Trans & Two Spirit Name Change Clinics
Halifax Public Libraries
Innovation Synopsis
The decision to legally change a name or sex indicator is an important step in the gender transition of many trans and Two-Spirit people. Accessing the services needed to make this happen, however, can present obstacles. In an affirming space, Halifax Public Libraries support 2SLGBTQIA+ program participants with any stage of this process.
Challenge/Opportunity
Early in the pandemic, many government departments restricted their service to the public, creating barriers to access. Inspired by the experience of a nonbinary staff member who changed both their name and gender marker, the Halifax Public Libraries’ 2SLGBTQIA+ Team stepped up to provide barrier-free support for vulnerable community members needing help with an important personal and legal process.
Key Elements of Innovation
- Clinics are held across Halifax Public Libraries’ 14 branches, increasing access
- Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Team develop, lead and attend Clinics to offer support
- Volunteer lawyers from, Dalhousie Legal Aid, provide legal advice & witness signatures on statutory declaration forms at no cost
- Professionally designed, printed resources guide participants
- An affirming environment for vulnerable community members
- Inclusive, relevant programming which fills a practical need for local 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Achieved Outcomes
- The program breaks down bureaucratic, social, & economic barriers to an important process
- A correctly completed name change &/or sex indicator application which is ready to be submitted to NS Vital Statistics
- Participants feel supported & cared for every step of the process at their local Library
- Facilitating & celebrating an important stage in many trans and Two-Spirit people’s transition
- To date, we’ve helped 25 people complete forms
- The program & materials inspired a partner to develop a nation-wide app
Media Coverage: Halifax Examiner, CBC