Island Sexual Health
#101-3960 Quadra Street V8X 4A3 Victoria, BC, Canada

**Reminder of this exciting opportunity** We are hiring a Community Education and ManMad Facilitator. Basic Details are included below. Please see link below for full details. Closing November 20, 2020 at 12 PM Pacific Time. ... Island Sexual Health is looking for a dynamic, energetic, and engaging masculine or non-binary identified educator to join our dynamic and innovative education team. This position will be responsible for shared part time delivery of elementary and early middle years workshop sessions and also for the coordination and delivery of our specialized healthy masculinity program Man Made. These sessions are facilitated with local schools and community groups using whole person, sex positive, social justice and well-being centred approaches. The posting is open to all masculine and non-binary identified applicants and ISH is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, age, and ability. While we gratefully acknowledge all applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a 1st stage online panel-based interview to be held in late November. A follow up 2nd stage interview will only be offered to successful 1st stage candidates only. Please apply with your cover letter and resume (including 2 current references) to [email protected] before November 20th at 12:00 pm PST. No phone calls please. For more information on The position requires a commitment of 30 hrs/wk. The majority of the work hours will occur within school day hours (8:00-4:30 M-F). Some evening and/or weekend work will be occasionally required. Worksites will be shared between office, community settings and home. Rate of pay is $20.00 to start; comprehensive and generous benefits package and 4 weeks of paid vacation time are also offered. There is a 3-month probation period from the start date of employment. our education program, visit our website: https://www.islandsexualhealth.org/education/ and for more information on Man Made programming visit www.beyondboyswillbeboys.com. https://www.islandsexualhealth.org//Community-Education-an

Don’t forget that The Store at ISH is taking appointments on Monday evenings for the new Gender Affirming Apparel we’re carrying. See more info below!

TRIVIA NIGHT PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENT Thanks so much to our amazing donors for these awesome prizes! Can’t wait to see you all there

***Trivia Night Theme Announcement***

***Trivia Night Prize Announcement*** Go to bit.ly/ishtrivianight for tickets! Event this Friday, Nov 20th!

Here is a fantastic opportunity for non-heterosexual youth to participate in some meaningful research on their coming out experiences and receive an honorarium for participation. See post below for more details!

A shout out to all of the **Amazing** educators on World Teacher Day. We are so lucky to work with many amazing educators - we thank you so much for all of your enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity! It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated and our world is SO much better for you.

Here is the official video announcement of our expansion into a Community Cealth Care Centre. Many thanks to Island Health, BC Ministry Of Health and Minister Adrian Dix for their commitment and support to patient centred care. Official details will be released in January 2021 via our website www.islandsexualhealth.org

Island Sexual Health recognizes Orange Shirt Day. The significance of Orange Shirt Day is about recognizing the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada, acknowledging the ongoing impacts of residential schools and taking time to reflect on what we can do to take strides towards reconciliation. To quote orangeshirtday.org: The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Sc...hools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on. The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. See more

Join a Q & A with Phyllis Webstad today at 11am to learn more about Orange Shirt Day and how each of us can work to ensure that Every Child Matters each and every day.

We are thrilled with the official announcement today about becoming a community health centre. While we are busy preparing for the transition with the addition and training of new staff and physical renovations to our clinical space, we continue to offer only sexual health services. Information about access to primary care will be released through our website islandsexualhealth.org in January 2021. Please monitor our website for this information as we are unable to provide more information through phone, email or text. We are not accepting external or self referrals for primary care nor wait listing potential clients at this time. Many thanks to The Ministry of Health and Island Heath for their investment in our expansion and client centred care.

Such an important opportunity to be included in this survey about COVID-19 on GBQT2+ mens health. https://ca.research.net/r/sexnowcovid_facebook

Here's some info for the amazing youth in your life....what a cool way to gain skills and earn some money for your favourite based charity!

As a follow up to our last post for world sexual health day; heres a fantastic reminder about sexual rights from: https://worldsexualhealth.net/orga/world-sexual-health-day/

September 29th is International Safe Abortion Day. As an organization who believes that safe equitable access to abortion is part of sexual and reproductive healthcare, we encourage you to read more information about this statement about access.

September 26th is world contraceptive day - this year, we are drawing attention to a tool called ‘It’s a Plan’ run by the Society of Obstetricians of Canada. ‘It’s a Plan’ is a great starting point for people looking for contraceptive info - it was created to help you and your health care provider determine the method of contraception that is best for you! Check out the link in our bio to try it out!

