Celebrating diverse families with gender-neutral identification bands
As part of our commitment to caring for everyone and in the spirit of diversity, VCH introduced new gender-neutral identification bands at all hospitals.
For many families, welcoming a new baby can be an exciting time. In 2024, VCH introduced gender-neutral identification bands for parents across all its sites.
The new bands now use the term “parent,” instead of “mother” or “father.” This inclusive approach helps all families feel welcome and supported during this special time and can create a feeling of greater safety for new parents.
“Gender-neutral colours and terminology should be our standard practice across the perinatal continuum,” said Amy Hamill, Regional Director, Perinatal and Child, VCH. “This is one small change where collectively we can make a huge difference, and it’s the first step towards creating a more inclusive environment for perinatal care.”
Using the term “parent” instead of “mother” or “father” is a more inclusive approach that aims to make everyone feel welcome and supported during the birth of a child.
New resource guide: Caring for trans, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse patients and clients
VCH is investing in education for its teams to help improve access to health services and care for trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary clients.
Following a focus group and survey that found a desire for more resources and training, VCH’s Trans Specialty Care program developed a directory of resources called “Working with Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse clients.”
Trans Care B.C. also launched a new e-Learning course on Gender-Affirming Relational Practice. This course gives an overview of how health-care providers can combine clinical practice, relational practice and gender-affirming care principles, something that will help improve care for patients and clients.
There are now resources available for clinicians and allied health staff working with transgender, Two-Spirit, gender diverse and non-binary clients. There is also a VCH web page with resources available to all clinicians.
View the resourcesVCH teams celebrating Pride
VCH staff and medical staff supporting Pride in qathet. VCH is proud to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with gender affirming care and programs and services to support wellness.
Song, dance, rainbows and joyful expressions filled several long-term care homes in Vancouver in late June and early July, as residents and staff celebrated Pride month, which takes place in June, and learned about its meaning.
VCH staff and medical staff participated in the 2024 Vancouver Pride Parade.