LGBT YouthLine condemns the passage of Bill 9 by the Alberta legislature.
The recent passage of Bill 9 confirms that Danielle Smith’s provincial government in Alberta plans to use the notwithstanding clause to protect three anti-trans laws from legal challenges. These laws are explicitly designed to discriminate against trans youth and negatively impact their quality of life. They are part of a broader anti-trans political project that hopes to erase trans people from public life.
These laws enacted by Danielle Smith’s government impact trans youth in a variety of ways. They ban trans girls from participating in sports, restrict the use of the correct names and pronouns in schools, and ban gender affirming care for Albertans under 16. These policies stand in opposition to the medical and scientific consensus around the safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care.
The use of the notwithstanding clause is an anti-democratic attempt to force the discriminatory ideology of the Smith government onto the people of Alberta. The passage of Bill 9 represents a deeply concerning escalation in the spread of the anti-trans movement in Canada. We need to hold the Smith government accountable for the material harm they’ve caused. We need to fight anti-trans sentiment and work to ensure that further discriminatory legislation doesn’t become passed Canada. Together, we can prevent the widespread adoption of anti-trans policies in Canada.
Across Canada, queer and trans organizations are fighting Bill 9. Queer Momentum has launched a campaign challenging the anti-trans policies of the Smith government. Visit momentumcanada.net and stop-smith.ca to learn how you can take action.
Resources:
National:
Queer Momentum
Queer Momentum was founded to build a national movement for freedom, equality and human rights. We organize campaigns to advance freedom, equality and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We support, train and mobilize 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied advocates across Canada. We build coalitions within and across movements to advance a shared vision of a more progressive, free and equal future.
Learn more at momentumcanada.net
Facebook: queermomentum
Instagram: @queermomentum
Alberta-based:
The altView Foundation
The altView Foundation began in 2008 with one simple idea: that LGBTQ2S+ people across Alberta should not feel isolated, unsupported, and afraid of being themselves. Now a nonprofit that spans the province, altView works with youth, families, and service providers in smaller cities and rural communities to provide supports where few may exist.
Learn more at altview.ca
Facebook: altview
Instagram: @altviewfoundation
Brite Line
Brite Line is Edmonton’s first mental health and wellness helpline dedicated to supporting people in Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Created by members of the community for the community, Brite Line is a safe place to call to connect with hope, courage, support, understanding and the freedom to be who you are.
Learn more at briteline.ca
Facebook: BriteLineAB
Instagram: @britelineab
Calgary Outlink
Calgary Outlink is a community-based, not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing support, education, outreach, and referrals for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied communities in Calgary, Alberta.
Learn more at calgaryoutlink.ca
Facebook: CalgaryOutlink
Instagram: yycoutlink
Edmonton 2 Spirit Society
The Edmonton 2 Spirit Society provides social, health, and/or cultural programs and services primarily for our 2Spirit, IndigiQueer and/or Indigenous LGBTQIA+ communities
Learn more at e2s.ca
Facebook: E2S.ca
Instagram: @es2.ca
The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity
The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity is a non-profit organization and research institute housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. Fyrefly provides programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Learn more at ualberta.ca/en/fyrefly-institute
Facebook: fyrefly.institute
Instagram: @fyrefly.institute
The Pride Centre of Edmonton
The Pride Centre of Edmonton provides a non-judgmental, welcoming space where people of all attractions, identities, and expressions can be themselves, find support, meet new people, and be part of a caring community. Under our roof is a safe space that welcomes every individual who enters through the doors.
Learn more at pridecentreofedmonton.ca
Facebook: yegpride
Instagram: @yegpridecentre
The Rainbow Alliance for Youth in Edmonton
The Rainbow Alliance for Youth in Edmonton is a collaborative network made up of service providers, community agencies, and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the Edmonton area. We focus on breaking down barriers and amplifying the voices and lived experiences of youth with intersecting identities.
Learn more at rainbowallianceyeg.ca
Facebook: RainbowAllianceYEG
Instagram: @rainbowallianceyeg
Skipping Stone
Skipping Stone leads the way in providing affirming care to trans and gender-diverse youth, adults, and families. We offer a welcoming, positive, and judgement-free space for anyone who identities as trans, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse, as well as those questioning, exploring or looking to affirming their gender identity or expression.
Learn more at skippingstone.ca
Facebook: skippingstoneca
Instagram: @skippingstoneca
Trans Equality Society of Alberta
TESA’s mission is to be a witness to and a voice for matters concerning trans Albertans. TESA was formed in the hopes that building a traditional non-profit advocacy group would open opportunities for formal engagement with authorities who otherwise overlook the unique needs of the larger trans community.
Learn more at aclrc.com/issues/youth-safe/resources/trans-equality-society-of-alberta
Instagram: @transalberta
