Latest update Wednesday April 15th
1. There will be a rally at the Health Minister's office on Friday April 17th at 1:30 p.m. (5555 Strathcona Hill SW Calgary). This is being put on by Friends of Medicare, and in support of a number of health issues.
We need to stand in solidarity with them if possible, as we all have mutual concerns. For example, one of the discussed cuts centers around suicide prevention programs for youth, which affects that part of our population as well.
This is important. If we wish people to support our health issues, we should also be willing to care about theirs and stand in solidarity. For any who can attend, please do.
__________________________
________
2. Because of the low and inaccurate number of GRS patients listed in question period on April 14, 2009, we need to perform a census to clear up the confusion about Alberta's TS population. This is all you have to do.
Contact Jamie Beach at jamiebeach.1@gmail.com with the following information.
1) Full name
2) Email Address
3) Status in GRS stage. (Considering transition, on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or awaiting surgery (you should already be well into HRT by this point))
You must be a resident of Alberta. Please pass this request to anyone you know that may be in or considering the GRS program through emails. All information must be collected by April 18, 2009. Please note, we do not need information from you if you have completed your transition (post op). Thank you for helping.
__________________________________
3. Alberta Health and Wellness has a hotline concerned citizens can call to get more information, give comments, concerns, etc about the new budget.
The operators are there to hear your views and relay your comments to the Minister.
I encourage you to call, be respectful, and to register your complaint to GRS funding cuts, and the reasons why you are concerned.
Call toll-free in Alberta, dial 310-0000 followed by the 10-digit phone number 780-638-2844.
This is another powerful way for this amazing network to become involved and ensure the voices from the trans communities and their allies are heard!
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
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
--
Take care,
Alberta Transgender Resources: http://www.albertatrans.org/
Showing posts with label Mercedes Allen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercedes Allen. Show all posts
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Alberta Finance Minister: "I Didn't Know We Covered That"
Bilerico, USA
Alberta Finance Minister: "I Didn't Know We Covered That"
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 13, 2009 3:00 PM
When Finance Minister Iris Evans discussed the Province's decision to
delist Gender Reassignment Surgery
(GRS) on the day after the budget was handed down, she said, "I didn't
even know we covered that." Reportedly, there was a look of hate in
her eyes as she said it (I didn't see the report, but have heard this
from many in the trans community who did), offset by that bright
bubblegum pink power suit of hers.
Health Minister Ron Liepert has said that we were not targeted for
"moral" (as defined by conservative Christians) reasons. And yet in a
budget where spending was increased, and where the ministries
reportedly went through everything line-by-line with the notable
casualties in health funding being essentially chiropractic and GRS
coverage, even our detractors see through that statement. Also notable
was the fact that the cut was made without consulting with the
Province's lead GID specialist, in order to be aware of any negative
ramifications, learn of any concerns there might be about how it
affects our community -- he'd been left completely unaware of what was
to come.
The Conservatives later said that the combined total cut from
chiropractic and GRS coverage was being used to provide a facility
and/or services for seniors, a disadvantaged portion of our society
(that they also chose to cut drug benefits for). Now, I'm not the kind
of person who likes to argue who is most marginalized, and certainly
support programs for seniors (and strongly oppose their drug cuts),
but to make it sound like we're a privileged and affluent subset of
society that doesn't need medical care support is absurd.
Alberta has gone down this road before, when it chose to try to thwart
Delwin Vriend's case against the King's College, in the early 1990s.
This led to a 6-year action against the Province that went to the
Supreme Court of Canada, resulted in overwhelming embarrassment and
expense, and led to the ruling that established Human Rights
protections across the nation on the basis of sexual orientation.
Other provinces have also gone down this road specifically regarding
GRS: British Columbia had delisted it and later restored it due to
pressure, and last year Ontario too restored it on the heels of a
Human Rights ruling and in the face of more to come. In classic
fashion, the Conservatives are now saying they were unaware of the
Ontario history. Of course, we can never assume anything, but it
doesn't take a lot of effort to see that Albertans are being taken
down another bad path.
