In response to a recent announcement by the provincial government of Alberta, a rally in support of transgender youth will be held in downtown Kelowna on Feb. 4, at 2 p.m.
The rally has been organized by Advocacy Canada, a Kelowna-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.
91裸聊视频� Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith)
My message to all Albertans:
91裸聊视频淧rematurely encouraging or enabling children to alter their very biology or natural growth, poses a risk to that child91裸聊视频檚 future that I, as the Premier, am not comfortable with permitting in our province,91裸聊视频� said Smith in a statement.
Wilbur Turner, President of Advocacy Canada, said, 91裸聊视频淚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.91裸聊视频�
Turner said that trans youth and the broader trans community are 91裸聊视频渋ncreasingly being used as political pawns in populist movements sweeping the nation.91裸聊视频�
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 Kelowna.
91裸聊视频淭his rally serves as a poignant reminder that our collective strength is essential in defending the rights and dignity of every individual,91裸聊视频� said Turner.
Smith also alluded to alleged 91裸聊视频渄ivisive and sometimes dangerous91裸聊视频� instances when transgender women participate in sports with biological women and said that the government plans to create a separate 91裸聊视频渨omen91裸聊视频檚 only division91裸聊视频� in athletic competition91裸聊视频搕hat prohibits transgender athletes.
READ MORE: 91裸聊视频楴o one goes through transition just to win91裸聊视频�: 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 women91裸聊视频檚 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.
91裸聊视频淥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,91裸聊视频� said Smith.
Darrien McWatters, a business manager, prominent hockey coach and referee, parent and transgender woman from Kelowna urges people to think about what it would feel like to be excluded from the things that they love, like sports.
91裸聊视频淎llow people to have their place in sport,91裸聊视频� said McWatters.91裸聊视频漌e just want to belong somewhere91裸聊视频� The alternative to accepting people is excluding them.91裸聊视频�
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 Kelowna.
The 91裸聊视频楾rans Solidarity Rally91裸聊视频�, 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.
91裸聊视频� Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith)
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