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.
READ MORE: Gender-affirming care for youth is lifesaving, say B.C. experts
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.
香蕉视频直播� Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith)
My message to all Albertans:
香蕉视频直播淧rematurely encouraging or enabling children to alter their very biology or natural growth, poses a risk to that child香蕉视频直播檚 future that I, as the Premier, am not comfortable with permitting in our province,香蕉视频直播� said Smith in a statement.
Wilbur Turner, President of Advocacy Canada, said, 香蕉视频直播淚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.香蕉视频直播�
Turner said that trans youth and the broader trans community are 香蕉视频直播渋ncreasingly being used as political pawns in populist movements sweeping the nation.香蕉视频直播�
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.
香蕉视频直播淭his rally serves as a poignant reminder that our collective strength is essential in defending the rights and dignity of every individual,香蕉视频直播� said Turner.
Smith also alluded to alleged 香蕉视频直播渄ivisive and sometimes dangerous香蕉视频直播� instances when transgender women participate in sports with biological women and said that the government plans to create a separate 香蕉视频直播渨omen香蕉视频直播檚 only division香蕉视频直播� in athletic competition香蕉视频直播搕hat prohibits transgender athletes.
READ MORE: 香蕉视频直播楴o one goes through transition just to win香蕉视频直播�: 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 women香蕉视频直播檚 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.
香蕉视频直播淥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,香蕉视频直播� 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.
香蕉视频直播淎llow people to have their place in sport,香蕉视频直播� said McWatters.香蕉视频直播漌e just want to belong somewhere香蕉视频直播� The alternative to accepting people is excluding them.香蕉视频直播�
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 香蕉视频直播楾rans Solidarity Rally香蕉视频直播�, 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.
香蕉视频直播� Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith)
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