In response to Premier Danielle Smith’s stated intention to limit healthcare access and infringe on the rights of transgender individuals, fourteen Alberta LGBTQ+ groups, including Calgary Pride and Okotoks Pride, have banned the premier and the United Conservative Party (UCP) from participating in this year’s Pride celebrations. The groups, represented by Queer Citizens United YYC, issued a news release Friday afternoon expressing their opposition to the government’s policies, which they believe do not reflect the desires of the gender and sexually diverse community.
‘You may not join our celebrations in June when you plan to attack us in September,’ the group stated. ‘Queer rights should not be a political decision. Trans rights are human rights.’
The groups invited Premier Smith to reconsider her policies and engage in meaningful discussions with the Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and Queer community. When contacted by Global News for comment, the premier’s office deferred to the UCP, who provided a statement expressing their support and commitment to ensuring that everyone in Alberta feels valued and respected.
The following groups were listed as signatories on the news release: Calgary Pride; Edmonton’s Pride Corner; Lethbridge Pride; Canmore Pride; Banff Pride; Jasper Pride; Central Alberta Pride Society; Red Deer Queer CA; HOMES; Lacombe Pride; Fort Sask Pride; Okotoks Pride; Foothills Rainbow; and Connect Queer Alberta Safety Net.