I have faith in Alberta. The people, that is -- not so much the
government. Albertans are business-minded and fiscally conservative,
which is why they've overwhelmingly voted in Conservative
representatives for decades. But many, especially in the larger
population centres, are socially progressive as well. I like to call
them the "closet moderates." Afraid of being tagged "liberal,"
"socialist" and all of that, they have tended to be pretty silent,
allowing the "redneck Little Texas" image to persist. But in the face
of a really bad choice like this, I hope, that they may spread the
word a little, and tell their MLAs that they really don't want this
fight. I'm an Albertan and a taxpayer as well, and I really don't want
this fight either -- but with something that is a medical necessity
and a matter of life and death for some, I can't not fight, either.
That is something that Albertans (and most of North American society)
don't understand, yet. GRS is not a cosmetic procedure. We don't wake
up one day and decide that it would be cool to alienate our family,
lose our spouses and children, get fired from our jobs, all so that we
can be thought of as strange by society. We do it because there is a
serious and present need, one which often requires GRS for closure.
The information is there for them if they'd like to develop a better
understanding of the real story. I hope enough are willing to listen.
In the meantime, people are not being silent. On Tuesday, as the
Provincial government sits down to debate the budget, a number of
people will be attending in silent but visible protest. There will
also be information to hand out about who we are and why GRS is a
medical necessity. On Wednesday, several of us in both Edmonton and
Calgary will be filing Human Rights complaints en masse.
There has long been this feeling that in doing advocacy work for
transsexuals was a risky business -- that if word went out about the
fact that the Province paid for GRS, the public outrage would have it
taken away in a second. Any attempt to organize needed to be sabotaged
or shouted down at all costs. The advocates were the enemy.
Consequently, when the delisting occurred last week (only a week after
controversy bubbled up regarding the Province's refusal to consider
trans inclusion in changes being made to the Human Rights Commission),
it caught us in a state of being satellite activists, working
independently, sometimes against each other, sometimes afraid that our
fights to achieve might in the end cost more than it was worth. People
walked on eggshells.
That is changing. Stay tuned.
Crossposted to The Bilerico Project and available to Pam's House Blend
Filed under: Health issues | International | Transgender & Intersex
Tags: alberto | canada | grs | health care | medical coverage |
surgery | transgender | transsexual
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/04/alberta_finance_minister_i_didnt_know_we.php
Alberta Finance Minister: "I Didn't Know We Covered That"
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 13, 2009 3:00 PM
When Finance Minister Iris Evans discussed the Province's decision to
delist Gender Reassignment Surgery
(GRS) on the day after the budget was handed down, she said, "I didn't
even know we covered that." Reportedly, there was a look of hate in
her eyes as she said it (I didn't see the report, but have heard this
from many in the trans community who did), offset by that bright
bubblegum pink power suit of hers.
Health Minister Ron Liepert has said that we were not targeted for
"moral" (as defined by conservative Christians) reasons. And yet in a
budget where spending was increased, and where the ministries
reportedly went through everything line-by-line with the notable
casualties in health funding being essentially chiropractic and GRS
coverage, even our detractors see through that statement. Also notable
was the fact that the cut was made without consulting with the
Province's lead GID specialist, in order to be aware of any negative
ramifications, learn of any concerns there might be about how it
affects our community -- he'd been left completely unaware of what was
to come.
The Conservatives later said that the combined total cut from
chiropractic and GRS coverage was being used to provide a facility
and/or services for seniors, a disadvantaged portion of our society
(that they also chose to cut drug benefits for). Now, I'm not the kind
of person who likes to argue who is most marginalized, and certainly
support programs for seniors (and strongly oppose their drug cuts),
but to make it sound like we're a privileged and affluent subset of
society that doesn't need medical care support is absurd.
Alberta has gone down this road before, when it chose to try to thwart
Delwin Vriend's case against the King's College, in the early 1990s.
This led to a 6-year action against the Province that went to the
Supreme Court of Canada, resulted in overwhelming embarrassment and
expense, and led to the ruling that established Human Rights
protections across the nation on the basis of sexual orientation.
Other provinces have also gone down this road specifically regarding
GRS: British Columbia had delisted it and later restored it due to
pressure, and last year Ontario too restored it on the heels of a
Human Rights ruling and in the face of more to come. In classic
fashion, the Conservatives are now saying they were unaware of the
Ontario history. Of course, we can never assume anything, but it
doesn't take a lot of effort to see that Albertans are being taken
down another bad path.
