PFLAG Canada Toll-Free Gender Question Line:
1-888-822-9494

Support Groups

Edmonton

Alberta Trans Peer Support Group (alternate link): Currently consists of a Yahoo Group, and an Edmonton group which meets 2:00 - 4:00, the first and third Sundays of every month, at the Pride Center (9540 - 111 Avenue). These forums have been created as a safe haven for Trans related discussions. It is open to Alberta Transsexual, Transgendered, Intersexed, Two-Spirited and Questioning individuals at any point in transition.
DECSA: Transitions: A program designed to provide women and transgendered people with skills and program support to promote leaving the sex trade and living healthier and safer lifestyles through involvement in other programs, education or employment.
Edmonton Transgender Support Line: (780) 488-3234
Edmonton Police Service Hate and Bias Crime Unit: The City Police Service unit devoted to investigating violence, threats and other crimes levelled against our community simply because of who we are. There is also an established LGBTQ Liaison Committee that can be contacted if there are ever any issues or concerns about the EPS and/or the Hate Crimes Unit.
HIV Edmonton: A non-profit organization providing support, information, advocacy and health promotion related to HIV and AIDS.
Illusions Social Club of Edmonton: A safe, secure, and discreet support group for crossdressers and transgendered individuals.
Lambda Christian Community Church: Located at 11148-84 Avenue, Lambda has a mostly trans-friendly congregation, for those wanting to
OUTreach: The UofA's GLBT group.
Pride Center of Edmonton, The: Community based resource centre for Edmonton's GLBT communities. Includes news, resources and programs being offered.
Reflections: a safe environment for transgender people and their significant others to discuss and support each other with their journeys in life. Cross-dressers, transsexuals, transgender individuals, their spouses/significant others are all welcome to attend the events. However, since there is the possibility of adult discussions, we request that attendees be of mature age. There are no professionals working with Reflections; it is purely peer support. Includes a Significant Others Support Group on the first Thursday of each month, a Social Group on the second Saturday of each month and a Fireside Chat on the last Thursday of each month.
TLC (TransLeather Community): A newly-forming group within the Edmonton leather community, but open to membership for transfolks in Western Canada (information to follow).
TransMovie Night: On alternating Mondays, the Pride Center hosts TransMovie Night, a film night for transfolk of any stripe and their supporters to meet, have fun, share a laugh or cry and just enjoy being out.
TTIQ: TTIQ is a mixed gender support group for people who identify as transgender, transsexual, intersex or are questioning. In this space you can share information, educational resources and all things trans related. It is a place for discussion, support, struggles, celebrations and grief as it relates to your journey of gender discovery. Meets in Edmonton, second Tuesday of every month, 7:30 - 9:30 at the Pride Center (9540 - 111 Avenue), and with an $8 Brunch on the last Sunday of the month, 12:00 - 2:00 at Prism Bar and Grill (10524 - 101 Street, entry in back).
Youth Understanding Youth: A support group providing a warm and friendly place for LGBT, questioning and straight youth (typically under 25) to have fun and learn about themselves in a safe, caring environment.
Two Spirit of Edmonton Circle Society: A two-spirited aborginal group which aims to repatriate and enhance traditional roles and responsibilities as two spirit people in Indigenous communities, while creating supportive environments within all societies for contempory two spirit peoples.
Youthsafe.net: a project formed to address the gaps in violence prevention services offered to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered and questioning youth in Alberta.

Calgary

Alberta Trans Peer Support Group (alternate link): Currently consists of a Yahoo Group. A Sunday group has been phased out in favour of supporting other existing groups.
Calgary Girlfriends: A group for everyone from CD to TS, dedicated to providing the resources and information for you to look good and feel good (especially inside), then to give you an opportunity to get out and face the world.
Calgary Legacy House: A "kink" community which is also open to transfolk.
Gay Calgary: Calgary's resource for Business, Tourism, Events, Bars and Entertainment for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Gay Friendly Community.
Illusions Social Club of Calgary: A transgendered social and support club especially for crossdressers which meets on the first Friday of every month, 7:00 - 10:00PM, at Outlink Centre, Room #4, 1230A - 17th Avenue SW (2nd floor), rear entrance.
MiscYouth: A website designed to provide and increase education, support and resources with regards to and for gay, bisexual, lesbian, queer, questioning, two-spirited and transidentified (GBLQQTT) youth and the community through youth friendly gatherings and educational programs.
New Directions: a TS support group which emerged from Calgary's Illusions, and meets the 3rd Friday of every month, 7:00 at Outlink Centre.
Outlink Centre: Calgary's GLBT Community organization designed to create networking and community building among all people by providing GLBTQ (Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transsexual / Two Spirited / Questioning) support, education, and resources.
PrideCalgary: Committee for the summer Pride Festival in Calgary.
TLC (TransLeather Community): A newly-forming group within the Edmonton leather community, but open to membership for transfolks in Western Canada (information to follow).
Youthsafe.net: a project formed to address the gaps in violence prevention services offered to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered and questioning youth in Alberta.

