Gender dysphoria impacts how young people relate to their bodies, intimacy, and care. But when stigma and misinformation get loud, affirming language and evidence-based resources matter more than ever. In this conversation, host Cyn Sweeney sits down with Hanley Smith (Heal Nova Scotia; Check Me Out) to explore safer intimacy, language experimentation, and trans-inclusive sexual health—especially for those outside major city centers.

Together they discuss:

• Why affirming homes build lifelong resilience
• Language tools that reduce dysphoria (and what NOT to do)
• Fetishization red flags and staying safer
• Intimacy when you’re navigating body discomfort
• The rise of online misinformation—and how to fact-check yourself
• Why community knowledge is powerful but can’t replace evidence-based care
• How the Check Me Out tool works (380+ possible custom responses!)

Takeaways:

1. Silence communicates shame; curiosity communicates care.
2. Let people choose the words for their bodies—then follow their lead.
3. Safety isn’t one perfect decision; it’s informed consent across time.
4. Community resources survive persecution; they deserve engagement.
5. Engagement (not just donations) keeps programs funded.

Resources mentioned:

• Check Me Out — Trans-inclusive sexual health tool (18+)
• HEAL Nova Scotia
• Sugar Health (NS) — Sexual health directory + warm line
• zine libraries
• sexual health clinics
• community surveys

Music Credit:
Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/ and Be Myself video

Connect with Simply Good Form:
🌐 simplygoodform.com
📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform

What if gender-affirming care included free access to pre- and post-op physiotherapy, holistic recovery planning, and safer binder use?

In this powerful launch episode of Simply Beyond, host Cyndi Sweeney speaks with two dedicated professionals offering free, trauma-informed physio support to trans and non-binary individuals preparing for — or healing from — gender-affirming surgery.

Together, they explore:

• What gender-affirming physiotherapy really means (and why it matters)
• The importance of preventative care and recovery planning
• Common myths and risks around binder use — and how to reduce harm
• Two things you should be doing to reconnect with your body today

Whether you're preparing for top surgery, starting hormones, or supporting someone who is, or you are just looking for gender-affirming wellness guidance, this episode will meet you with insight, care, and actionable steps.

Because joy in your body isn’t just possible — it’s your right.

SHOW NOTES:

Guests:

• Alexa Starratt (she/her) BSc, MSc, PT, PCES, Physiotherapist, Brickyard Health, @brickyardhealth
• Amy Prescott (she/xe), Resident Physiotherapist Brickyard Health, and member of Queer Physiotherapy Collective (QPC), @affirmpt

Resources & Links:

• Brickyard Health Lintree: https://linktr.ee/brickyardhealth
• Free Gender-Affirming and pelvic health physiotherapy at Halifax Sexual Health Centre: https://hshc.ca/gender-affirming-and-pelvic-physiotherapy/
• Free pelvic health physiotherapy with Alexa and a team of great specialists via North End Community Health Centre, Halifax: https://nechc.com/
• Free Binder Support Workshop: Subscribe to be the first to know: https://simplygoodform.com/simply-beyond/
• Post-Op Home Care and Self-Help for Top Surgery Resource: Link to follow
• Pre-Op Self & HomeCare for Top Surgery: Link to follow

Music Credit:
Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/ and Be Myself video

Connect with Simply Good Form:
🌐 simplygoodform.com
📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform

About This Podcast:
Simply Beyond is a Simply Good Form podcast about real stories and bold conversations that transcend the binary. Hosted by award-winning DEI strategist and proud mama bear Cynthia Sweeney (she/her).

Join host Cyn Sweeney (she/her) for a personal welcome to Simply Beyond, a Simply Good Form podcast. In this first episode, Cyndi shares why this rebrand matters, what’s changing (and what’s not), and how Simply Beyond brings together two past shows — Hey, Cis! and Trans Canada Stories — under one inclusive banner.

The first full episode drops on July 25th!

Music Credit:
Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/ and Be Myself video

Connect with Simply Good Form:
🌐 simplygoodform.com
📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform