Gender
We live in a society that genders everything: adults, kids, animals, places, bodies of water, things. This assignment of gender and its expected characteristics is very confining, and can be out-of-sync with how we know and understand ourselves.
For some people, gender is concrete and unmoving; for others, it's fluid and evolving. No one has the right to define that experience for you--who you are and how you present to the world. Unfortunately, because of fear and hatred, some in our community are faced with a daily choice of being their authentic selves versus their own safety and security.
There are a lot of terms when it comes to defining gender: female, male, transgender, cisgender, non-binary, genderqueer, non-conforming, and many, many more. Whether one, none, or many of these words resonates with you, reach out to the groups and organizations on this page to find the support you need.
Organizations
Northwest Washington Family Medicine Residency
Kitsap
Family medicine residency clinic with physicians that are LGBTQ+ friendly and wanting to create an open and welcoming environment. Offering resources including introductory gender-affirming care and referrals for more in-depth treatment options, Prep administration, and HIV clinic. LGBTQ+ & Allied Physicians: Mylan Panteah MD, Heather Morgan MD, Jasmyn Taylor MD, Cole Macke DO, Alisa Seng DO, Brian Bachmann DO, Conner Smith DO, Bryson Bellefueille DO, Juliet Bliss DO, Michael Watson MD
Kitsap Transgender Community Group
Kitsap
Kitsap Transgender Community is a group of trans folk from all walks of life, and the allies that support us. We meet in Bremerton 2-3 times per month (please contact us for information), to share experiences, concerns, trials, happy moments, milestones in transition, etc.
Outlier Wellness
Kitsap
Virginia Sun Moore (they/them) serves LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals (13+), couples, and families. They specialize in gender-affirming care and letter writing; identity development; trauma recovery; and intergenerational growth. Virginia Sun is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Associate (LMHC-A), a Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS); a Mental Health Professional (MHP), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
Transfriending
Kitsap
TRANSFRIENDING is a support group for family, friends and allies of people in gender transition or exploration. This is a safe, supportive, and understanding group of parents and others who share both the joys and the challenges of their lives with the Trans people in their lives. They are very aware that Transition includes both extended family and friends, and they are happy to share their experiences. They would be happy if there were a network of similar groups across the West Sound, and look for opportunities to help make this happen. Please get in touch if you would like to start such a group! They meet in person on Bainbridge on the second Monday of each month and on Zoom on the fourth Monday of each month.
Jefferson County Transgender Support Group
Jefferson
JCTS exists to prevent isolation and provide peer understanding for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. We strive to empower each other, share with one another, and provide a space for us to be open and communicate on an issue that affects all members. We are a safe space for people to talk about personal issues, experiences, struggles, and thoughts.
Teen Talking Circles
Kitsap
The Teen Talking Circle mission is to educate, inspire, empower youth; foster partnerships across genders, generations, and cultures, and support youth activism. "By modeling wholeness, compassion, and inclusiveness, talking circles help young people develop mature identities and form healthy relationships at home, at work, and in society, providing a foundation for a more cooperative, caring world." Founded on Bainbridge Island in 1993.