Red Deer

Illusions Social Club of Red Deer: They meet the 2nd and last Sundays of the month in a safe location. For more info, call Dana on Thursday & Friday at 1-877-346-8858.
Youthsafe.net: a project formed to address the gaps in violence prevention services offered to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered and questioning youth in Alberta.

(please send any information you might have)

Rural

HIV West Yellowhead: An organization providing support, info, advocacy and health promotion related to HIV and AIDS.

(please send any information you might have)

Yahoo Groups

Alberta Trans Peer Support Group (alternate link): Currently consists of a Yahoo Group, and an Edmonton group which meets alternating Sundays at the Pride Center. This forum has been created as a safe haven for Trans related discussions. It is open to Alberta Transsexual, Transgendered, Intersexed, Two-Spirited and Questioning individuals at any point in transition.
CRONE: An international list about proper uses of female hormones and related products. A searchable archive of over 14,200 postings is available to members.
Edmonton Crossdressers and Transgender Support: This group is a non-sexual group. This means NO chasers! It is intended for Crossdressers and various Transgender identified persons who wish to share support for themselves, their spouse, partner or friends. Fun, make-up tips and getting together to dress en-femme & go out, transgender support issues and any generally related content can be found here.
Reflections: a safe environment for transgender people and their significant others to discuss and support each other with their journeys in life. Cross-dressers, transsexuals, transgender individuals, their spouses/significant others are all welcome. Primarily focuses on Edmonton meeting group.
TGcycle: A group for transgendered motorcycle afficionados.
TG Roommates Wanted (Canada): A bulletin board group created for the purpose of finding transgender friendly rooms, apartments and housing in Canada.
Trans-B.C.: A group for support, advocacy and information from our neighbors to the West.
Trans-Canada: A group aiming for the betterment of the trans / intersexed commmunity in Canada, as well as support, sharing of information, legal, healthcare and advocacy.
Transaction Canada: Message board part of the group dedicated to the health, welfare and legal/justice issues of the Canadian Trans community.
TS Breasts: All about breast development via hormones, herbals and cosmetic surgery.
TS Care: A group meant to allow transsexuals to discuss providers of products and services for our transitions. The emphasis of this group is to build a registry of providers who are most cost effective while remaining competent.
TS Tall Girls: A group for big and tall male to female transsexuals. Any TS gal who feels that they are a bit big and that this makes passing a little (or a lot) harder than what you would like are welcome.
TS Sci-fi: A group for transpeople who like Science Fiction and Fantasy in Books, Movies, Television, etc.
TS Woman: A very active discussion group covering every aspect of being a transgendered woman.
Vancouver Trans Day of Remembrance: Vancouver group commemorating the TDOR and “Remembering Our Dead” web project

National / International Organizations, Online Support Sites

The Antijen Pages -- a resource for transgendered youth.
The Canadian Transsexuals Fight for Rights site also provides news and transculture links for transpeople everywhere.
egaleCanada -- A Canadian Trans activist organization working for, among other things, inclusion in the Canadian Human Rights Charter.
Forge-Forward -- An educational and advocacy group for FTMs.
FTM Informational Network:
FTM-International -- The largest, longest-running organization serving the Female-to-Male community.
Gender.org -- Gender Education and Advocacy (GEA) is a national organization focused on the needs, issues and concerns of gender variant people.
Gender Mosaic -- Ottawa-based society.
Hudson's FTM Resource Guide -- A resource for information on topics of interest to transmen.
IFGE.org -- International Foundation for Gender Education advocates for freedom of gender expression.
Intersex Society of North America -- devoted to systemic change to end shame, secrecy, and unwanted genital surgeries for people born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female.
Micheline Montreuil: Although in Quebec, Micheline's journey and legal battles provide an excellent resource for encouragement and information.
Second Type Woman -- a website covering various aspects of transition in detail.
Trannyweb -- an international online trans message board forum and community that is growing considerably and open to all aspects of the MTF transgender experience, with additional outlets for transitioning women.
TransactionCanada -- a new advocacy group with legal/support/resource links. (See also the Yahoo Group part listed above)
The Transgender Aging Network -- a resource for transpeople to network and share information and support in their later years.
Transgender Support Site -- Melanie Anne Phillips' diary, voice lessons, information and links.
Transsexual Road Map -- Calpernia Addams' invaluable site, detailing all the necessary considerations and steps to be taken along the way. Home of the "Finding Your Female Voice" DVD.
Transsexual Women's Resources by Anne Lawrence -- some questionable ideas, but a wealth of resources.
Transgendered Womens' Success Stories -- a wonderful site detailing some of the many women who've transitioned successfully, offering encouragement.

