Reader’s Digest Canada
For the September 2020 issue of Reader’s Digest Canada, Deidre wrote the monthly “Big Idea” story, which highlights Canadians who are doing something great.
Deidre reported on the volunteer-run organization Taking What We Need, which provides low-income trans women living in Montreal with discretionary funding and community support to cover basic living necessities and access gender-affirming healthcare.
“Claire, Barbara and Davis started by throwing a Titanic-themed party to raise funds for an at-home laser hair removal machine, which they’d lend to other women. They decorated each room to look like a set from the movie, and more than 100 people attended, bringing in $1,200. They were so overwhelmed by the response, they decided to forgo buying the machine and donated the money directly to low-income trans women they knew were in need.
TWWN has since hosted comedy and bingo nights, movie screenings, picnics and clothing swaps. All proceeds generated at the door are distributed to transfeminine people through their funding program. Before COVID-19 social distancing took effect, one of their monthly parties, Trans Amour, served as a social with an open mic and dancing.”
