The following two sections  shares the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ educators and students—stories of growth, exclusion, resilience, and resistance. From being misgendered to facing systemic barriers, these voices reveal the emotional toll of navigating spaces that often fail to affirm queer and trans identities.

These reflections call for deeper understanding and real change—where inclusion means safety, respect, and belonging.

I met my younger self for coffee today….

Many of you may know the trend that is going around on socials right now. The one that begins with “I met my younger self for coffee today” and then it goes on to share a dialogue or discovery between the two ages of oneself.

I had to take a step back and really think about this, would my younger self even recognize me? I’ve discovered so much about myself in the last decade or so.

Which version of my younger self would I talk to. Am I 14 and feeling so awkward trying to buy a formal dress? Am I 17 and starting my first year at university? Am I 27 and just starting to realize my gender might not be what I’ve been told it should be?

The thing is, I am proud of every version of me. They got me here, they helped me survive and slowly learn who I was. Now in my late thirties, I feel so grounded and confident in who I am. I finally stopped letting the world tell me how to be and I started really listening to all those younger versions of myself and what I’ve always wanted to be.

Just under a decade ago I started identifying as a trans, non-binary person. I have amazing friends and mentors share their own lived experiences with me and finally something seemed to really fit. I never comfortable identifying as a woman. It didn’t feel right, but I also knew I didn’t want to be a man. Wellllll guess what, there are so many other ways to walk through this world.

I remember the first time I signed off my name with they/them pronouns next to it. Of course, I felt all the things like nerves, discomfort, imposter syndrome, but most of all, it felt SO RIGHT. This was me, this was who I am, and I’ve never looked back.

Rewind to when I was 19 and coming out as queer for the first time during my undergrad, despite being in a small northern university city, most people were really supportive. However, looking back I can see the small instances of homophobia, but overall, the fight for queer rights was moving in such a beautiful direction, and people were excited for me to be me.

Fast forward to coming out as trans, and the experience was very, very different. The confusion, the microaggressions, and the misgendering was constant. I had to continue to remind people to use they/them pronouns, provide education around gender inclusion, and do a lot of emotional labour.

It was about 1 year after I came out that I developed a chronic stomach issue that lasted for another 2 years. I was clenching my stomach muscles so frequently and deeply every time I was misgendered, that my body couldn’t handle the stress anymore and I became sick. Thanks to many hours of therapy and community support I learned that a lot of trans people experience stomach issues. I wasn’t alone and I started to build up resistance.

The misgendering has never stopped. It happens multiple times a week, but I have also noticed a shift in the way I respond. Perhaps I’ve become more used to it or I have gained more confidence and have learned to set the right boundaries.

Most importantly, I know that when I speak up, it is not just about me, it is about all trans people who deserve to be respected and cared for by others. Every time I sit in discomfort to correct someone on my pronouns or my prefix (I go by Mx. Prince), I am hoping this will help them learn and better support other folks in the future.

More so, now more than ever, I want to be so vividly and proudly me. The world is pushing back against the trans community, and I want to ensure all trans people feel loved, safe and that they belong.

To end, I think this is how the time with my younger self would go:

I met my younger self for hot chocolate today;

They were 10 minutes late

I was right on time

They ordered a hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie

I ordered a London fog and a chocolate chip cookie

They wore jeans and a NUSU sports jacket with their hair in a ponytail 

I wore track pants, my KPU jacket and a comfy t-shirt, with a fresh fade

They talked about their heartbreak over their first love and the excitement they have for their new job at the university.

I tell them that we will experience heartbreak a few more times, but it was all worth it because we finally found someone who loves us in a way we’ve always dreamed of. And we still work at an awesome university, but I won’t spoil the surprise of how we get there.

They tell me all the exciting and busy things they have to do in the coming weeks. I remind them to slow down, but then chuckle because my schedule is just as hectic.

They showed me the latest photos they took on their digital camera from the bar the night before. I show them pictures on my Instagram of my community, partner, and cats.

They say I look happy, and I say I am proud of them, and give them the biggest hug.

I can’t wait for our next meet up.

Bio:

Trina Prince (they/them), is the Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Gender and Sexual Equity and Disability Justice).

Trina identifies as a trans, non-binary, white, disabled, neurodivergent, fat person, with German and Polish ancestry. They grew up on Anishinabewaki and Algonquin territories, and they currently live on the lands of the Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam First Nations.

Working for institutes such as Nipissing University, BCIT and KPU, Trina has devoted time to being actively involved in many meaningful initiatives which include supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy and celebration, reconciliation, accessibility, mental health, sexual assault awareness, and ending gender-based violence. Outside of work, Trina has recently finished a 7-year term as the Board Chair for Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre. Most importantly, Trina is a very proud Entie to their 10 niblings. Trina absolutely loves orcas, dragons, softball, Star Wars, LEGO, Titanic facts, dancing, and escape rooms. Trina tries to create safe(r) spaces everywhere they go and is a passionate advocate.

Treading Water

One of the students we spoke to shared Untold stories of treading water “It’s why you might see Trans students who sometimes have very rocky grades because on top of trying to do well academically, they’re just trying to tread water. [It’s challenging to do well academically or in the workplace] when you are struggling to feel like a person and not constantly dissociate when you are around others.”