The Gap

At the age of 3 we started to notice some behavioural issues that didn’t seem to fit the normal developmental range for children. Whether it was speech not developing normally, or the fact his brain was always racing, or his temper, we knew something was going on.

It took a full 4 years, and multiple trips to various childhood development specialists and doctors to finally get a diagnosis. The majority of which we had to pay for directly out of pocket as it wasn’t funded by our local Health Care.

The lack of support from the system has been one of the most defeating aspects of our journey. Our son can go from being the most loveable, sweet, caring little boy to a little boy who gets easily frustrated, defiant & has feeling that nobody loves him, and feels worthless in a matter of minutes.  And we have felt helpless trying to find support for him.

Witnessing him being left out in school settings, not being invited to partake in the everyday activities other kids get to enjoy breaks our hearts. He’s only 8 and already feels like an outcast in this world.

Our wish is that we can bring awareness to the gaps in support for children struggling with mental health issues so other families don’t have to feel as alone as we do.

Transformation

I have become a huge advocate for destigmatization of mental health issues.
I was sexually assaulted as a child, which led to a time in my life where I struggled with addictions, abusive relationships and suicidal thoughts.

Over the years, i’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, OCD, Dyslexia and Borderline Personality Disorder. It makes it hard to interact with the outside world…I tend to lack a filter, and say things that I may later regret if I feel threatened and unsafe.

It’s been really hard, but I truly believe there IS hope, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

My art is what has helped me the most. I make jewelry and that helps me transform all of the crap i’ve had to deal with, and turn it into wearable art.

I really believe everyone can find an outlet.

Transitioning

I was assigned female at birth and spent 28 years living a female experience. It never felt like who I was. Transitioning from female to male has allowed me to live as my authentic self. I am a transgender man, however this has not been an easy road.

I’ve been diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria, which is a mental disorder that is listed in the DSM-V. I am required to have this diagnosis in order to qualify for gender conformation surgeries. Gender Dysphoria is a contentious issue within the Trans community as many of us don’t believe we have a "mental illness.”  I, however, see the protections it affords us, as with the diagnosis, my human rights are protected under the grounds of “disability.” It is the leveraging I need when I experience discrimination in accessing medical treatment, in employment, when accessing change rooms in public facilities etc. Until gender identity and expression are explicitly protected grounds in human rights legislation, my diagnosis is the only thing that affords me civil rights protections; federally and territorially.

One thing that was never contentious was the support that came from the Whitehorse Women’s Hockey Association (WWHA). In response to my transition, they created a fully transgender inclusive policy. My struggle  was met with acceptance and love. They are my family and have supported me every step along the way.

As a trans rights activist, I spend a lot of my time and energy promoting human rights and advocating to remove barriers faced by our community in all sectors of life.  Having that safe space to go to after a long day of fighting, is one of the things that inspires and empowers me to keep moving forward. The love and warmth of the WWHA keeps me alive. As stated in the official league email that went out notifying us of the new policy, “The change room is for changing, drinking beer and talking shit about the other teams." Social inclusion is that simple, and I’m a really great shit talker!

Unhidden

I was born without most of my left hand. As I entered the teenage years, it became very important to me that I be 'normal’ and accepted. My personal identity became the “girl with one hand” which manifested into anger, fear of rejection and anxiety in social situations. 

I became really guarded and developed a lot of armour around my heart. I wasn't able to show any emotion or weakness after silently battling for years with depression and anxiety, and this took a toll on my body and mind.

I’m trying to change that now. I’ve worked up to not hiding my hand anymore. There were years when I would hide it through clothing or body positions, but I'm happy to say that I don't do that now. 

Now I am doing the same with my mental health. I don’t want to hide what I’m going through anymore.

I’ve been happily surprised to see that I’ve actually developed closer relationships with the people around me because I’m finally opening up and being more real with them. 

My experiences have also made me more empathetic and understanding of others struggles, whether it be mental or physical, because I get it. I’ve had my own. 

And in the end, my struggles have made me stronger.