Gender-Affirming Care Saves Lives: Why Inclusion Matters at Camp and Beyond
Today, I had the opportunity to co-host a presentation for camps and camp associations across Ontario. We were speaking to people who run kids’ camps—everything from outdoor adventure camps to specialty programs like basketball or even space camp. Honestly, I never went to camp myself. Growing up in a small town, my mom’s version of summer camp was kicking us out of the house and telling us to go entertain ourselves. And I don’t know if that’s better or worse! Camp sounds fun, but I don’t think I’m a “camp person.”
During the presentation, my role was to talk about sex, gender, and the importance of understanding terms like cisgender and transgender. I shared my lived experience as a trans and queer person, answering questions and helping people better understand how to create a more inclusive space. My co-host did an incredible job of explaining the practical side—things like bathroom arrangements, Bunkies (is that what they’re called?), language, pronouns, and preferred names. These details may seem small, but they are part of something much bigger: gender-affirming care.
Right now, there is so much misinformation about what gender-affirming care is. People hear the phrase and immediately think of medical interventions, but the reality is that gender-affirming care includes things as simple as respecting a person’s name, pronouns, and how they choose to present themselves. That kind of social affirmation is critical.
The Trevor Project estimates that every 45 seconds, an LGBTQIA+ young person in the U.S. attempts suicide. But here’s the part that always stays with me—just one accepting adult in a young person’s life can reduce their risk of a suicide attempt by 40%. One person who sees them, supports them, and lets them be who they are can truly change everything.
Trans and non-binary people are not trying to be someone else—we are trying to be ourselves. And when we are seen, accepted, and celebrated, it saves lives. That’s why these conversations matter, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of them.
