Responding to Alberta’s attack on trans people
Recent comments from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have signalled an attack on queer and trans youth in our province. It is clear that now, more than ever, Camrosians need to stand together and push back against any legislation the Premier proposes around this topic.
We are calling on our supporters in Camrose and its adjacent counties to join in a letter-writing campaign to our MLA, Jackie Lovely, calling for a halt to the changes Danielle Smith is proposing. TRANS RIGHTS YEG have created a form you can fill out to message Jackie Lovely. Alternatively, you can contact Jackie Lovely directly using the various social media links she has on her UCP profile. Below is a sample letter you can send to Camrose@assembly.ab.ca:
Dear Jackie Lovely, MLA for Camrose,
My name is ___________________ and I am writing to you today because I do not support the recent parental rights legislation put forward by Premier Smith in Alberta.
This legislation would lead to detrimental impacts on queer and trans people in Alberta. When it comes to queer and trans youth, creating legislation that requires permission for queer and trans youth to use a different name or pronouns in a school setting will lead to those youth being unnecessarily outed before they are ready. For many queer and trans people, choosing to socially transition is a necessary choice, not a convenient or temporary one. This reality includes youth who will be impacted by this legislation. If a youth from an unsafe home environment is to experience the need to socially transition, it is imperative they can do that without risk to their ability to survive.
I call on you, as a constituent of your riding, to act in the interest of all your constituents, including queer and trans youth. Giving queer and trans youth the opportunity to develop into healthy queer and trans adults benefits everyone in our communities. Prioritizing the rights of a parent over the development of a child will cause detrimental effects to the queer and transgender youth in our communities.
I urge you to stop the advancement of this legislation and protect vulnerable queer and trans youth.
Sincerely,
_____________________
Camrose Pride Community was started from a gathering of parents, school counsellors, social agencies, professionals and community members who wanted to explore the supports for those on the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum in Camrose and area. From those early beginnings in April 2015, Camrose Pride Community has grown and developed through the active involvement of a wide age range of committed 2SLGBTQ+ members and allies.
Camrose Pride Community eventually attained non-profit society status, and is led by a core Volunteer Board.
The Camrose Pride Community is also advised and supported by The altView Foundation whose mission is to build diverse pro-queer and pro-trans communities in Alberta through advocacy, education, empowerment, collaboration and the arts.
Numerous events, such as a Community BBQ and All Ages Dance Parties, Pride in the Park, raising of the Pride Flag, Queer Art workshops & art show, Pride Hikes, and in collaboration with Augustana Queers and Allies (AQUA) activities for Pride Week, have been hosted successfully to reach out to the wider community.
Camrose Pride Community has two regular monthly meetings: a Family and Friends Support group on the first Wednesday of the month, and a Sharing and Planning meeting on the second Monday of the month. We then plan one-off events as often as we can throughout the year.
Our Mission
The Camrose Pride Community creates safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ2S+ people and allies in Camrose and area by hosting events, providing education and fostering collaborations.
Everyone is welcome to join us in our efforts to address oppression and marginalization of gender and sexual minorities in Camrose. Together, we believe all of us have the right to exist and live as we are, without fear of prejudice and violence.
To learn more about us or join us you can can contact our Chair, Megan and/or Stephen, via our Contact Page or email at CamrosePrideCommunity@gmail.com