Forouz Salari Online Counselling & Consulting

12/21/2023

Today is the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere - the longest night of the year!
The lack of daylight, during the autumn and winter months, can negatively impact people's mood, energy, motivation, social engagement and overall sense of wellbeing (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Throughout history, this prolonged seasonal darkness has inspired humans from across different cultures, faiths and geographies to create ritual celebrations that honour and incorporate light (examples include Diwali, Hannukah, Kwanza, Yalda)!

In the Iranian culture, we celebrate Shabeh Yalda on this date, by gathering with our loved ones for a feast, music, dancing, conversation and togetherness.

Wishing you and your loved ones a winter holiday season filled with warmth, comfort, joy and connection!
Here's to the return of the light in our days...

مهمانی یلداگروه پارتاکنوازنده تار: علی ریاحیخواننده: امید بنی‌پور - علی پنجه‌پورنوازنده نی: مجتبی کرمینوازنده قانون: مائده حسینینوازنده کمانچه امیربیگی نوازن...

12/18/2023

Sign this petition, demanding a cease fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War:

http://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel?recruiter=41581363&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=3b109c5cfe5945efa2d22186c851ea5f

12/03/2023

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of needs people living with visible and invisible disabilities (including chronic physical illness, chronic mental illness, learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities), while celebrating their unique abilities and contributions to the world and their communities.

If you are a student living with a visible or invisible disability, be sure to visit your school's accessibility office / services to learn about academic accommodations that may support you in your studies, because everyone deserves equitable access to opportunities to learn, grow and thrive!

12/01/2023

Today is World AIDS Day!

According to UNAIDS, since the start of the AIDS epidemic, approximately 85.6 million people have been infect with HIV worldwide and 40.4 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses!
As of 2022, 39.0 million are living with HIV around the world, 53% of whom are women and girls! Other key populations who are disproportionately impacted by HIV include transgender people, men who have s*x with men, people who inject substances, s*x workers and people in prisons.
In 2022, 86% of all people living with HIV knew their HIV status, 89% of them were accessing treatment for it, and 93% of those treated were virally suppressed.

UNAIDS' 2023 slogan is "The world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way (i.e., communities living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV)."

Visit Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights to learn about s*xually transmitted infections (STIs), including safer s*x practices, STI testing and treatment options:
https://www.actioncanadashr.org/s*xual-health-hub/s*xually-transmitted-infections-stis

Find Sexual Health Services Near You (in Canada):
https://www.actioncanadashr.org/resources/services

Consider Donating to UNAIDS:
https://www.unaids.org/en/donate

11/25/2023

Today marks the start of 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, which is an international campaign connected to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which began in 1991.

According to Statistics Canada:
"Indigenous women (61%) are more likely to experience some form of IPV in their lifetime (since the age of 15) compared with non-Indigenous women (44%)".
"29% women 15 to 24 years of age report having experienced at least one incident of intimate partner violence (IPV)".
"Transgender and gender diverse people in Canada are significantly more likely than cisgender people to having been physically or s*xually assaulted at least once since age 15 (59% versus 37%, respectively)".

If you (or someone you know) is fleeing gender-based violence, use this directory to find a shelter or crisis line near you:
https://sheltersafe.ca/get-help/

The Government of Canada outlines 16 ways to end gender-based violence:
https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-ways-help-end-gender-based-violence.html

Q***r and trans folks (and their allies) who are seeking information on gender-based violence, can visit It Gets Better Canada:
https://itgetsbettercanada.org/2023/06/21/recovering-from-quarantining/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjOunBhB4EiwA94JWsNRgcz_YB-1XfzrGLTNUqVGWUKuDFNxOonyJz93c5r_NYPXaOuJZrBoCWN8QAvD_BwE

Consider calling on the Ontario provincial government to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) an epidemic, and begin taking tangible steps to address it across Ontario:

https://www.ywcatoronto.org/homefreefromviolence

Consider donating to local, national or international organizations and funds that support the safety, health and wellbeing of women and gender diverse folks, such as:

Women's Shelters Canada:
https://endvaw.ca/donate-2/

Canadian Women's Foundation:
https://secure.canadianwomen.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2795&mfc_pref=T&2795.donation=form1&s_locale=en_CA

YWCA Canada:
https://ywcacanada.ca/donate/



*photo by Fellipe Ditadi (via Unsplash)

11/20/2023

Today is Trans Day of Remembrance!
On this date, we commemorate, honour and celebrate the lives and contributions of 2Spirit, trans, non-binary, gender diverse, gender fluid and gender non-conforming people who have died as a result of transphobia, physical illness, substance use, su***de, murder or violent hate crimes.

