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Participants in the 2023 Lethbridge Pride Parade. The Lethbridge Pride Fest Society has called out the provincial government for newly-announced rules regarding gender. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Lethbridge Pride Fest condemns Alberta transgender policies

Feb 2, 2024 | 12:05 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta’s announcement of new rules surrounding gender identity has not been received well by a local pride organization.

Premier Danielle Smith said some of the policies include prohibiting gender reassignment surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies for youths under certain ages; as well as creating separate categories for transgender people to compete in sports, and schools being required to inform parents if their child uses a different name or pronoun.

READ MORE: A list of Alberta’s new policies on gender and sexuality

On Friday, February 2, 2024, the Lethbridge Pride Fest Society (LPFS) issued a statement, saying they condemn the regulations.

“These policies, at their core, are insidious, calculated, and only meant to inflict harm on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; predominantly jeopardizing the safety and well-being of trans and 2-spirit youth,” reads a portion of the statement from the LPFS.

Smith, in a press conference on Thursday, said she cares “deeply” about the happiness and well-being of people who identify as transgender. The LPFS, on the other hand, claimed that Smith was “lying” about having the best interests of the trans community at heart.

The pride organization said it needs the public to take action and ensure that peoples’ rights are protected. One way in which they recommended doing that is by writing to your local MLA.

They say they stand by everyone who felt victimized by the province’s announcement.

“Our community is a better place because you exist and take up space within it. While you may feel isolated and alone, please know that there is a community waiting to love and celebrate you,” said the LPFS.

The group added, “You are loved, you are worth fighting for, you deserve life-saving gender-affirming care, you deserve safety and freedom, you deserve a government and Premier that listens and consults the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley slammed Smith’s announcement as “government overreach.”

READ MORE: Alberta Premier Smith says new transgender youth policy arriving this fall, critics call it damaging

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