I have faith in Alberta. The people, that is -- not so much the
government. Albertans are business-minded and fiscally conservative,
which is why they've overwhelmingly voted in Conservative
representatives for decades. But many, especially in the larger
population centres, are socially progressive as well. I like to call
them the "closet moderates." Afraid of being tagged "liberal,"
"socialist" and all of that, they have tended to be pretty silent,
allowing the "redneck Little Texas" image to persist. But in the face
of a really bad choice like this, I hope, that they may spread the
word a little, and tell their MLAs that they really don't want this
fight. I'm an Albertan and a taxpayer as well, and I really don't want
this fight either -- but with something that is a medical necessity
and a matter of life and death for some, I can't not fight, either.
That is something that Albertans (and most of North American society)
don't understand, yet. GRS is not a cosmetic procedure. We don't wake
up one day and decide that it would be cool to alienate our family,
lose our spouses and children, get fired from our jobs, all so that we
can be thought of as strange by society. We do it because there is a
serious and present need, one which often requires GRS for closure.
The information is there for them if they'd like to develop a better
understanding of the real story. I hope enough are willing to listen.
In the meantime, people are not being silent. On Tuesday, as the
Provincial government sits down to debate the budget, a number of
people will be attending in silent but visible protest. There will
also be information to hand out about who we are and why GRS is a
medical necessity. On Wednesday, several of us in both Edmonton and
Calgary will be filing Human Rights complaints en masse.
There has long been this feeling that in doing advocacy work for
transsexuals was a risky business -- that if word went out about the
fact that the Province paid for GRS, the public outrage would have it
taken away in a second. Any attempt to organize needed to be sabotaged
or shouted down at all costs. The advocates were the enemy.
Consequently, when the delisting occurred last week (only a week after
controversy bubbled up regarding the Province's refusal to consider
trans inclusion in changes being made to the Human Rights Commission),
it caught us in a state of being satellite activists, working
independently, sometimes against each other, sometimes afraid that our
fights to achieve might in the end cost more than it was worth. People
walked on eggshells.
That is changing. Stay tuned.
Crossposted to The Bilerico Project and available to Pam's House Blend
Filed under: Health issues | International | Transgender & Intersex
Tags: alberto | canada | grs | health care | medical coverage |
surgery | transgender | transsexual
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/04/alberta_finance_minister_i_didnt_know_we.php
Alberta's transgendered bring protest on funding to legislature
Edmonton Journal, Canada
Alberta's transgendered bring protest on funding to legislature
By Jodie Sinnema, edmontonjournal.com
April 13, 2009 5:18 PM
EDMONTON — Members of Alberta’s transgendered community are ramping up
efforts to reverse a government decision ending funding for
gender-reassignment surgery.
More than 30 people are expected to crowd question period at the
legislature Tuesday with some planning to file human rights complaints
on mass Wednesday morning.
“It’s important to show people that we are far different from the
assumptions that are made quite often,” said Mercedes Allen, a
Calgarian who was scheduled to have a sex-change operation in August
before Alberta Health and Wellness stopped paying for the $18,000 to
$70,000 procedures as part of budget 2009.
“People expect us to be fringe and rabble and such, and that’s not the
case. Many of us are professional people and I think the public needs
to see that.”
To that end, Allen said the group won’t be holding signs or chanting
on the legislature steps. Instead, they are using civic action to show
government representatives that the surgery is not cosmetic, but a
medical necessity for those who believe they were born in the wrong
body and gender.
“One thing that is positive is seeing how many people are stepping up
to the plate and speaking and putting on a good face to the
community,” Allen said. She hopes launching an official human rights
complaint won’t be necessary if the government reinstates funding.
“We would rather not see the human rights issues go ahead because then
it becomes an expensive legal issue and a lot of us have seen that
happen with the Delwin Vriend case,” Allen said, referring to the
landmark gay rights that ended up in the Supreme Court. “I’m an
Alberta and a taxpayer, too. I would rather not go down that route.”
