From the Heart: understanding the impacts of AB’s anti-transgender laws

This event is now done, and the video is available here.

Join us for personal stories of the impacts of Bills 26, 28, and 29 on Albertan athletes, teachers, parents, children, and church members. Learn together how we can take action in support of gender-diverse people. Please save and share the image above, and use freely. Here’s the scheduled YouTube link.

In 2024 Alberta passed the legislation needed to put in place major medical and athletic restrictions on transgender people, and restrictions on sexual health education and gender expression in the school system. The result: the most restrictive laws in Canada. The legislation is facing legal and Charter challenges, and has met with fierce resistance from gender-diverse people and allies, as well as strong criticism from a range of professional associations.

Behind the headlines and debates, what is happening for transgender people in Alberta? This isn’t only a legal and legislative matter; it has lived impacts on people’s bodies, minds, hearts, and spirit. We thank our speakers, who are joining us to speak about the impact on their lives. We invite you to come with an open mind and heart, and hear their stories, no matter your opinion on this legislation. Come and listen, discuss, and learn together.

Our speakers

Mickey Wilson, chair of the Northern Spirit Affirming Committee, will be our moderator.

paskwa mostos papamohtêw, Emery Whiskeyjack

tanisi paskwa mostos papamohtêw, Emery Whiskeyjack, nitisiyihkâson. My name is Wandering Buffalo Spirit, Emery Whiskeyjack. Ohci niya onihcikiskwapowin, I am from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. I am a 23 year old, 2-Spirit Transmasc multidisciplinary artist residing in amiskwaciywaskahikan. I am in a confident place of being unapologetically myself, thanks to going through my rites of passage where I learned a powerful nehiyawewin affirmation, “niya oma niya (I am who I am)”. I am passionate about co-libertating, reclaiming and connecting to my land, language, and culture. Making art feeds my spirit and is a visual exploration of my story and others like me. I want to continue to share with the world the beauty and complexity of being a tastawiniw/ihkwew.

Lana Whiskeyjack

Lana Whiskeyjack is a nêhiyaw Indigiologist from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, currently serving as an associate professor in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies. Dr. Whiskeyjack is an award-winning scholartist (scholar and artist), author, and spirit-centered community-based researcher. She is acclaimed for her work in Indigenous arts-based practices and research; sexual health and wellness; and cultural and language revitalization. Contributing to ending gender and sexual violence through violence-informed and strength-based practices is her long life learning and vision. Her years in researching womanhood, sexual health and spirit of Cree language contributes to her current research on supporting gender and sexuality diverse Indigenous kin and their families through ceremonial transitions as well as rematriation-based violence prevention work with Indigenous men and boys.

Amanda Barrett

Amanda Barrett is a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Consultant and High School Counsellor in Edmonton, Alberta. Her work centres on the support of sexual and gender minority children and youth along with the fostering of good mental health for all students. Amanda’s commitment to the creation of inclusive, safe, and healthy work and learning environments is informed by her studies (most recently the completion of her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology) and many volunteer experiences. Amanda (she/her) is an educator with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to fostering growth and development in diverse learning environments. Throughout her career, she has worked as a teacher, librarian, counselor, and consultant, using her expertise to support students, professionals, and organizations. Amanda is deeply committed to social justice, with extensive volunteer work within queer and trans communities, advocating for inclusivity and equality. Her passion for education and community engagement drives her to empower others, creating safe, supportive spaces for all.

Allison Hadley

Allison Hadley is a Healthcare Worker, Author, Artist, Activist and recreational athlete. Born and raised in Edmonton, she dedicates much of her spare time helping and building the 2SLGBTQ+ community – in hopes that the roads travelled by future generations will be easier than the one she had to take. A lifelong lover of sport, before her gender transition, Allison competed internationally in three different sports. She is passionate about education and has already facilitated three workshops discussing the proposed harmful legislation in Alberta. Allison has also spoken at Trangender Day of Remembrance and Pride events in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.

Rachel Young

Rachel Young is a member of the Northern Spirit Affirming Committee. Her home community of faith is Grace United Church in Lloydminster. Rachel  volunteers on the Worship Committee, Vacation Bible School and Christian Development. She also participates and collaborates with other committees at Grace with their growth within the Pride Community. She believes in the affirmation and celebration of all people as well as advocating for the rights and protections of others. Rachel is currently discerning her role in Diaconal Ministry and advancing her post-secondary studies at Lakeland College as a Candidate Minister.

This public space is part of the Northern Spirit Regional Council annual meeting, and is offered by the Regional Council’s Affirming Committee.