Kelowna rally targets Alberta’s new trans youth policies

People rallied in Kelowna today to protest against the new policies affecting trans youth in Alberta.

Roughly 50 people stood in the rain at Stuart Park in high spirits, shooting bubbles and blasting music for Advocacy Canada’s Rise Up with Alberta Trans Solidarity Rally.

The rally is in response to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s announcement of a list of new policies regarding trans youth.

These new policies include restrictions on sexual identity education in schools, prohibiting hormone therapy for gender reassignment for those 15 and under, requiring schools to notify parents about pronoun and name changes, and efforts to keep transgender women out of women’s sports.

READ MORE: Public barred from Vernon school board meetings after protest

Jay Lannon, a Penticton local with Lawyers against Transphobia, spoke out against Smith’s new policies.

“Danielle Smith is throwing transgender youth to the wolves. She is cynically copying Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, playing to the most reactionary parts of her base,” Lannon said in a press release.

READ MORE: 'Most anti-LGBT in the country': Trudeau decries Alberta transgender policies

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.
My message to all Albertans: pic.twitter.com/i0ii57GLa6

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) January 31, 2024

Click here to find out more about Advocacy Canada.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jesse Tomas or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.