If you're interested in learning more about creating safer and accepting spaces for Trans folks, here are some informational resources:

1. "Creating Authentic Spaces: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit To Support The Implementation of Institutional and Social Change" (by The 519): https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creating-authentic-spaces

2. "Being An Effective Trans Ally" (infographic by The 519). Retrieved from: https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creating-authentic-spaces/being-an-effective-trans-ally

3. "Draw The Line – Against Transphobic Violence in Schools" (webinar and resources by Egale Canada): https://egale.ca/egale-in-action/draw-the-line-atv/

Some documentaries about the lives and experiences of Trans folks that you may find informative include:

"Paris is Burning" (1990)
"Passing" (2015)
"The Trans List" (2016)
"The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" (2017)
"Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric" (2017)
"Disclosure" (2020)
"Transhood" (2020)

Consider donating to Trans-inclusive and Trans-specific services in your area, such as The 519's Trans-Specific Programs or their Trans People of Colour (TPOC) project:
https://www.the519.org/support-the-519/donate/

or The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund through Unite for Change, supporting organizations that offer services to q***r and trans communities across Canada:
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/lgbtq-pride-fund/

Consider signing this petition calling on the Canadian government to take action for trans equality:

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4666

11/01/2023

Sending love & care in these heartbreaking times ❤️
Many are feeling outraged, bewildered, lost & helpless, in response to the recent conflict in Israel-Palestine.
My heart aches for all Palestinian, Muslim, Middle-Eastern & SWANA people, including Jewish people, impacted by this tragic nightmare, locally & internationally, especially children.

I’m sharing videos of 2 Jewish scholars whom I respect as elders in my field, both with the lived experience & wisdom to speak on the colonialism & genocide in Palestine:

Gabor Mate (Jewish Canadian trauma-informed physician): www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHDBw-wx6w0&list=WL&index=2

Judith Bulter (Jewish American gender studies scholar): www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAbzV40T6yk&list=WL&index=2

As humans, we all have the capacity to hate & love.
Intergenerational trauma can impact any of us to respond with anger, hatred & dominance.
Genocide is genocide & colonialism is colonialism, no matter which political state engages in it.

It’s important to inform ourselves on this complex issue (using unbiased, well-researched sources), while also taking time to reflect on, tend to, safely release & calm our emotional responses.
Having informed discussions with our loved ones is an effective way to contribute to change-making.
May we all have the capacity to approach this with groundedness, courage & compassion, consensually & consistently.

Here are some resources:

“The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017” by Rashid Khalidi
“The Birth of Israel: Myths and Realities” by Simha Flapan
Democracy Now!
Independent Jewish Voices: www.ijvcanada.org
Jewish Voice for Peace:

With love & in solidarity with Palestinian & Jewish peoples in the Middle-East seeking peace, safety, equity, justice, wellbeing & the collective right & opportunity to live & thrive ❤️

Consider signing this petition calling for immediate ceasefire:

www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel

Consider donating to:

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Palestine Red Crescent Society

10/19/2023

Today is (the 5th anniversary of) International Pronouns Day!
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of learning about, sharing and respecting the personal pronouns that people choose for themselves, while also demystifying this process.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about and/or are interested in learning more about personal pronouns, here are some helpful resources:

1."Genderbread Person: Components of Human Identity" (infograhic by Egale Canada):
https://egale.ca/awareness/the-genderbread-person/

2. "Gender-specific & Gender-Neutral Pronouns" (infographic by The 519):
https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creating-authentic-spaces/gender-specific-and-gender-neutral-pronouns

3. "Pronoun Usage Guide" (infographic by Egale Canada):
https://egale.ca/awareness/pronoun-usage-guide/

4. "Being An Effective Trans Ally" (infographic by The 519). Retrieved from:
https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creating-authentic-spaces/being-an-effective-trans-ally

Consider donating to Trans-inclusive and Trans-specific services in your area, such as:

The 519's Trans-Specific Programs or their Trans People of Colour (TPOC) project:
https://www.the519.org/support-the-519/donate/

The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund through Unite for Change, supporting organizations that offer services to q***r and trans communities across Canada:
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/lgbtq-pride-fund/

10/11/2023

Today is International Day of the Girl - a day to raise awareness about and commit to honouring girls' rights to access education as well as comprehensive s*xual and reproductive health information and healthcare, to live free from gender-based violence, to have equitable access to economic opportunities and self-determination, and to be heard and respected, around the world.

