Grey’s Experience with Transition Related Surgery at Women’s College Hospital

When Grey, a 26-year-old non-binary patient, came to Women’s College Hospital for transition-related surgery, they felt nervous and uncertain about what to expect. But with compassionate support from their care team, Grey felt safe, respected and supported throughout their journey.

 

“My surgeon and surgical team treated me with the utmost respect, and I felt very safe and comforted about any questions I had,” Grey shared.

That sense of comfort also extended beyond the operating room. As part of Women’s College Hospital’s Transition Related Surgery (TRS) program, patients receive dedicated social work support to help them prepare for every aspect of their surgical experience. This includes mental health support, practical planning around housing and work and connections to physiotherapy, counselling and community resources. The goal is to help patients move through their surgical journey feeling informed, supported and empowered.

When surgery day arrived, Grey felt ready. They checked in feeling calm and confident and woke up from the procedure with less pain and swelling than they had anticipated. With their support person waiting for them, Grey returned home feeling cared for every step of the way.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the patients, staff and care teams who make Women’s College Hospital a place where 2SLGBTQ+ people can access expert, gender-affirming care. Experiences like Grey’s are possible because of a shared commitment to creating healthcare environments where every person feels seen, respected and supported.

Donor support plays a vital role in sustaining the Transition Related Surgery program and the specialized care that helps patients feel their best before, during and after surgery. This Pride Month, we are grateful to our donors whose generosity supports compassionate gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse patients across Ontario.