Calgary Pride Responds to Anti-Trans Policies Tabled in Alberta
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1st 2024, Calgary (Moh’kinsstis) – Calgary Pride Responds to Anti-Trans Policies Tabled in Alberta.
Calgary Pride affirms our steadfast support of trans and non-binary individuals across Alberta, and we remain resolute in our fight for the recognition and rights of gender-diverse communities. In light of recent policies tabled by the Alberta Government, we are heartbroken to witness the ongoing government-level conversations that reduce our friends, family, and neighbors to subjects of policy discussion and medical treatments. As long as Trans and non-binary identities are discussed in this way, queer youth in Alberta will suffer.
While we are fortunate to live in a time when many parents can safely support their children in exploring the complexities of identity, this experience is not universal. For youth and children across Alberta, assurance, acceptance, and support is not a default. Policies that limit access to identity exploration and education on sexual and gender diversity creates an Alberta that privileges a select few, leaving many children to navigate their journeys in isolation, shame and oftentimes fear. All youth deserve the opportunity and freedom to explore their identity with support, safety and respect.
We stand with Egale Canada and Skipping Stone as they pursue legal action for the justice and safety of trans and gender-diverse communities. Furthermore, we support the important work of TESA (Trans Equality Society of Alberta) as they continue vital education and understanding outreach.
Calgary Pride’s commitment to advocacy is unwavering, and we will continue to fight for inclusive policies that protect and celebrate diversity, promote mental health support, and foster a society where everyone can live authentically in safety and joy. Together, we will work to ensure that Alberta is a welcoming home for all, where every individual’s identity is honored, and celebrated.
Media Contact:
Name: Anna Kinderwater (she/her/they)
Title: Manager of Communications
Organization: Calgary Pride
Email: anna@calgarypride.ca
Socials:
@calgarypride
#CalgaryPride #WeAreCalgaryPride
About Calgary Pride
Calgary Pride is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that hosts Canada’s third largest Parade & Festival. Our mandate is to celebrate and advocate for the inclusion of Calgary’s gender and sexually diverse communities; to do this, we work to elevate the voices of our Community through visibility and education, and by building relationships that support Calgary Pride, and our surrounding network of community serving organizations.
Calgary Pride proudly serves Treaty 7, on the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), Îyarhe Nakoda (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Wesley) and the Tsuut’ina. This land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. This place, where the Elbow river meets the Bow, is known by many names to many people, including Mohkínstsis (Niitsitapi), Wincheesh-pah (Nakoda), Kootsisáw (Tsuu T’ina), Otos-kwunee (Cree), and Calgary. We thank the Indigenous communities of Turtle Island for both the historic and ongoing stewardship and protection of the land we collectively inhabit today. Many nations and people, Indigenous and non, are fortunate to call Moh’kinsstis and Treaty 7 territory our home. Acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol, which we honor as a step towards reconciliation and fulfilling our responsibilities as Treaty people. Working alongside all Nations, Indigenous and non, we strive to create safe spaces where everyone can live openly and authentically.
