Though the evolving health situation is unpredictable, we wanted to reach out to let you know that Gender Spectrum is here for you. Staying connected and providing spaces for you to connect with others is our foundation, and has never been more important than now. Whatever it takes, we will get through this together.
Click below for a list of all of our blog posts.
Online Support in the Time of Covid-19
While our Bay Area and remote staff are all affected by local “social isolation” restrictions due to Covid-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that we are committed to maintaining our schedule for Gender Spectrum’s online groups and programs. For four years our online groups have provided safe spaces for teens, pre-teens and adults. We know that many of you and your children and teens are home from school or work, and more than ever need connection and community. We understand that our online resources are now more vital than ever.
Use the links below to find the schedules and registration forms for our upcoming groups for adults and youth, our upcoming Instagram Live gender Q&As, and our upcoming webinars on gender understanding for parents, family and friends.
Gender Spectrum Resources
Recording: Webinar on Online Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth, Families and Professionals
We know that many organizations that provide support and services to LGBTQ+ youth and families have been temporarily transitioning to online work. On Wednesday, March 25 we hosted a webinar on "Creating Online Spaces for LGBTQ+ Groups" to share some best practices and advice we have learned over the years of hosting our Online Groups for trans, non-binary & gender expansive youth, families and professionals. Fill out this brief form to see the recording of the webinar.
Online Groups and Events
Click the links below to sign up for our online groups, events, and more. We use Zoom teleconferencing for our online groups and webinars, see information on Zoom security here.
Instagram Live: Gender Q&A: monthly, dates TBA (see a recording here)
Grupo de padres en Español (Spanish Language Parent Support Group): Si desea unirse al grupo de apoyo mediante llamada mensual, o si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctenos a [email protected].
Online Facilitator Support Group
Webinar: Understanding Gender for Parents, Families, and Friends (June 1)
We also have a wealth of online programs on our YouTube channel, we post regular updates on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Resources from Other Organizations
Below are links to trusted health groups with Covid-19 information. Check back regularly to the links below for updates and the current status of health organization’s recommendations.
Covid-19 General Health Information
The following health organizations have up-to-date general health information on Covid-19.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Covid-19 general information web page
World Health Organization Covid-19 web page
Public Health Awakened and the The Spirit of 1848 have put together a resource database to inform a public health response to COVID19 that centers equity, racial justice, collective care, and community and power building. Especially see the resources document from the Gender and Covid-19 Working Group.
In California and the Bay Area:
California Department of Public Health Covid-19 web page
San Francisco Department of Public Health Covid-19 web page
For your local health information and updates, you can search here for your city, county, tribal organization and/or state health department for updates.
Mental Health Resources
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has updates on coronavirus and an extensive Resources and Information Guide for youth and adults dealing with anxiety or other mental health issues. Also, the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has this guide with mental health resources during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley has this Guide to Well-Being During Cornavirus with tips for self-care, parenting, staying close and more.
Health Resources for Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth and Their Families
The Trevor Project has 24/7 help via chat, text, or phone for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
The CDC has a directory of LGBT Health Clinics (by state and county) with links for LGBT Hotlines and Referral Services.
Mind the Gap has this great list of “COVID-19 Resources for the Trans/Non-binary Community.”
The National Center for Transgender Equality has an excellent list of resources on “Coronavirus (Covid-19): What Trans People Need to Know.”
The National LGBT Cancer Network has a web page on What LGBTQ+ People Need to Know about coronavirus.
Psychology Today article on "Supporting Transgender Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic."
The GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality (previously known as the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association) authored an open letter signed by 100+ organizations on “Coronavirus and the LGBTQ+ Communities” with links including the latest CDC resources for health professionals, the public, and more. Share this letter with your healthcare provider, especially if you feel you are not receiving adequate attention.
In the Bay Area, the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives has this statement with links to resources for trans health care during the Covid-19 outbreak. Also the SF LGBT Center has updates on the status of their current programs here.
Parenting and Coronavirus
NPR has an article and for parents with younger kids, this online comic on talking to your kids about the virus.
Seattle Children’s Hospital has an article on “Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19,” with links to more resources.
The National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network has this Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease.
The CDC has a parenting FAQs about coronavirus.
Social Media on Coronavirus and Gender
Point of Pride has this Instagram post with a great graphic giving information on chest binding and Covid-19. Follow them for more updates.
The Center for Anti-Violence Education has this Instagram post on racism, xenophobia and Covid-19. Follow them for more updates.
Follow and/or join the Facebook group LGBTI Covid 19 Response for resources and updates.
The BBC's Validation Station is a text-messaging service that sends a dose of daily positivity to trans and non-binary people. Read more about it in this Pink News report.
Americans for the Arts has a great Covid 19 Resource and Response Center.