YUKON GENDER GEAR PROGRAM 2.0

UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, suppliers are experiencing supply delays and as such, we are experiencing delays in sourcing items and getting them out. We are continually monitoring item availability and will get your items to you as soon as possible! We appreciate your patience and understanding during these times.

Queer Yukon is excited to launch YGG 2.0!

In partnership with GenderGear.ca, BYTE, and Northern Voices Rising. This program is open to any and all feedback and we want you to know we heard you! Updates include: more confidential application options, more variety in items, more info on gender gear and confidentiality, makeup, and Intramuscular (IM) injection kits for hormone shots.
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The YGG program provides Yukoners with access to gender gear including: chest binders, breast forms and bras, gaffs, packers and packing straps or pouches, STP devices, shapewear, menstrual underwear, makeup and IM injection kits. Participants must be currently residing in Whitehorse or another Yukon community (including border communities) to qualify for the program.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis on the 15th of each month. Individuals are encouraged to submit separate requests for as many items as they need. We will do our best to fill all requests, however we will prioritize one item per person for each order. Family members or friends are welcome to apply on behalf of someone else living in the Yukon. Community organizations or other service providers are welcome to place confidential orders on behalf of their clients.

Any information provided through the application process is strictly confidential and will only be available to relevant Queer Yukon staff to manage the program. If you have any confidentiality concerns, please let us know via the form, anonymously on our Community Safety page, or by emailing Ames at: programs@queeryukon.com.

Queer Yukon is grateful to be able to provide free gender gear to Yukoners. However, Queer Yukon is not a healthcare service and encourages everyone to explore safety resources on using gender gear. We have provided some links below.

To receive an item of gender gear

1. Choose an item! Review the items on gendergear.ca to select the gear you need. If the item you want is out of stock on the website, please apply anyway! If you don't see an item that you're needing, please fill out the form and include details about your requested item in the "Is there anything else you would like us to know?" section, or you can send an email to Ames at programs@queeryukon.com.

2. Apply using the button below!

3. We will submit your order. Queer Yukon staff will coordinate the ordering and delivery of your item via your chosen preferred method (mail or pick up in Whitehorse, Dawson or Watson Lake).
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4. Wait by the door! And receive your gear!

want to help us keep this program going?

Please consider making an individual or corporate donation in support of the Yukon Gender Gear Program (YGG) by clicking the button below: ​

​We are also open to donations of select clean and washed used gender gear items! Contact caitlin@queeryukon.com to coordinate a potential item donation.

ELIGIBLE ITEMS AND INFORMATION

wHAT ITEMS ARE ELIGIBLE AND WHAT COUNTS AS "ONE ITEM"?
  • Chest Binder
  • Gaff
  • Packer
  • Packing Strap or Pouch
  • STP
  • Breast Form
  • Bra
  • Shapewear
  • ​Menstrual Underwear (9" boxer briefs or 4.5" trunks)
  • Dilator
  • Pump
  • Makeup
  • IM Injection Kit (supplies for 10 or 20 injections)
WHAT IS GENDER GEAR?
Gender Gear refers to items of clothing or prosthetics that alter your physical appearance and are often used to affirm someone’s gender identity.
WHAT IS A CHEST BINDER?
An item of clothing that compresses your chest to help it appear more flat.

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WHAT IS A PACKER AND PACKING STRAP OR POUCH?
A packer is a prosthetic that promotes an appearance and feel of having a penis. A packing strap or pouch is used to hold the packer in place.
WHAT IS AN STP?
Stand-to-pee device that allows people, who might not otherwise be able to do so, to stand up to pee.
WHAT ARE BREAST FORMS AND BRAS?
Breast forms are prosthetics that promote an appearance and feel of having breasts. A bra is used to hold the breast forms in place.
WHAT IS A GAFF?
Underwear that is used for tucking external genitals between your legs to help that area appear smoother.
WHAT IS A DILATOR?
A prosthetic that assists in relieving pain, maintaining elasticity post-surgery, or assisting with kegel-type exercises.
WHAT IS A PUMP?
A device that assists people in changing the size and shape of different parts of their bodies.
WHY MAKEUP?
Makeup can help people present in ways that affirm their gender and can influence the way others perceive you.
WHAT ARE IM INJECTION KITS?
These are kits that provide necessary supplies for intramuscular hormone injections. The kits are available in packs of 3 or 5. Each kit includes:
  • 18G blunt fill needle
  • 21G, 23G or 25G needle
  • 1mL or 3mL syringe
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Personal sharps containers can be found at Blood Ties

WHO TO CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS?

