About the SGDc Program
The SGDc Program will work with you to understand:
- Your unique situation
- What is most important to you
- What could be helpful to you, your caregivers, and your chosen family
We are here to:
- Support you
- Provide an inclusive care experience
- Identify the ways your identity can be a positive influence in dealing with cancer
- Help you navigate systems and challenges during your cancer care
Our commitment to health equity
We celebrate the diversity of our patients and recognize the systems of oppression that reinforce power, privilege and marginalization. We understand that these systems impact your everyday life and access to cancer care.
We know that individuals from sexual and gender diverse communities may not have had positive healthcare experiences. Many face difficult and discriminatory experiences based on intersecting (overlapping) factors of their identity.
We are committed to working towards change, increasing inclusion and improving the patient experience for everyone. Our goal is to deliver high quality, equitable care to all patients regardless of the intersections of race, ethnicity, income, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
You may have some of the following questions and concerns:
- Should I tell staff about my sexual orientation or gender identity?
- Will I be able to find an all-gender washroom?
- Will my caregivers and chosen family be welcome?
- Will I be referred to by my correct pronouns and by the correct name that I use?
- Will I be able to access resources relevant to my identity?
- Will I be able to access 2SLGBTQIA+ staff?
These questions show that sexual and gender diversity are an important part of your care and may make your experience different from patients who are straight. All patients and families deserve a safe and inclusive environment.
The SGDc Program can:
- Provide you with cancer information and support specific to 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, caregivers and chosen families
- Connect you with supports and services tailored to your needs
- Help you to make sense of and move through the cancer care system
- Offer individual 2SLGBTQIA+ informed counselling
- Deliver 2SLGBTQIA+ informed support groups
- Help identify your unique strengths in navigating your cancer experience
Meet our clinical team
Dr. Christian Schultz-Quach, (he/him) SGDc Program Director
Christian is a Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Palliative Care Physician, and certified Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity therapist. He was born in East Berlin and grew up in Germany. He has lived in Switzerland, the US, the UK and most recently in Canada.
As a gay physician, he has comprehensive knowledge, skills and passion in working with SGD patients with cancer. In his spare time, he enjoys mountaineering, travelling, and producing films.
Margo Kennedy, (she/her) SGDc Clinical Lead
Margo is a clinical oncology social worker with the Department of Supportive Care. She brings her extensive counselling experience to supporting people with cancer. She is an inclusive care health advocate, passionate about promoting health equity in cancer care, and identifies as part of the lesbian community.
Outside of work, Margo enjoys all things gardening, connecting with queer cultural events and pursuing the perfect cup of black coffee.
Contact the SGDc Program for more information:
