On a chilly Saturday afternoon, thousands of people gathered at City Hall in Calgary to voice their opposition to the United Conservative Party’s (UCP) policies regarding transgender rights. The rally, organized by various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, saw a diverse crowd of individuals, families, and allies come together to stand in solidarity against what they see as discriminatory actions by the UCP government.
The controversy surrounding the UCP’s policies began when the party announced changes to the School Act, which would require parental consent for students to join gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in schools. This sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, who argued that this would put vulnerable students at risk and violate their privacy.
Speakers at the rally included members of the transgender community, parents of transgender children, and representatives from various advocacy groups. They shared personal stories and highlighted the negative impact that the UCP’s policies have had on the transgender community.
One of the speakers, transgender activist Marni Panas, spoke about the importance of GSAs in providing a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. “GSAs save lives,” she said, “and by requiring parental consent, the UCP is putting these students in danger.”
The rally also saw a strong presence from political leaders, including Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley. Both expressed their support for the LGBTQ+ community and their opposition to the UCP’s policies.
In response to the rally, the UCP released a statement saying that they respect the rights of all Albertans and are committed to protecting the privacy of students. They also stated that they are open to feedback and will continue to work with stakeholders to find a solution that works for everyone.
However, many at the rally were not convinced by the UCP’s statement and called for immediate action to be taken to protect the rights of transgender individuals.
The rally ended with a call to action for attendees to continue to speak out and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. As the crowd dispersed, it was clear that the fight for transgender rights in Alberta is far from over.