​We recognize that in small communities, people know each other. We’re doing our best to try and provide options for people to reach out to if they have any questions or concerns! Are there items you need that aren't listed here? Please let us know!
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IS THIS PROGRAM CONFIDENTIAL?
Any information provided through the application process is strictly confidential and will only be available to relevant Queer Yukon staff to manage the program and coordinate delivery of your gear. You will not be added to any mailing lists by submitting a request to this program.

Any personal identifying information collected through this program will be deleted within three months after the order was placed.

If you have any confidentiality concerns, please let us know via the Gender Gear request form, anonymously on our Community Safety page or by emailing Ames at: programs@queeryukon.com.
CAN SOMEONE ELSE PLACE THE ORDER FOR ME?
Individuals are welcome to apply on behalf of someone else living in the Yukon. Community organizations or other service providers are welcome to place confidential orders on behalf of their clients.
WHAT KIND OF PACKAGING WILL THE ITEMS BE MAILED IN?
The items will be mailed in discrete packaging with no mention of Queer Yukon on the packaging.
ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?
Queer Yukon is grateful to be able to provide access to gender gear for Yukoners. However, QYS is not a healthcare provider and cannot provide medical advice. We encourage you to learn more about the risks associated with using gender gear and to contact your healthcare provider if you have more questions. For your convenience, we’ve included some resources below about common issues relating to chest binders. 

Find resources on our website here and more resources below:
Hudson’s FTM Guide: Binding
TransGuys.com Chest Binding 101
Buzzfeed: All the Questions You Had About Chest Binding, But Were Too Afraid To Ask
Binding 101: Tips to Bind Your Chest Safely
Binding Safely for Your Body: Tips for All Body Types and Sizes

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DO YOU HAVE FEEDBACK ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
This program is still evolving so we welcome any feedback! Please email Ames at: programs@queeryukon.com or fill out the feedback form on our website here.

Frequently asked questions

what if the item i want is out of stock?
Please apply anyway! We will do our best to source your item as soon as possible.​
when will i get my gender gear?
We expect that it will take 3-4 weeks after we place an order for the items to arrive in Whitehorse and for our team to deliver them. We will do our best to keep you updated on the status of your order.
what if my binder doesn't fit?
If you get the wrong size binder, please contact Ames at: programs@queeryukon.com to coordinate an exchange for the correct size. If you are unsure of your size, please try on the binder WITHOUT wearing deodorant, as any stains or markings will make the binder non-returnable.
can i return an item?
Only chest binders may be returned WITHOUT wearing deodorant, as any stains or markings will make the binder non-returnable. This is due to the personal nature of the rest of the gender gear.
when are decisions made about applications?
Applications will be reviewed on the 15th of each month.
how does the waitlist work?
Any requests that aren’t purchased this month will be added to our waitlist. The priority of our program is to provide access to one item per person minimum, so any first-time applicants will be prioritized over second requests. ​

origins of the program

where did this program come from?
Northern Voices Rising (NVR) has worked to develop some of the groundwork for this program over the past several months.

All Genders Yukon Society (AGYS) has been supporting Trans, Two-Spirit and Non-binary people for years. They have worked at a grassroots community level to help people get access to Gender Gear whenever possible.

Queer Yukon Society (QYS) has received numerous requests for assistance with accessing Gender Gear.
who is gendergear.ca?
From the website: “Founded in 1997, GenderGear.ca is a worker-owned co-operative located in Ontario, Canada. Owned-and-operated by trans and gender variant folks, we're here to make finding gender gear simple, easy, and affordable. We wear, read, and use all of the stuff we stock, and we only carry products we truly love!  Learn more about us, get in touch, or go shopping now!”
our sponsors
Queer Yukon gratefully acknowledges funding from Blood Ties Four Directions, Reaching Home and Employment and Social Development Canada. This program was originally launched with funding from the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Support to Community Organizations Program and the Government of Canada.