Special shoutout to the Malvern Missfits - it was an honour, privilege and true joy to co-mentor you in 2011 and 2012 (with my incredible colleagues at Women's Place), as you celebrated the girls in northeast Scarborough and raised awareness about the rights of girls worldwide :)

Consider donating to the following agencies in support of the needs of girls across Canada or the world:

YWCA Canada's "Think Big! Lead Now! Young Women’s National Leadership Program":
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ywcacanada/campaign/young-womens-national-leadership-program/

Girls' SySTEM Mentorship Inc:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/girls-system-mentorship-inc/

Days for Girls Canada:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/days-for-girls-canada-society/

10/10/2023

Today is (the 75th anniversary of) World Mental Health Day!
This year's theme is: "Mental Health is a universal human right"!

Today (and every day), we have the opportunity to raise awareness around and advocate for every person's right to access quality mental health services, resources and supports, across the world, to support them in improving their overall wellbeing and thriving in their life.

If you (or a loved one) need mental health supports, check out your local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association for details on free or affordable mental health services in your area:
https://cmha.ca/

If you're looking for a private therapist who can support you on an ongoing basis, check out Psychology Today and filter a search for a therapist, based on your geographical location, budget, the issues that you'd like to explore, and the approach to mental health care that works best for you:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists

If you're looking for mental health supports internationally, use the directory created by HelpGuide.org:
https://www.helpguide.org/find-help.htm

Consider donating to the Support Mental Health Fund through Unite for Change, helping mental health organizations across Canada in their efforts to provide accessible mental health services to Canadians:
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/support-mental-health-fund/

Or to the World Federation for Mental Health (the founders of World Mental Health Day), which aims to raise global awareness of and advocate for the prevention of mental illness and the use of best practices in the treatment of mental illness worldwide:
https://wfmh.global/

09/30/2023

Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (coined by Phyllis Webstad) in Canada!
It is a day that commemorates the traumatic and oppressive legacy of Indian Residential Schools across Canada, which more than 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children were forced to attend between the late 1800s and 1996!

If you'd like to learn about the histories and cultures of Indigenous people and their experiences under colonization on Turtle Island, you can listen to free podcasts created by Indigenous folks on Spotify:

1. "First Stories: Tales from Turtle Island"
2. "Telling Our Twisted Histories"
3. "Kuper Island".

You can also read "21 Things You May Not Know about the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality" (2018 book by Bob Joseph).

Or you can search for and visit a local Indigenous organization in your area.

Consider donating to one of these organizations supporting Indigenous organizations, communities and people across Canada:

Orange Shirt Society (https://orangeshirtday.org/support/)

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund (https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/indigenous-peoples-solidarity-fund/)

The Indigenous Culture and Language Resurgence in the Canadian North Fund (https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/indigenous-culture-and-language-resurgence-fund/)

Orange Shirt day is an annual event held each September 30th in remembrance of the Canadian Residential School system and the impact of this government polic...

09/22/2023

Today is the Fall Equinox in the northern hemisphere!

This is one of two days per year when daylight and darkness are in balance - an incredible reminder to seek and create sustainable ways of experiencing balance in all aspects of our lives!

It is also a time of significant change and transition, both in nature and in our lives and relationships!

This is my favourite season - I love the changing colours, the cool fresh air, the opportunity to wear warm, cozy clothing and drink warm, soothing beverages, and spend quiet time with loved ones.

May this season bring you peace, tranquility, comfort and balance, particularly as you move through whatever changes and transitions life has in store for you.

09/21/2023

Sign the Petition to call on the federal government to protect the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Canada:

https://www.momentumcanada.net/act4q***rsafety?recruiter_id=8075

***rsafety ***rlivesmatter

09/20/2023

Today, across Canada, anti-2SLGBTQ+ and anti-Trans groups organized protests under the “1 Million March 4 Children” banner with the goal of removing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum and policies from Canadian schools:
https://www.antihate.ca/1_million_march_4_children

In counter-protest, many organizations in Ontario and across Canada organized demonstrations fighting for the rights of Trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and all 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to have access to comprehensive s*xual health education, gender-affirming healthcare services, as well as safe and inclusive school environments:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxWa_opo_Ll/

This is a human rights issue that impacts all of us and future generations to come! Because, when we allow one person or group’s basic human rights to be questioned, ignored or denied, we open the door for everyone’s human rights to be questioned, ignored or denied (perhaps sooner than we expect).

We have a collective responsibility to address hateful and discriminatory rhetoric in our society, communities and families, in order to co-create a safer world for everyone!

