There are a number of ways to get involved.

Update Monday April 13th
There are a number of ways to get involved.
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1. Tuesday, April 14th, 2009
1:00pm - 4:00pm at the Alberta Legislature (901 9718 107th St)

We will have a contingent attending Question Period in anticipation of GRS coming up during the budget debate. Question Period to discuss the Provincial budget begins at 1:30 at the Legislature Building. We would like a strong showing of people attending in the gallery, so if you are at all able to attend, please do.

We would also like to have people onhand for distributing brochures and information, to create awareness to the public of who we really are and why GRS is necessary.

We ask that people be respectful and put our best face forward as much as possible.

QUESTION PERIOD – TUESDAY, April 14
Question Period is from 1:30 to 3:00 with the actual question part of it from 1:50 to 2:40pm. If you wish to attend Question Period you MUST get a security pass through your MLA or by calling Visitor Services. You should be prepared to be on-site by no later than 1:15pm as it takes some time to get through security and find a good seat. You can leave at any time.

Laurie Blakeman has asked for a question spot, however, those decisions are not made until late morning in the Liberal caucus meeting. So a question cannot be guaranteed, but there is a STRONG possibility that a question will be asked on Tuesday.

Says Michelle:
"There is limited seating inside, but it more important we make a show so they can see the people they are affecting and the people who support us. We can all gather on the south side of the legislature main fountain/pool between 12:30-1:30. I would assume this could be an all afternoon event. Remeber parking is limited, but there is LRT right to the leg grounds. Please dress accordingly as this is the legislature not a park party."

And from Laurie Blakeman's Office:
"I'm Tamara Gorzalka, I run Laurie's Facebook for her. I will pass on your questions and answer the ones that I can answer.

Last time I went to the gallery, I had to sign in and get a pass at the front door. Then I went upstairs to the gallery entrance where security is. No electronics or bags are allowed in the gallery and they take everything and put it away for you there. Then you have to go through a metal detectors and hand scanners like at the airport. You are better off taking as little in with you as possible but it doesn't really matter.

I'm pretty sure that while Laurie can introduce specific people (and possibly the reason you are there, if time allows), she can not introduce something like `the trans community'. it would be different if it was a specific organization but I don't think she's allowed to introduce a whole group of people. I'll ask.

I believe you can bring banners onto the steps but that's it. You may not be allowed into the building with them and you definitely won't be allowed into the gallery with them. You might be better off leaving them in the car until after question period.

I will double check everything with Peter at Laurie's office and get back to you.

I strongly encourage you and anyone else who will definitely be attending to contact Laurie, Rachel or your MLAs office to be introduced and to be put on the list beforehand."

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=69155932251&nctrct=1239669788866
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2. Also Tuesday April 14th, 2009

ACCESS Television will be taking a look at the issue, and guests will include Dr. Lorne Warneke. Of course, you'll be attending Question Period, so set your VCRs! Starts at 1:00 in the afternoon.
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3. Wednesday April 15th

There is a mass Human Rights complaint filing on Wednesday April 15th at 9:30 AM. You are not required to disclose anything about yourself to the media if you're stealth, just tell them that you prefer not to be on record. There will be people present for the media to talk to. But by being present, your numbers give our action strength.

This is not a protest action, we don't want signs or chanting or anything -- our protest IS our filing, so we focus on that, and again, want to be civil and orderly. We also want to put our best face forward, and show people that we are far different from the stereotypical "rabble" assumptions that are often made about us. The HRC people are not our enemy, and in fact they are the people we need to appeal to for support.

In Edmonton, we meet at Beaver Hills Park (Amiskwaskahegan Park) on the north side of Jasper Avenue, at 105 Street at 9:30. We will be proceeding together to the offices at 800 Standard Life Centre, 10405 Jasper Avenue for 10:00.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70344074260&ref=mf&nctrct=1239669701165#/event.php?eid=90819766376

In Calgary, we meet at the Cenotaph (the monument where they lay the wreaths on Remembrance Day) on the 4th street side of Memorial Park (between 11th and 12th Avenue), also at 9:30. We will be proceeding together to the offices at Suite 310, 525 – 11 Avenue SW for 10:00.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70344074260&ref=mf&nctrct=1239669701165

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For information on filling out and filing a Human Rights Complaint:

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1049135840749#/topic.php?uid=85048933488&topic=8336
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4. Ongoing

Sarah has an online petition started at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/re-list-sex-reassignment-surgery-funding-in-alberta

Be sure to stop by and add your name.
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5. We have a letter appeal out to all Albertans. Please visit http://dentedbluemercedes.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/to-our-allies-two-ways-to-help/ and copy the "19 Cents" article following the intro and forward it to anyone in the Province that you think might listen.
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6. Tell Me A Story

This will be a longer-term project, originating in Alberta. It will also be something that can perhaps translate on a national or international scale. Trans folk from around the world can participate if they like, and we will also be able to share the file with other communities if they want to raise funding to print and distribute it elsewhere.

I'm hoping to compile a hand-out booklet, professionally-printed, colour cover and B/W interior, telling our stories in individual testimonials. I'll be funding it by donations, which will determine how many pages and how many copies can be produced. I can do the layout and design and nuts and bolts of it at no cost -- that's what I do in my day job, after all.

The purpose is to tell our stories to the general public, how transition and GRS have transformed our lives for the better, how the pre-transition grief and anxiety hampered our lives and why we've had to make our choices. I find that giving a realistic face to who we are helps us tremendously. I believe in full inclusion in the trans community, but because of the current need to focus on GRS and full transition, the focus will be on the issue of gender identity solely -- on people who need transition, people in transition, and people who have completed their transition and moved on (and will be sectioned in that way, so that readers can see the progression).

Spouses and / or parents who have seen a partner / child through transition or part of transition and would like to talk about the change they've seen, how it's affected family, etc. are also welcome to contribute, because I believe these stories are also an important part of providing a rounded picture.

Participation is voluntary, I can't pay for the content. I also can't promise to use everything sent in, I will have to make editorial decisions based on length, number of pages I can raise funds for, relevance, and more. I may need to edit what is sent in for length, spelling / grammar, appropriateness of language for the audience, and such. As a writer myself, it's my intent to make as few edits as possible, because I understand the importance of keeping the spirit of what is written, so I will make every effort to make these edits with caution and careful consideration.

Contributors can use a pseudonym: keep in mind that using a real name will give the project more veracity and impact, but using a real name can also mean that what you write can come back to you in the future. I respect that, so you have the choice. Photos are also welcome (and great!) but the same caution applies.

For information or to submit a story, contact Mercedes Allen at dentedbluemercedes@gmail.com

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Take care,
Alberta Transgender Resources: http://www.albertatrans.org/