Nightclubs / Restaurants

Edmonton Nightclubs and Restaurants

Boots 'N' Saddles (10242 - 103 St.): A gay mens' bar located beside Metro. While mainly gay-leather focused, they do host leather-culture and other alternative groups and management is trans-friendly.
Boston Pizza: Trans-friendly locations include the one at 10620 Jasper Avenue
Buddy's Pub (11725B Jasper Avenue): Trans-friendly gay bar. They regularily have drag shows on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Denny's Restaurant: Trans-friendly locations include the ones at 5011 - 25 Avenue and 10803 - 104 Avenue.
The Garage Burger Bar and Grill (10242 - 103 St.): A trans-friendly restaurant affiliated with Boots and Saddles.
Prism Bar and Grill (10524-101 St.): Lesbian nightclub which has been very trans-friendly. TTIQ holds its social nights here and has been treated very hospitably.
The Roost (10345 - 104 St.): Gay and pansexual nightclub. Illusions Social Club holds meetings here, and has been treated very well.

Calgary Nightclubs and Restaurants

(the following are gay clubs, but I don't know if they are necessarily also trans-friendly)

BackLot (209 - 10th Avenue S.W.)
Money Pennies Eatery & Bar (1742 10 AVE S.W.)
The Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW) (they typically have drag shows on Sundays and some Wednesdays).

Red Deer

(please send any information you might have)

Rural

(please send any information you might have)

Shopping

Edmonton Trans-Friendly Clothing and Shopping

Addition Elle (Mayfield Common - 2109, 8882-170 Street): Plus-sizes clothing.
Alluring Intimates Boutique (18, 9977-178 Street, 483-7831): Fetish wear and lingerie.
Annex Hair Design (10113 - 81 Avenue, 435-5621)
B&D Emporium (101-11745 Jasper Avenue, 428-5847): Leather, goth and fetish wear, including custom-made works.
The Breast Form Store: A web-based mail-order service located in Richmond B.C. which specializes in breast forms at decent prices, as well as pocketed bras.
Bryan's (West Edmonton Mall):
Caprice Consignment Boutique (10118 - 124 Street, 488-0240): Consignment clothing store with an excellent reputation in the trans community; contact Glenda.
Dawn's Bratique (10507 Kingsway Avenue, 428-2727)
Fifth Avenue Jewellery: A web-based mail-order service located in Moose Jaw, SK.
MAC Cosmetics (West Edmonton Mall): contact Sherry -- the other staff have also been historically very good.
Nightshade Corsets (10832A 124 St.): Quality custom-made corsets and bustiers.
Ricki's (West Edmonton Mall):
Rodeo Drive (11528 - 89 St.): Fetish fashion and lingerie; contact Brenda Lee.
Rowena (10762-82 Avenue): Fetish wear.
Sanctuary Curio Shoppe (10310-81 Avenue): Goth and fetish clothing.
Stitchwitch Custom Corsets (11745 Jasper Avenue, 428-5847)
Tall Girl (West Edmonton Mall):
Transit Shoes (West Edmonton Mall):
Unique Boutique (14226 Stony Plain Road): High-end fashions; contact Heidi.
The Wig Boutique (10123 - 123 St.): excellent quality wigs and great service and advice; contact Pat -- the other staff have also been historically very good.

Calgary Trans-Friendly Clothing and Shopping

The Breast Form Store: A web-based mail-order service located in Richmond B.C. which specializes in breast forms at decent prices, as well as pocketed bras.
Deva Dave Salon Boutique: Professional stylist.
Fifth Avenue Jewellery: A web-based mail-order service located in Moose Jaw, SK.

Red Deer

(please send any information you might have)

Rural

(please send any information you might have)

Services

Edmonton Services

(Please use caution when seeking laser hair removal, and even electrolysis -- these clinics
are not regulated, and are able to make wild claims without having to live up to them.
Inexperienced persons can also cause lasting damage if not properly supervised. For laser
centers, look for a qualified dermasurgeon on staff, and for electrologists, look for a good
number of years in business)

Glenrose Voice Clinic: requires a reference from your doctor.
Grey Nuns Voice Clinic: requires a reference from your doctor.
Groot DermaSurgery Centre (#200, 9670 - 142 Street): Dr. Nakatsui specializes in top-quality hair transplants.
Jeamie's Electrolysis (#209, Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre -- upstairs, 469-2333):
Laser Sheer Hair Removal (#282, West Edmonton Mall, 471-1800):
Midwest Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Center (102, 9145 - 82 Avenue, 469-4704): The facililty does laser hair removal as well as laser surgery and skin rejuvanation. They have flexible hours, and a qualified surgeon. Marnie was very thorough, honest and forthright during consultation.