But Allen said she will if it’s necessary. A similar human rights
complaint in Ontario forced the government to reinstate funding for
the surgery 10 years after the province delisted it.
jsinnema@thejournal.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
Alberta's transgendered bring protest on funding to legislature
By Jodie Sinnema, edmontonjournal.com
April 13, 2009 5:18 PM
EDMONTON — Members of Alberta’s transgendered community are ramping up
efforts to reverse a government decision ending funding for
gender-reassignment surgery.
More than 30 people are expected to crowd question period at the
legislature Tuesday with some planning to file human rights complaints
on mass Wednesday morning.
“It’s important to show people that we are far different from the
assumptions that are made quite often,” said Mercedes Allen, a
Calgarian who was scheduled to have a sex-change operation in August
before Alberta Health and Wellness stopped paying for the $18,000 to
$70,000 procedures as part of budget 2009.
“People expect us to be fringe and rabble and such, and that’s not the
case. Many of us are professional people and I think the public needs
to see that.”
To that end, Allen said the group won’t be holding signs or chanting
on the legislature steps. Instead, they are using civic action to show
government representatives that the surgery is not cosmetic, but a
medical necessity for those who believe they were born in the wrong
body and gender.
“One thing that is positive is seeing how many people are stepping up
to the plate and speaking and putting on a good face to the
community,” Allen said. She hopes launching an official human rights
complaint won’t be necessary if the government reinstates funding.
“We would rather not see the human rights issues go ahead because then
it becomes an expensive legal issue and a lot of us have seen that
happen with the Delwin Vriend case,” Allen said, referring to the
landmark gay rights that ended up in the Supreme Court. “I’m an
Alberta and a taxpayer, too. I would rather not go down that route.”
But Allen said she will if it’s necessary. A similar human rights
complaint in Ontario forced the government to reinstate funding for
the surgery 10 years after the province delisted it.
jsinnema@thejournal.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
There are a number of ways to get involved.
Update Monday April 13th
There are a number of ways to get involved.
___________________________________
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
____________________________________
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.
____________________________________
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
--
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
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
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.
_________________________________
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
--
Take care,
Alberta Transgender Resources: http://www.albertatrans.org/
There are a number of ways to get involved.
___________________________________
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
____________________________________
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.
____________________________________
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
--
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
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
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.
_________________________________
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
--
Take care,
Alberta Transgender Resources: http://www.albertatrans.org/
Monday, April 13, 2009
Ruthie Johnson Is Confuzzled
Bilerico, USA
Ruthie Johnson Is Confuzzled
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 11, 2009 12:30 PM
Ruthie Johnson seems to be a little confuzzled. Back on April 3rd, when
asked about equal rights for gay and lesbian people, she remarked, "If
someone comes to work dressed in drag, they should be able to fire
them
Now, it's not unusual for LGBT-unaware people to conflate sexual orientation
with gender expression, although it does show a serious lack of
understanding when coming from a public official. But on top of that, in
clarifying her remarks, she says she was speaking only about dress codes,
and said, "I have not discriminated against
anyone."
This should probably concern the people of Idaho, especially because she's been
reconfirmed to the Commission on Human
Rights
.
Now, I get the impression that there is a little bit of history here, and
perhaps Idahoans can give us a bit of perspective on this overall picture.
But said Human Rights Commission recently voted 5-4 to reject protections
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
"I said, when they wanted to include BLGT, 'Does that mean if someone
comes to work in drag and they get fired, does that mean we have to defend
them then?'" Johnson said.
She also said the bill to amend the state's Human Rights Act could have led
to same-sex marriages, which she opposes.
According to the Coeur d'Alene Press
password to see the actual
article),
she has said that she opposes discrimination against a person because of
their sexual orientation.
Clearly, gender identity and expression are another matter.
It's not unusual, of course, for dress codes to be given priority over a
person's identityor
gender
expression.
While there have been important precedents to establish implicit protections
in this regard, courts and even human rights bodies often continue to ignore
them.
Would there be anyone in the Idaho area that can pass on a little GLBT
education? Apparently, the ones who are supposed to be in the know are a
little confuzzled.
