Practical workplace support for your trans and non-binary union members

Give your members access to specialized, confidential advice through union-funded workplace strategy sessions.

Support for the decisions that come before action

A member may know something is not working without knowing what to request, who to approach, or whether acting could make their situation harder.

A confidential strategy session gives them space to clarify their priorities, consider realistic options, and prepare for a next step. That step may involve their union, a workplace conversation, a request for change, further information gathering, or a deliberate decision to wait.

The aim is to help members make informed choices that reflect their circumstances.

What we heard from trans and non-binary people

In a recent TransFocus survey of trans and non-binary employees, we heard:

• 68% had an ongoing workplace situation or still needed help after it ended.

• 64% wanted support understanding their options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

• 36% had received general reassurance but needed concrete options or next steps.

• 60% identified affordability as a reason they might not use this kind of support service.

Written responses also emphasized privacy, advice tailored to their actual workplace, and help considering options without pressure to escalate.

What members can bring to a session

We support members with questions involving:

• Disclosure of gender identity or trans history at work.

• Workplace changes to names, pronouns, or gender expression.

• Misgendering, intrusive questions, exclusion, and strained relationships.

• Names and gender information in records and systems.

• Washrooms, uniforms, benefits, leave, and workplace arrangements.

• Preparing a conversation, request, or explanation of a concern.

• Deciding whether to act, wait, stay, or leave.

Members do not need a formal complaint to benefit. Sessions can support preparation and decision-making as well as responses to an existing problem.

What each prepaid session includes

Each session provides trans or non-binary union members:

• A brief review of the member’s intake.

• A 90-minute confidential appointment by video or telephone.

• Exploration of options and their potential benefits and trade-offs.

• A concise written summary of the options and next steps discussed.

The appointment focuses on one main situation or a few connected questions. It does not include ongoing case management, extensive document review, or attendance at employer meetings. Any additional work would require a separate agreement.

Specialized expertise that complements union representation

Your representatives bring knowledge of the collective agreement, the workplace, and the member’s representation needs. TransFocus adds specialized experience with gender inclusion and organizational processes.

Over 10 years, we have supported more than 500 organizations across Canada and the United States through research, education, and implementation work. Our experience spans workplace policies, information systems, facilities, communications, and everyday interactions.

TransFocus is led by trans and non-binary people with expertise in social science research and organizational change. We use a calm, practical approach that starts with the member’s circumstances and priorities.

Our sessions can help members articulate what they need, prepare questions for a representative, and identify where further support is required. We do not replace union representation, grievance processes, legal advice, or counselling.

Members with urgent issues or deadlines should contact their union directly rather than wait for a session.

A straightforward way to fund access

How many sessions should you purchase?

The appropriate bundle depends on your membership size, geographic reach, existing supports, promotion plans, and available budget. We can work with you to choose a starting allocation and review actual use.

For illustration, a union with 10,000 members might budget for 10 appointments by assuming that 1% of members are trans or non-binary and that 10% of that group may use a session. This is a planning scenario—not an estimate of your membership or a prediction of uptake.

Member privacy is central to the service

Funding a session does not give the union access to the member’s conversation, case notes, or written summary. This is confidential information.

Before launch, we agree on an access process that collects only the information needed to confirm eligibility and administer bookings. Members are told what administrative information is collected and how it is used.

Routine reporting focuses on utilization. We do not include identifiable case descriptions or share a member’s situation with their employer or union without permission.

If a member wants coordination with their representative, we first agree with the member on what may be shared and for what purpose.

Support members while keeping systemic responsibilities in view

Individual advice can help a member navigate a difficult situation. It does not remove the employer’s responsibility to address workplace barriers.

Where your union identifies broader needs, TransFocus can discuss separate education or organizational support. Individual sessions remain focused on the member’s interests; members are not expected to involve their employer.

Explore a prepaid bundle