We launched our first Gender Marker and Name Change Clinic in December. We weren’t sure how many people would come.
We also didn’t know how many barriers we could truly help remove. What we knew for sure was this: the legal process for affirming your identity shouldn’t feel like climbing a mountain.
‘The name change clinic was a great help to me. I have been wanting to legally change my name for years but didn’t have the means to go through with it until the clinic ran. Everyone there was so helpful and it was a great environment! I am so glad this exists.’ N.
We received generous support from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. With their help, we guided individuals through important legal steps. A passionate group of volunteers and community partners helped us. We had more than 45 registrants. We guided 33 trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals through the legal steps of changing their name and gender marker. For 23 of those folks, we also provided direct financial support—because affirming your identity shouldn’t depend on your bank account.
The clinic took place at The Bus Stop Theatre. It was designed to be a “one-stop” space. Come with questions. Leave with paperwork done, notarized, and ready to go. The process often involves trips to multiple locations. It includes conflicting government info and criminal record checks. There is also a whole lot of stress. We simplified that.
We’re deeply grateful to Susan, Peter and all our friends from Dalhousie Legal Aid. They donated their time to notarize applications on the spot. We worked closely with the Halifax Regional Police’s Diversity Officer. We helped rebuild trust by offering peer support. We also provided accompaniment to the station.
Messages from You
And then there were the messages. Dozens of handwritten notes shared by participants—offering advice, encouragement, and solidarity to others still on the journey.
“It feels hard and overwhelming but it’s so worth it. Coming to a place like this makes us feel seen and heard.”
“This clinic was great and well appreciated! I have been trying to change my ID for years but the barriers of navigating paperwork alone and having to then have it notarized made the process nearly impossible to accomplish. Having everything in one place, facilitated by trans/queer folks made me feel held through the process and supported by community. Thank you for holding such an important space!” Kris R
“The name change process has always seemed like a big and daunting task, so it had been something I had been putting off for a little while despite the discomfort and frustration that comes with having to constantly correct people on my name. I could not even begin to figure out how to navigate it all between the fees, the confusing paperwork with easy-to-miss details, the fingerprinting, etc. I am thankful to everyone who made this clinic happen. I am especially thankful to Cyndi for coming with me to my fingerprinting appointment at the police station where she advocated for me and helped make things go a lot smoother than they would have if I went alone. I hope to see these clinics continue and help more people, including my friends whom I recommended should go to the upcoming one.” Clover
That’s what this clinic was about. Visibility. Care. Connection.
Name Change Support Pathway
If you’re navigating a name change in Nova Scotia and would like support, check out our free pathway of support. It is complete with resources, videos, and access to live, virtual support!
Next Clinic
Our fourth clinic is set for July 18th at The Pink Piano in Lower Sackville, aligning with Halifax Pride. We’re aiming to help at least 33 more individuals and are offering advance support all month via Zoom and in-person meetings to ease the process even more.
This is what community care looks like.
And we couldn’t do it without you.
Want to support future clinics?
Limited Edition PRIDE T-Shirts
Watch our Name Change Clinic Reel or check out our limited-edition fundraiser tees ‘I’m Your Bear’ featuring artwork by a local trans artist and ‘Sea Beyond Binary’ T-Shirts. (See below)
Let’s keep going—together.