Filed under: State & Local Politics | Transgender & Intersex
Tags: Commission on Human Rights | drag | gender identity | Idaho | Ruthie
Johnson | sexual orientation | transgender
Ruthie Johnson Is Confuzzled
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 11, 2009 12:30 PM
Ruthie Johnson seems to be a little confuzzled. Back on April 3rd, when
asked about equal rights for gay and lesbian people, she remarked, "If
someone comes to work dressed in drag, they should be able to fire
them
Now, it's not unusual for LGBT-unaware people to conflate sexual orientation
with gender expression, although it does show a serious lack of
understanding when coming from a public official. But on top of that, in
clarifying her remarks, she says she was speaking only about dress codes,
and said, "I have not discriminated against
anyone."
This should probably concern the people of Idaho, especially because she's been
reconfirmed to the Commission on Human
Rights
.
Now, I get the impression that there is a little bit of history here, and
perhaps Idahoans can give us a bit of perspective on this overall picture.
But said Human Rights Commission recently voted 5-4 to reject protections
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
"I said, when they wanted to include BLGT, 'Does that mean if someone
comes to work in drag and they get fired, does that mean we have to defend
them then?'" Johnson said.
She also said the bill to amend the state's Human Rights Act could have led
to same-sex marriages, which she opposes.
According to the Coeur d'Alene Press
password to see the actual
article
she has said that she opposes discrimination against a person because of
their sexual orientation.
Clearly, gender identity and expression are another matter.
It's not unusual, of course, for dress codes to be given priority over a
person's identity
gender
expression
While there have been important precedents to establish implicit protections
in this regard, courts and even human rights bodies often continue to ignore
them
Would there be anyone in the Idaho area that can pass on a little GLBT
education? Apparently, the ones who are supposed to be in the know are a
little confuzzled.
Filed under: State & Local Politics | Transgender & Intersex
Tags: Commission on Human Rights | drag | gender identity | Idaho | Ruthie
Johnson | sexual orientation | transgender
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Alberta Delists Gender Reassignment Surgery Funding
Bilerico, USA
Alberta Delists Gender Reassignment Surgery Funding
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 8, 2009 10:30 AM
This is a quick note for Canadian readers and those interested on the
way of things for transfolk up here.
On April 7th, 2009, the Province of Alberta has delisted funding for
GRS surgery. I'm awaiting confirmation as to whether this affects
people in the queue, and how much of our medical process is affected.
A number of us will be narrowing down our best options and seeking
advice.
For people affected by this change, keep in mind that the American
Medical Association restated the necessity of GRS this past fall, and
the Ontario Human Rights Commission ordered funding reinstated in that
Province last spring. There is reason to keep hope.
I'm looking for information about Albertans who are in the queue for
2009-2010 (this year), and/or who expect that they likely would
receive funding for surgery in this or the following year.
Don't lose hope. There is reason to hold on.
Filed under: Current Events | Health issues | International |
Transgender & Intersex
Tags: alberta | canada | delisted | medical coverage | public health |
srs | surgery | transgender | transsexual
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/04/alberta_delists_gender_reassignment_surg.php
Alberta Delists Gender Reassignment Surgery Funding
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 8, 2009 10:30 AM
This is a quick note for Canadian readers and those interested on the
way of things for transfolk up here.
On April 7th, 2009, the Province of Alberta has delisted funding for
GRS surgery. I'm awaiting confirmation as to whether this affects
people in the queue, and how much of our medical process is affected.
A number of us will be narrowing down our best options and seeking
advice.
For people affected by this change, keep in mind that the American
Medical Association restated the necessity of GRS this past fall, and
the Ontario Human Rights Commission ordered funding reinstated in that
Province last spring. There is reason to keep hope.
I'm looking for information about Albertans who are in the queue for
2009-2010 (this year), and/or who expect that they likely would
receive funding for surgery in this or the following year.
Don't lose hope. There is reason to hold on.
Filed under: Current Events | Health issues | International |
Transgender & Intersex
Tags: alberta | canada | delisted | medical coverage | public health |
srs | surgery | transgender | transsexual
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/04/alberta_delists_gender_reassignment_surg.php
Friday, April 10, 2009
Province could be sued for delisting decision
Calgary CTV, Canada
Province could be sued for delisting decision
Updated: Thu Apr. 09 2009 17:43:55
ctvcalgary.ca
[VIDEO]
[Photo: After Tuesday's budget announcement, Mercedes Allen says she
was told her scheduled sex-change surgery was cancelled.]