Today is World Sexual Health Day and we are focusing on the importance of pleasure. Whether it be personal or partnered, it is important for pleasure to not feel performative. Pleasure is not a task, its a process. Pleasure doesnt look or feel one particular way, but instead encompasses a broad range of bodily sensations and actions that are unique to the individual experience. Pleasure can occur in your mind, body and soul and knows no limits and has no time frame! Pleasure is shared, not taken. To read more about World Sexual Health Day 2020: https://worldsexualhealth.net/orga/world-sexual-health-day/

Just a reminder of our adjusted hours on Saturday and Monday closure this long weekend! Happy Long Weekend.

Man Made Announcement Nick Sandor is stepping away from his role as the coordinator and facilitator of Man Made. He has accepted a position as the Executive Di...rector of the Men’s Therapy Centre and will continue to devote his time to helping men and boys connect with each other and learn healthy expressions of masculinity. Thank all of you for making this work possible and creating space to have these important discussions about social change! Rest assured, Island Sexual Health has every intention of continuing the Man Made program and we are excited to have someone bring new and innovative ideas into this conversation about healthy masculinity. We expect that Island Sexual Health will be able to resume Man Made programming by January 2021 at the latest. A job posting will be available on the Island Sexual Health website in the not to distant future if you are interested in applying for this position. These changes are specifically for Man Made and ISH’s sexual health programming remains available for both in-class and virtual learning. Nick will miss working with all of you and will not forgot the meaningful and brave stories that were shared by community members as we navigate healthy ways of expressing masculinity. If you have any questions about these changes to Man Made please contact Jennifer Gibson ([email protected]).

Today we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. We encourage you to become educated and have conversations with those in your life about substance use. If you or someone in your life is using substances, please know there is a fantastic community of support services here in Victoria including Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project SOLID AVI Health and Community Services

Such a great resource from The Store at ISH

Check out this awesome new resource for current or former sex workers from the amazing folks Peers Victoria

Were part of some great folks who working hard to change all of this. Parents, Adult allies, Youth leaders, please join us.

Looking for a safe space in Victoria to explore, and be fitted for gender affirming products? This is one of Victorias first not-for-profit, gender affirming apparel fitting services, involving an expanding range of #binders, #packers, #gaffs, #underwear, #STPs, cute art/ #pins and more! This is just the beginning! We will continue to expand our range and services over time, and would love your feedback, and suggestions to improve our ability to serv...ice the community in Vic. Address: @3960 Quadra St. Follow our store account The Store at ISH for updates + please share to get the word out ! Image Description: Square with Green, Blue and Purple background. Centered text reads "Gender Affirming Apparel Range Coming Soon" Graphic illustrations of gender affirming tank top and underwear.

Are you an artist? Do you believe in sex positivity and vitality? Heres a contest for you from the great folks at @onecondoms https://www.onecondoms.com/pages/contest/Canada2020

**Notice to New Clients** Currently, due to technical issues with our online booking portal, new clients are asked to call us 250-592-3479 to book an appointment while we try to find a solution to the issues. Many thanks for you patience - were working hard to solve the problem.

Shared by the amazing folks at Foundry

We love Dr. Bonnie and her good times guide https://goodtimes.gov.bc.ca/

Just a reminder that a long weekend brings changed hours of operation for our Quadra Street clinic. We will be open 10-2 pm Saturday and Closed both Sunday and Monday. Were wishing you all a safe socially distanced long weekend. Image Description: Photo of sunset with a white circle inside that states "BC Holiday Weekend Hours. Saturday 10-2pm, Sunday - Closed, Monday - Closed. 250-592-3479 islandsexualhealth.org ... Be Kind. Be Calm. Be Safe." See more

Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. Some definitions of sexual health also encompass a range of clinical and public health issues related to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. ISH believes that having a sexually transmitted infection does not prevent someone from being or becoming sexually healthy Image Description: Red square with a silhouette of lips in the centre. The caption reads what is Sexual Health? a d there is a hashtag in the corner that reads #ishquestionoftheweek

Have you heard about this awesome education series from the fab folks at AVI Health and Community Services? https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pride-in-harm-reduction-an-onli

Got 5 minutes...?! Share your thoughts on our branding for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Frisky Business! Island Sexual Health is in the exciting process of refining how we look and sound as an organization. As a member of our community, we want to know what you think! We have created a short 5-minute (or so) survey that asks for your opinions on our organizations branding. By completing the survey you will automatically be entered for your chance to win a $50 giftca...rd to Frisky Business, our store at Island Sexual Health that offers products to enhance pleasure and sexual health (sex toys, personal lubricants, safer sex supplies and more)! To take the survey, click on the following link: https://forms.gle/UHhm2jBqQk2s4zg67 #yyjsexualhealth #yyjsexualwellness #islandsexualhealth #yyjhealthcare [Image text description: We want to hear from you! Take a 5-minute survey on the branding of Island Sexual Health for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Frisky Business!]

