The AIDS Coalition Nova Scotia (ACNS) is hosting a free community leadership program by and for Trans people titled: “Totally Trans Outright!”
The 5-day summit takes place at the University of King’s College from May 6th to May 10th.
Totally Trans Outright is the ACNS’s first leadership program to be exclusively offered to trans attendees. It’s suitable for both aspiring and established community leaders.
I spoke to Hanley Smith (they/them) — Health and Wellness Coordinator for 2-Spirit, Trans, and Non-Binary programs at ACNS — for details:
“This project is really about taking community leaders and giving them skills to help their communities, and also themselves,” they said. Along group discussions, outside organizations will come in to give presentations, including a presentation from South House on consent.
The program aims to “ensure the protection of our community leaders, not just by giving them information to support others, but to help them be safe while working in [community] establishments.”
The workshop will connect leaders to resources that tend to the social health of their communities. Specific skills include identifying community needs, harm reduction strategies, and navigating the health system as a trans person.
“We have an older queer person who is HIV positive coming in. They’ll talk about the realities of being HIV positive,” Smith said. The summit will also address substance use, community development, and mental health support. “It's helpful for genderqueer leaders to bring this knowledge back to their communities.”
Participants are expected to test for COVID prior to arrival and continue to follow guidelines while staying on-site.
The ACNS offers free accommodation for those coming from outside the city, and free catering for all. They’re also able to help with travel costs and transportation.
The deadline to apply to the program is April 7th, 2023. In case you’ve lost track of the year like me, that’s this week! You can apply here.
Have a burning question? Reach out to Hanley Smith, at (902) 425 – 4882, ext 226 or email ttorpeer@gmail.com.