Calgary Services

Ambber Professional Esthetics Salon & Training Centre: (4911 Marlborough dr NE, Calgary -- phone before going: 245-0022, ask for Salma. Note from May 2007: tell her Darla sent you, and you will get her best price.)
Champion Laser (#222, 1632 - 14 Ave NW -- 2nd floor, North Hill Mall): they have even offered a discount for trans people, in the past. Very trans-friendly.
(please send any information you might have)

Red Deer

(please send any information you might have)

Rural

(please send any information you might have)

Medical Professionals

Medical personnel have generally not wanted their names posted online. I have a short list of transgender-friendly doctors in the Edmonton area who are accepting new patients, and am looking to develop a list for Calgary, Red Deer and rural areas as well. For this list, or if you have additional information that you can provide, please contact me.

In Alberta, the practice of medicine is governed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, located at the 9th Floor, 10180-101 Street (Manulife Place), Edmonton (does Calgary have a branch? let me know). In the Edmonton area, you can call them at 423-4764, and in the rest of the province, you can call toll-free at 1-800-561-3899. You can also email them at publicinquiries@cpsa.ab.ca. If you are looking for a General Practitioner who is accepting patients at this time and is open to seeing trans patients, you can put this request to them, and they will do their best to locate one -- however, this can yield mixed results. With the low number of doctors accepting patients at the moment and high number of those who are uncomfortable with trans concerns or who feel that they don't have the training in this area, they may not be able to locate one close by, but it is certainly worth a try.

If you have a complaint about a physician, they also have an additional toll-free number to address these issues at 1-800-661-4689.

There is a Yahoo group called TS-care to discuss the positives or negatives about specific doctors (usually more specific to SRS doctors than local G.P.s -- it is an international group in scope), if you prefer to do your homework -- it is only asked that if you have a complaint about a particular doctor, that you quantify it with valid reasons, rather than say "Dr. N is a jerk." For something more local, the Alberta Trans Peer Support Group has some of this kind of discussion at times, as well.

Alberta Health refers GRS surgery to Drs. Brassard and Menard in Montreal, both for transwomen and transmen. Their Flash-based site has an excellent explaination of what their surgeries involve.

Calgary psychologist Dr. Kevin Alderson specializes in Gender Identity Disorder, and has a specialty list for his practice.

Other surgeons and international medical information:

Complications of microsurgical phalloplasty in transsexuals: research paper.
Dr. Michael L. Brownstein: Surgeon specializing in plastic, reconstructive and gender-related surgery.
Feminine Facial Surgery:
FTM Phalloplasty: a gathering of information
GRS/SRS surgery links: Many different surgeons on one site.
Marci Bowers:
Phalloplasty movies:
SRS in Japan:
SRS Thailand:
Toby Meltzer MD - GRS/SRS surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Transster: FTM surgery pics and information

Faith (LGBT-Affirming Congregations)

Edmonton

Lambda Christian Community Church (Garneau United Church): 11148-84 Ave. 887-8611
Mill Woods United Church: 15 Grand Meadow Cresc. 463-2202
Southminster-Steinhauer United Church: 10740-19 Ave. 435-2028
Unitarian Church of Edmonton: 10804-119 St. 454-8073

Calgary

Deer Park United Church: 77 Deer Point Road SE. 278-8263

Local Community Personal Sites

If you're an Alberta transwoman or transman and have a weblog, website or other online project, and are willing to be somewhat out there in the trans world, please feel free to contact me (nothing of an adult nature please, unless it is more than artistically justified).

Always be careful not to give out too much personal information on the internet, no matter what venue you're using. Pseudonyms are perfectly fine.

Note to chasers: this is not an invitation to pursue love interests, romantic or otherwise. We'll meet you on a personals group if we want to do that. These links are between friends only. Thank you.

Weblogs

A Woman in Progress: An intimate story of being transsexual: Mercedes Allen is a woman in progress, a transgendered woman emerging from the muddy clay that had previously resembled something else. Along the way, she is sharing her observations, discoveries, disappontments and successes for any who might be curious -- whether on the outside looking in, or on the threshhold of making a similar journey themselves.

Arts Projects

Perdition City Limits: A transwoman's graphic design website and art collection, spanning digital, illustrated, 3D and photo hybrid works, plus some comic book development.
Sister Mercy's Poetry Journal: A collection of personal poetry selected from the late '90s to present.

Home Pages

Micheline Montreuil: Although in Quebec, Micheline's journey and legal battles provide an excellent resource for encouragement and information.

Yahoo360 and other Profile Pages

Leslea's Yahoo360
Mercy's Yahoo360