Please note that Saturday July 25th we will only be open (11-3) for Plan B, pre-arranged STI Testing Kit Pick-up, safer sex supplies and to book appointments. We wont have a nurse/dr onsite so we are unable to dispense medication including STI treatments or contraception. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Please call us if you have any questions 250-592-3479 Image Description: Yellow Notepad with "Dont Forget" written on it.... I

Jen and Nick from our education team will be hosting a youth workshop on July 31st, as part of the Queerudition: The LGBT+ Workshop Series. Follow the link for registration and more details! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queerudition-the-lgbt-workshop

Hello Community Members! We would like your help creating a dialogue about healthy masculinity. Toolbox Consulting and Wellness for Men and Man Made are workin...g in collaboration to bring you an engaging new tool to help you navigate conversations related to healthy expressions of masculinity. Our plan is to create a deck of cards filled with questions and prompts to foster connection, collaboration, and curiosity. It is a perfect tool for workshops, talking circles, community groups, and social events that are looking to explore learning about healthy masculinity. What we would like from you is to contribute questions and prompts that can be used for these cards. Follow the link for more details and question submissions. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78J7QTC

Always validating to see how quality sexuality education has *many* wider life applications! Not that were biased or anything

Were here for you and your testing needs: judgement free and full of support. Call us at 250-592-3479 or IslandSexualHealth.org #yyjhealthcare #healthyissexy #nojudgement #yyj #sexualhealth #noshameinstis Image Description: purple background with flame emoji, eggplant emoji and peach emoji decorating the sides. White text reads if your physical distancing has been more physical and less distancing, now is a great time to get tested!! Contact us to set up an easy, judgement free appointment. 250-592-2479 islandsexualhealth.org

Weve added Saturdays back to our hours for supply/medication pick up at our Quadra Street clinic. #yyjhealthcare #yyjsexualhealth #sexualhealthcare #islandsexualhealth #uncededlekwungenWSANECterritories [Image Description: Blue box with various geometric designs and an animated triangle over a statement that says were open saturdays again! Supply/medication pickup 11 am- 3 pm #101-3960 Quadra St. 250-592-3479]

Just a reminder that our clinic will be closed tomorrow Wednesday July 1st for the statutory holiday. Well re-open July 2nd at 9 am. Clients are always able to book future appointments using our online portal when were closed: https://onlineappointmentbooking.medikazam.com/medical/#661 Image Description: A red box with a white text bubble inside that reads "Our Quadra Street clinic will be closed July 1st."

Fantastic news.

A call for research participants. Details below: Are you interested in participating in a study about early relationships over time? The Share Lab at York University is seeking BOTH members of romantic couples to fill out our confidential online daily survey on relationship interactions and sexuality for 1.5 years (~60 mins per survey; 7 surveys). In order to be eligible, you must:... Be 25+ years old Have been in a relationship with your partner for 6-12 months Be sexually active in your current relationship Reside in Canada or the United States Live geographically close to your partner Be able to read and understand English Have daily access to a computer with internet Partners must complete separate online questionnaires within two weeks of each other the outset of the study, then complete 6 additional surveys over the course of 1.5 years Each partner will be compensated up to $105 ($84 USD) in Amazon, Best Buy, or Starbucks gift cards for completing all parts of the study. You will receive $15 ($12 USD) for completing each survey. To participate in the study, or find out more, please email us at [email protected] about the Early Relationships Overtime Study or EROS.

Check out the details on free online counselling for QTBI folks through the fabulous organization Qmunity.

Looking for something fun to do tonight to celebrate Pride month? This airs tonight (Wednesday) at 6pm Victoria time!!

The drop-in centre at Peers Victoria has re-opened! See details below.

Check out this inclusive online personally directed cut, shave, or grooming guide service!!

Reminder that our survey is still running for a few more days! We would super appreciate you taking the time to give it a look if you are willing and able to do so <3

Reminder that were accepting applications until Friday June 12th!! Thanks to all whove shared. More info here: https://www.islandsexualhealth.org/2020/05/gaaac/

This is happening right now!!

As part of the COVID- 19 town halls, this Fridays topic is Anti-Racism. Details below.

Were thinking of bringing back our newsletter! Previously, we would send this out quarterly and it included information about all things sexual and reproductive health. To start our brainstorming, we want to hear from YOU (our amazing community members). Please take a few minutes to let us know what kinds of topics, articles, posts etc. you would want to see in such a newsletter. We are so appreciative of your time and input! <3 Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26GZCSM