What is the Gender Affirmation Fund?
The Gender Affirmation Fund (GAF) was created in 2018 through a line item in the annual budget of CUPE 4600 for the purpose of supporting 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. Transgender, gender variant, and gender non- conforming people face systemic barriers to adequate employment and healthcare. While the GAF cannot undo systemic transphobia and medical neglect, this fund provides some relief and demonstrates the union’s commitment to our members seeking to affirm their gender identity. 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 both include a $10,000 lifetime benefit for gender affirming care
Who can access the Gender Affirmation Fund?
Trans CUPE 4600 members of either unit can apply for the Gender Affirmation Fund. Contract Instructors retain membership in CUPE 4600 for two years after the last class they taught, and Teaching Assistants retain membership for one year after they have last worked as a TA.
How can I apply to the Gender Affirmation Fund?
By filling out this form. Applications are reviewed three times per year: September 30, January 31, May 31.
Who oversees this fund?
The fund is administered by an all volunteer committee of CUPE 4600 members, most of whom are trans. If you are interested in volunteering with the committee, please contact us.
The name I use is not the same as my legal name, will this be an issue?
That’s not a problem. If your application is successful, we may need your legal name to process funds, but it will not be shared.
Other resources exist!
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.