Friends of Ruby: Trans ID Clinic

Project Type: Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)

Fields of Law: Identification (ID)

Positions Available: 3

About Friends of Ruby:

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the progressive well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth (aged 16-29) through mental health services, social services and housing. Our approach is comprehensive, involving mind, body and community – wherever you are on your personal journey. Our vision – a world where all 2SLGBTQIA+ young people feel validated, involved and empowered to lead healthier lives.

Project Details:

The Trans ID Clinic provides free legal information, form-filling services and referrals in a learning space that strives to be trans-positive, non-judgmental, anti-oppressive and inclusive. Launched in 2017 in Toronto with SKETCH Working Arts and Blakes, the Trans ID Clinic now runs in partnership with other local organizations in Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Windsor, Toronto, and Fredericton.

In January of 2021, PBSC and Friends of Ruby launched a new Trans ID Clinic. Following positive feedback, clinics have been hosted consistently throughout the year since then. We are now looking to continue clinic services throughout Fall 2023 and throughout 2024. 

PBSC law student volunteers and lawyer supervisors will work collaboratively to assist trans and gender diverse individuals with obtaining new pieces of identification. Initial intake is managed by Friends of Ruby, and all clinic sessions are hosted on pre-approved dates in conjunction with Friends of Ruby and PBSC.

Students are requested to make a two-year commitment to this project, which aims to increase the clinic’s outreach and student involvement in the clinic. There may also be the opportunity to volunteer during the summer months. (In recognition of the volunteer nature of the commitment we acknowledge that this is a request and not a requirement).

After the initial intake is conducted by Friends of Ruby staff, clients will be scheduled for an appointment at the Trans ID Clinic. Student volunteers will meet with clients remotely via Zoom or in person at Friends of Ruby from a private space on clinic dates. Student volunteers may be assigned to between 1 – 4 clinic(s) per month (this will depend on the number of clients booked in for each clinic session).

During the meetings, student volunteers will assist clients in filling out gender marker and name change applications for new identification and using the Volunteer Training Manual as a reference. Student volunteers will be assisted by a lawyer supervisor who will be present at the meeting, and will review, approve, and commission any final documents produced by the student volunteer.

It is anticipated that students will see two (2) clients per clinic, however this number may fluctuate depending on the capacity of the clinic and the needs of the clients.

Student volunteers will be expected to adhere to Trans ID Clinic Guidelines which will be provided in advance of the first clinic session.

During “off weeks” when the clinic is not running, students may have the possibility of supporting with research and drafting of clinic materials, however this will depend on the needs of the clinic. Any materials containing legal information must be reviewed and approved by a supervising lawyer prior to use by the partner organization.

Will the student(s) be expected to show up for regular shifts each week, or is the schedule flexible?

Clinic Dates: Student volunteers will be expected to volunteer remotely or in-person on the scheduled clinic dates.

Off Weeks: During weeks where the clinic is not running, student volunteers may complete any applicable work remotely.

Student volunteers will be expected to attend the clinic remotely or in-person from 5:45 – 8:15 p.m. eastern time during scheduled clinic dates.

Clinics will adhere to the following schedule:

- 5:45 to 6:00 p.m. - Clinic prep

- 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. - First client

- 6:45 to 7:00 p.m. - Buffer time between clients

- 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. - Second client

- 7:45 to 8:00 p.m. - Buffer time between clients

- 8:00 to 8:15 p.m. - Debrief as needed

During “off weeks” when the clinic is not running, students may have the possibility of supporting with research and drafting of clinic materials, however this can range from a commitment of 0 – 5 hours per week depending on the needs of the clinic.

Requirements and Expectations:

The following would be considered an asset, though is not required:

- Administrative law

- Human rights law

- Poverty law

- Clinical placement experience.

Given focus of the clinic, students that identify as trans or non-binary are encouraged to apply. Selected students should be able to demonstrate ongoing and meaningful allyship with the trans community.

Additional assets include:

- Experience working with trans folks, youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

- Clinical / client-facing experience

- Social work background

- A strong sense of anti-oppression principles