February 23 – 2024
Media Release
Kincardine Pride expresses unwavering support and solidarity with Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals in Alberta who are facing discrimination due to the harmful policies being put in place by Premier Danielle Smith and her UCP government. These policies are deeply distressing and threaten the rights and freedoms of transgender and gender diverse youth in particular. These policies not only endanger and alienate some of the most vulnerable people in our communities but also perpetuate divisive and discriminatory rhetoric.
All youth deserve the space to explore and express their true identities without fear or discrimination, whether in educational institutions or healthcare settings. Denying queer, trans, and gender-diverse youth access to gender-affirming care not only endangers lives but also perpetuates systemic risks. By enforcing legislation that restricts these rights, the Alberta government is exacerbating the challenges faced by Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth by playing politics with their lives. Kincardine Pride vehemently rejects these unjust measures and joins the nationwide call for the immediate withdrawal of these harmful policies.
It is essential to provide support, respect, and freedom to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Kincardine Pride urges the Alberta government to prioritise the well-being and rights of Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals and work towards creating an inclusive and accepting society for all.
If you are as concerned about these harmful policies as we are, here are some ways you can help:
– You can send a letter to Premier Smith through Momentum Canada’s letter writing campaign by visiting freeandequal.ca
– You can write to Alberta’s MPs/MPPs and your local MP/MPP to tell them these policies have no place in any community or province
– You can follow and support the work of local and national advocacy organizations, especially Pride and queer-related groups, as they need your support more than ever
– You can learn more about the harm these policies will have, the lives they will affect, and how to combat the rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate by accessing the resources through EGALE’s Rainbow Action Club: egale.ca/rainbow-action-hub/
– Lastly, you can offer your support to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially youth, by ensuring they know they are loved for who they are and that you are someone they can turn to if they need a safe space to share their feelings