Where and with whom can we learn more strategies?

If we want to learn and create more strategies, there are different ways we can do this!

Often, these strategies are created through experience, in other words, “trial and error” as we navigate systems. It is a process over time to build the skills and confidence we need to self-advocate. We may want to take time to reflect on our needs and see how these can be met.
- As one person put it “It’s a combination of feeling tired of oppression and harm while understanding that if I don’t do this, no one else is going to. I had caring people who did advocate for me when I was a youth. It involved getting support from others and starting to believe that I deserved the things that I was advocating for myself.”

Those of us who are connected to loved ones, organizations, and community (e.g. friends, Elders, YouthCO, in-person and online QTIMBIPOC spaces) may be able to share conversations about our experiences and recommendations. Starting these conversations can be challenging. If we feel unsure about initiating this dialogue, we may find it easier to connect with others who have previously shared their experiences with healthcare (e.g. family, people on online platforms, staff, etc.).
- We can also consider these prompts to initiate conversations in-person or online:
  - “I was thinking about something that happened with my doctor. Do you have the capacity to talk to me about it?”
  - “You’ve said before that you also have back pain. I’m trying to figure out what might work for me. Are you comfortable sharing what you’ve tried?”
  - “I saw that your bio said you’re open to DMs from genderqueer folks about HRT. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”
  - “I think I found a really good counsellor. Do you have some time later? I want to share my thoughts and see what you think.”

Bringing a support person to our appointments or being a support person for someone else’s appointments can be an opportunity to create peer modeling and learning.