What is the Gender Affirmation Fund?
The Gender Affirmation Fund (GAF) was created in 2018 to support CUPE 4600 members seeking to align their gender expression with their gender identity. Transgender, gender variant, and gender non-conforming workers deserve to feel comfortable in their gender expression while at work but face systemic barriers to adequate employment and healthcare. While the GAF cannot undo systemic transphobia and medical neglect, this fund aims to provide some relief and demonstrate the union’s commitment to our members seeking to affirm their gender identity. The GAF was formerly called the “Trans Fund.”
Who can access the Gender Affirmation Fund?
CUPE 4600 members of either unit can apply for the Gender Affirmation Fund. Even if a member does not currently have a contract with Carleton, Contract Instructors retain membership for two years after the last class they taught, and Teaching Assistants retain membership for one year after the end of their last contract. Further information on eligible expenses can be found in the Eligible Expenses portion of the application form.
How can I apply to the Gender Affirmation Fund?
By filling out this application form. Applications are reviewed three times per year, after the application deadlines of September 30, January 31, and May 31.
Who oversees this fund?
The fund is administered by an all volunteer committee of CUPE 4600 members, at least half of whom are trans. If you are interested in volunteering with the committee, please contact info@cupe4600.ca.
The name I use is not the same as my legal name, will this be an issue?
That’s not a problem. We do not require identifying personal information beyond your chosen name, Carleton student number or employee number, and your email address(es). Further information on confidentiality or the information we are required to collect can be found in the Confidentiality Statement included on the application form.
Other resources:
If you need assistance with living expenses or medical fees that do not fall under the GAF, please apply to CUPE 4600’s Emergency Fund. Further information can be found here for teaching assistants and here for contract instructors.
As of the 2023-2024 academic year, both the CUPE 4600 Unit 2 Health Insurance Plan and the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan offered through Green Shield include a $10,000 lifetime benefit for gender affirming care, with a $5,000 annual limit. Note that while a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is required to access these funds, any gender affirming prescriptions are treated the same as any other prescription.
SAFETY Ottawa offers microgrants for name changes through their MeFund. The Ottawa Trans Library has many events and resources. Kind Space has a variety of programs and services. Trans Health Ottawa and the Trans Health Clinic at Centretown Community Health offer a variety of health navigation and care programs. And the Carleton Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre on campus offers a variety of programming and resources including the Gender Affirming Gear Program.