Committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable social services to those who live or work on the North Shore, Family Services of the North Shore (FSNS) offers counselling, support, education, and volunteer engagement opportunities on a range of issues faced by individuals and communities.
The Houssian Foundation provides general operating support to Family Services of the North Shore’s (FSNS) Proud2BE program which supports queer, trans, non-binary, two-spirit, gender diverse and/or gender-questioning children and teens.
Many youth who come out as non-binary may also struggle with mental health, and want to go on hormones. For their parents, the FSNS Parents of Gender Diverse Children and Youth Support Group can help answer questions and provide support for all members of the family.
Initially, parents of queer, trans, non-binary, two-spirit, gender diverse and/or gender-questioning children and teens can feel confused, scared, and overwhelmed. After hearing from other parents and realizing they were not alone, they can begin to process their own feelings.
These parents can find connection in an environment where their feelings are validated. As more was disclosed within the group, the facilitators recognized that there are other issues going on at home and offered individual family support outside of the group.
Group and individual support sessions are available for families where they can have honest conversations in an environment where their child feels safe enough to express themselves and ask for the support they need from their parents while navigating their gender affirming journey.
FSNS also offers the PROUD2BE Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Conference presented in partnership with West Vancouver Youth Services which brings together youth, parents, and service providers for activities, panel discussions, workshops, entertainment, and clinical services. Open to children, youth, families and professionals, it’s a thoughtful weekend designed to support and connect our diverse LGBTQ2S+, gender-diverse and allied communities.