In response to a recent announcement by the provincial government of Alberta, a rally in support of transgender youth will be held in downtown 琉璃神社 on Feb. 4, at 2 p.m.
The rally has been organized by Advocacy Canada, a 琉璃神社-based 2SLGBTQIA+ activism group, after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a new controversial proposal for policies that would place bans on gender-affirming care for youth, including a ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapies for people under the age of 15.
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Gender identity can be a hard thing to talk about, especially when you are involved. But this conversation is extremely important and parental involvement is critical. Kids need to know we love and support them.
鈥� Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith)
My message to all Albertans:
鈥淧rematurely encouraging or enabling children to alter their very biology or natural growth, poses a risk to that child鈥檚 future that I, as the Premier, am not comfortable with permitting in our province,鈥� said Smith in a statement.
Wilbur Turner, President of Advocacy Canada, said, 鈥淚t is crucial that we come together as a community to stand against policies that undermine the rights of trans individuals. Our collective voice is powerful, and events like these serve as a crucial reminder that we must actively protect the rights and dignity of every person.鈥�
Turner said that trans youth and the broader trans community are 鈥渋ncreasingly being used as political pawns in populist movements sweeping the nation.鈥�
In response to the policies outlined by the Government of Alberta, Advocacy Canada is asking community members to stand in solidarity, not only with youth in Alberta, but also to proactively protect the future of transgender rights in 琉璃神社.
鈥淭his rally serves as a poignant reminder that our collective strength is essential in defending the rights and dignity of every individual,鈥� said Turner.
Smith also alluded to alleged 鈥渄ivisive and sometimes dangerous鈥� instances when transgender women participate in sports with biological women and said that the government plans to create a separate 鈥渨omen鈥檚 only division鈥� in athletic competition鈥搕hat prohibits transgender athletes.
READ MORE: 鈥楴o one goes through transition just to win鈥�: Okanagan hockey player speaks out for trans sport
At the elite international level of cycling, swimming and t, trans women who go through puberty as a male and then transition later in life are prohibited from competition in the women鈥檚 category.
However, if athletes are placed on puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy before they go through puberty, they may be permitted to participate in elite competition in some sports.
The policies proposed by Smith would prohibit youth in Alberta from accessing puberty blockers and hormones before the age of 15.
鈥淥ur government also needs to deal with the emerging issue of the unfair disadvantages that women and girls are experiencing when competing with biologically stronger transgender athletes in sporting competitions,鈥� said Smith.
Darrien McWatters, a business manager, prominent hockey coach and referee, parent and transgender woman from 琉璃神社 urges people to think about what it would feel like to be excluded from the things that they love, like sports.
鈥淎llow people to have their place in sport,鈥� said McWatters.鈥漌e just want to belong somewhere鈥� The alternative to accepting people is excluding them.鈥�
The International Olympic Committee issued guidelines in 2021 calling on sports bodies to move away from exclusionary anti-trans policies.
The International Chess Federation, which governs a sport in which there are no physical advantages between individuals, also banned trans players from competing in 2023 and stripped trans players of previously won awards.
Promoting fear of transgender athletes in sport can also contribute to harassment of non-trans individuals, as in the case of a nine-year-old girl who was harassed at an elementary school track meet in 琉璃神社.
The 鈥楾rans Solidarity Rally鈥�, will be held at Stuart Park at 2 p.m. on Feb. 4. For more information visit .
I will be taking questions from the media on Alberta's new policies to support children and youth as they grow into adults.
鈥� Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith)
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