Hundreds of Calgarians assembled at McDougall Centre in downtown Calgary on Thursday evening for a powerful demonstration of support for transgender communities. The rally came in direct response to the Alberta government's controversial decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to shield three pieces of legislation affecting transgender people from legal challenges.
Heartbreak and Disbelief in Trans Community
Amelia Newbert, founder of support organization Skipping Stone, described the emotional impact of the government's actions as devastating for transgender youth and their families. "It's a heartbreaking week," Newbert stated, emphasizing that the timing coincided with Transgender Day of Remembrance - a solemn occasion to honor those lost to transphobic violence.
Newbert detailed the profound sense of grief and fear sweeping through transgender communities across Alberta. Many young people and families who had been waiting years for gender-affirming healthcare now feel their access has been "torn away" by the new legislation.
Government Actions Spark Outrage
The provincial government tabled Bill 9 on Tuesday, marking the second use of the notwithstanding clause in less than a month. Premier Danielle Smith defended the move as necessary to prevent potential court delays and protect children.
However, Newbert strongly criticized this justification, arguing that the legislation actually strips fundamental rights from transgender youth. "Any time we have our fundamental human rights taken away by the government that is supposed to serve us, we should be heartbroken," she asserted.
Community Response and Activism
The rally represented part of a broader community response to the government's actions. Earlier on Thursday, Skipping Stone partnered with Queer Citizens United to host a Transgender Day of Remembrance Write-a-Thon, where participants like JR Alsip composed letters to Premier Danielle Smith and their MLA expressing their concerns.
Newbert emphasized that the government's decision should concern all Albertans, not just directly affected communities. She specifically called out the provincial government for issuing a statement in support of transgender people while simultaneously advancing legislation that restricts transgender rights and limits healthcare access.
The emotional gathering at McDougall Centre served as both a protest against the new legislation and a poignant observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance, blending political activism with community mourning and solidarity.