We need to begin by informing ourselves, so that we are not misled by misinformation about 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, gender affirming healthcare and comprehensive s*x education:

https://sherbourne.on.ca/news/statement-from-sherbourne-health-regarding-anti-trans-hate/

https://www.the519.org/resources/

When we’re feeling safe enough to engage in open dialogue, we can use our knowledge to respond to misinformed questions or statements. Here are some suggestions from The 519’s Army of Lovers:
https://www.the519.org/armyoflovers/

We can also:
- Be an effective, visible ally;
- Donate to organizations that support and serve q***r and trans communities;
- Sign petitions that call for inclusive and affirming changes to discriminatory policies and laws;
- Vote in ways that are aligned with our values and in protection of everyone’s human rights.

The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund through Unite for Change (orgs across Canada):
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/lgbtq-pride-fund/

***rLivesMatter

09/10/2023

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day!
According to the Canadian Association for Su***de Prevention, every day, 12 people end their lives by su***de in Canada - and, each of their deaths affect at least 10 people.
Su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people 15 to 34 years-old.
While men are more likely to die by su***de, women are 3 times more likely to attempt su***de and be hospitalized for it.
And, according to Egale Canada, q***r and trans (2SLGBTQIA+) youth are at a significantly higher risk to contemplate and attempt su***de than their heteros*xual and cisgender peers.

If you or someone you know is contemplating su***de, use the Canadian Association for Su***de Prevention's online Support Services Directory to find immediate crisis supports in your area:
https://su***deprevention.ca/resources/ -services

If you'd like to learn more about su***de prevention, here are some informational resources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/su***de-prevention/su***de-prevention.htm
https://su***deprevention.ca/research-and-statistics/

And, if you or someone you know is grieving the death of a loved one by su***de, you might find this article helpful:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-a-loved-ones-su***de.htm

***dePreventionDay

08/01/2023

Today is Emancipation Day in Canada! It's a day to recognize Canada's history of slavery and anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
This date was chosen because on August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.
In 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to designate August 1st as Emancipation Day in Canada.

If you're interested in taking action towards abolishing racism, start with you and start from within...

Consider registering for Resmaa Menakem's course "Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism", offered through Education for Racial Equity:
https://educationforracialequity.com/offerings/foundations-in-somatic-abolitionism/

You might enjoy reading:

1. "My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts" (by Resmaa Menakem)

2. "Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love & Liberation" (by angel Kyodo williams)

3. "21 Things You May Not Know about the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality" (2018 book by Bob Joseph)

4. "Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good" (by Adrienne Maree Brown)

You might also consider donating to:

The Black Solidarity Fund through Unite for Change (https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/black-solidarity-fund/)

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund (https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/indigenous-peoples-solidarity-fund/)

07/14/2023

Today is International Non-Binary People's Day, which has aimed to raise awareness around the experiences, needs and rights of non-binary people around the world, since 2012.

According to Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/issue/non-binary-gender-recognition), only 15 countries worldwide legally recognize "non-binary or third gender identities" and only within the past decade, including Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Malta, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Uruguay.
And, the following countries legally recognize inters*x people: Austria, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Spain.

Here are some resources that you might find interesting:

1. "Creating Authentic Spaces: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit To Support The Implementation of Institutional and Social Change" (by The 519):
https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creating-authentic-spaces

2. "Gender-specific & Gender-Neutral Pronouns" (infographic by The 519):
https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creating-authentic-spaces/gender-specific-and-gender-neutral-pronouns

3. "Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace: A Toolkit for Employers" (by Human Rights Campaign Foundation):
https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/Transgender_Inclusion_in_the_Workplace_A_Toolkit_for_Employers_Version_10_14_2016.pdf

4. "Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace: How to make transgender employees feel valued at work" (article by Katina Sawyer, Christian Thoroughgood, and Jennica Webster):
https://hbr.org/2020/03/creating-a-trans-inclusive-workplace

Consider donating to The LGBTQ+ Pride Fund through Unite for Change, supporting organizations that offer services to q***r and trans communities, including non-binary and gender-diverse folks, across Canada:
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/lgbtq-pride-fund/

06/20/2023

Today is World Refugee Day (and Summer Solstice)!

I am proud to be a refugee and a first-generation immigrant in Canada.

It has also been a personal privilege to support refugees, immigrants and newcomers to Canada, throughout my career.

If you'd like to learn more about the history of World Refugee Day, visit the UNHCR's website:
https://www.unhcr.org/world-refugee-day

You may also consider donating to The Welcoming New Canadians Fund through Canada Helps:
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/new-canadians-fund/

or UNHCR
https://give.unhcr.ca/page/52275/donate/1