Advocate for yourself: Menstrual health care & gender-affirming access

Public health care has long been considered a cornerstone of Canada’s social safety net. Yet chronic underfunding, long wait times, and limited access to specialized and gender-affirming services can make it challenging to receive timely, appropriate menstrual health care.

This interactive workshop empowers students to better understand their bodies, their options, and their rights within the health care system. With a focus on menstrual health and gender-affirming care, participants will gain practical tools to advocate for themselves in clinical settings, whether seeking diagnosis, treatment, referrals, or respectful, inclusive care.This workshop does not use gendered language or assumptions.

The workshop is inclusive of all genders and welcomes anyone who menstruates or supports menstrual health.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how the Québec and Canadian health care systems function
• Identify common menstrual health conditions (such as dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, PCOS, irregular cycles, and PMS/PMDD) 
• Recognize and request gender-affirming menstrual health care
• Communicate symptoms, needs, and boundaries with providers
• Use self-advocacy tools such as documentation and second opinions
• Know where to find campus, community, and public health resources

Facilitator

Courtney Kirkby (she/her) is a holistic uterine care worker. She is a registered massage therapist, a peristeam facilitator, and doula. She has trained in multiple abdominal therapies and menstrual charting. Courtney believes this knowledge is our birthright and is an advocate for prevention based integrated healthcare in Quebec. 
 
She is the co-founder of the Concordia Menstrual Health & Trans ScarWork Clinic, Tiger Lotus Coop, Community Healing Days, and Studio 414.