transgender Studies
The UVic Chair in Transgender Studies works to drive social change and improve the well-being of Trans+ people. They facilitate activities, get-togethers and more for Trans+ people and their allies.
They also host a wide variety of resources, including the Vancouver Island Trans Resources.
Resources for Trans & Non-binary community
Post-secondary institutions must be inclusive and safe spaces. At UVic, we believe that Trans+ lives matter and that everyone should have the freedom to live their lives authentically.
A broad range of resources and supports are available to UVic's trans and non-binary community. In addition to those listed below, check out Equity and Human Rights' selection of resources to support a more inclusive campus.
Wellness
UVic Student Wellness offers counselling with specialties in Trans and non-binary lived realities and experiences. The team also offers a range of gender-affirming medical care through physicians and nurses.
- MSP covers some gender-affirming surgeries.
- Hormone therapy is available under Fair Pharmacare and other Pharmacare plans, with possible coverage under BC Pharmacare’s Special Authority drug list. Once approved by BC Pharmacare, it is claimable under UVic’s extended health plans.
Expanded gender declaration options
Expanded gender declaration options for UVic applicants, students and employees are now available. Gender identities can be updated through Banner, the main UVic record system.