Steel Butterflies

"Strength in Transition"

Transgender Support Group in London, Ontario.

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Our Mission

The Steel Butterflies Transgender Support Group's goal is to promote transgender issues, and people, in the most positive light possible to the community, while assisting those in the transgender community to lead full and productive lives.

Our Origins

The Steel Butterflies Group has evolved from the Alphabet Community Centre group in London.  The ACC group has in the past, and continues into the future, to provide support and assistance to those questioning their gender.  We like to think of ourselves as "graduates" of the ACC.

We began with a conversation over coffee among the four founding members in April 2011.  During this meeting, we discussed our own feelings and beliefs as well as the need for social contact among the transgender community.  We also felt that as a community, we could be doing more for the transgender community as well as expanding our beliefs to work within the LGB community of London.  Following this very pleasant meeting, we decided we would meet again the following month and invite others from the community to join us.  Our group has grown far beyond our original expectations and its success is the membership itself that continues to expand almost daily.

The four founding members come from the legal community, academic and law enforcement.  Our general membership consists of people from students to senior citizens, unemployed to professionals.  We have people from all cultures, religions and socioeconomic conditions.  The diversity of people provides a solid foundation for continued growth and understanding of one another as well as the ability to reach out to the London region across these multiple connections.

Who Are We?

Steel Butterflies are a transgender "social support" group.  We meet informally to chat over a cup of tea or coffee, watch a movie, poetry readings etc.  We welcome all, M2F, F2M, supporters, and partners. Come as you are, meet new friends, or reacquaint yourself with old ones.

Meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday and last Thursday of the month from 6pm to 9pm.  Currently they are held at the East Village Coffee House on Dundas Street E.   The coffee house is a declared LGBT safe zone.  They offer various beverages, fair trade products, and healthy nibbles.

We have contacts with "Leaders" in the trans community, provincially, regionally, and locally.  We also maintain contacts with other influential trans people across Canada, The United States and even some in Europe.  These contacts allow for a continuous dialogue of ideas and events in addition to being made aware of government(s) actions or lack of, providing a unity of support where it is needed.

We have been cultivating relationships in the Health Care arena (mental and physical), Political arena, Social Services etc.  These ties have been well received due to our philosophies and approaches.

We are active in supporting human rights whether it is through letter writing or attending a rally.

What We Believe

• The sexualisation of gender in ANY measure is gross misinformation, and intrinsically wrong in any context; regardless of the source of the information.

• People have the right to self-identification whether as a Crossdresser, Transgenderist or Transsexual without fear of discrimination from any source.

• Transgender people have the RIGHT to coordinate their own transitions (within the boundaries of advised medical safety) if they so choose.

• The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care (HBSOC) as maintained by The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) are a necessary GUIDELINE for successful transition.

• Healthcare, both mental and physical, should be carried out by trans-affirming, provincially registered/licensed professionals who are in good standing with their accrediting board.

• The need for impartial, clinical, scientific study into transgender is essential for adequate healthcare; both physical and mental as well as progression toward a greater understanding by society at large.

• People should have access to impartial, accurate, and reliable information that is scientifically accepted and verified as current body of knowledge upon which to make decisions involving transgender.

• Family and friends of transgendered people should have access to impartial support systems for themselves, their loved one(s) and caring others.

• Transgendered people NEED reliable and caring peer support from within the transgender community.

• Positive community interaction initiates mutual understanding and mutual benefits for all.

• Negotiation BEFORE confrontation.

• Professional interaction with social agencies, legal communities, medical communities is essential to further the understanding and support of and for the transgender community.

What We Do

• We provide a safe, non-judgmental milieu for trans people and supporters to meet and socialize.

• We foster good relations with politicians and community leaders who are sympathetic to the plight of the transgender population.  We will openly challenge those who oppose us.

• We present a positive face to the community about transgendered people.

• We educate others whether it be; community, employers, or professionals about transgender.

• We assist community members in distress who are in need of professional assistance.  We do this through "rescue", advocacy, or intervention where there is no danger of physical altercation.  We then work toward acquiring the needed services for YOU!