Some trans-gender people awaiting surgery are considering legal action
against the province.
On Tuesday, the province announced it would no longer fund sex-change surgery.
The government claims it will continue to fund surgeries approved
before March 31st but some patients are getting a different story.
Prior to Tuesday's budget announcement, Mercedes Allen was scheduled
for an August surgery.
Allen says she was told her procedure is now cancelled. "What we are
hearing when we are inquiring is that 'no, everything is effective
immediately.' There is still some confusion that needs to be
clarified," says Allen.
CTV News contacted Alberta Health to clarify the confusion.
At this point, health officials aren't able to say why patients
approved for surgery are being told their surgeries are cancelled but
they are looking into the issue.
At least 12 Albertans are planning to take their cause to the courts.
"There is a group of us looking to file a class-action lawsuit and I
am in the process of figuring out the paperwork for a human rights
complaint," says Gryphon.
The Ontario government went through a similar battle.
In 1998, that province stopped funding sex change operations. But a
series of human rights complaints prompted the province to reinstate
its funding for the surgeries.
© 2009 CTVglobemedia All Rights Reserved.
http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090409/CGY_Surgery_TransGender_090409/20090409/?hub=CalgaryHome
Province could be sued for delisting decision
Updated: Thu Apr. 09 2009 17:43:55
ctvcalgary.ca
[VIDEO]
[Photo: After Tuesday's budget announcement, Mercedes Allen says she
was told her scheduled sex-change surgery was cancelled.]
Some trans-gender people awaiting surgery are considering legal action
against the province.
On Tuesday, the province announced it would no longer fund sex-change surgery.
The government claims it will continue to fund surgeries approved
before March 31st but some patients are getting a different story.
Prior to Tuesday's budget announcement, Mercedes Allen was scheduled
for an August surgery.
Allen says she was told her procedure is now cancelled. "What we are
hearing when we are inquiring is that 'no, everything is effective
immediately.' There is still some confusion that needs to be
clarified," says Allen.
CTV News contacted Alberta Health to clarify the confusion.
At this point, health officials aren't able to say why patients
approved for surgery are being told their surgeries are cancelled but
they are looking into the issue.
At least 12 Albertans are planning to take their cause to the courts.
"There is a group of us looking to file a class-action lawsuit and I
am in the process of figuring out the paperwork for a human rights
complaint," says Gryphon.
The Ontario government went through a similar battle.
In 1998, that province stopped funding sex change operations. But a
series of human rights complaints prompted the province to reinstate
its funding for the surgeries.
© 2009 CTVglobemedia All Rights Reserved.
http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090409/CGY_Surgery_TransGender_090409/20090409/?hub=CalgaryHome
Monday, April 6, 2009
Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in Human Rights Legislation
From: Mercedes Allen
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 9:34 AM
Subject: Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in Human Rights Legislation
Sorry for the bulk email, but I had to send a note out on this, because when discussions happen behind closed doors, it's easy for people to have the impression that they're not taking place at all. I can't say much more than this (particularily because I'm not in the know, myself), but I thought it important that people know that some dialogue is in fact taking place. Silence is all too often discouraging in our community.
By now, some of you have heard that the Alberta Government is assessing some changes to the Human Rights Act and has a first draft proposal that includes adding sexual orientation to the list of protected entities, but not including gender identity or gender expression. The latter are said to be protected under the category of "gender" already, but this can be subject to interpretation, as happened in a U.S. court with a similar implicit protection recently, where a company dress code based on birth sex was given more weight than a person's gender identity.
This has been largely the result of the respective ministers in the Conservative Party and an unwillingness to discuss gender identity and gender expression, so far. Some of the people who have been pushing for inclusion of sexual orientation have also been pressing them on this point, and plan to continue to do so as the draft proposal goes through debate and changes. It's important that people be aware of that much. These people know that some of us can be called upon to assist in dispelling the myths and representing the community.
I do want people to know, though, some of what they're up against, because if we aren't included in the end, some may find it easy to blame our allies -- which is not fair to them.
Over the past few years, Canada's Human Rights Commissions have been becoming increasingly under fire for a number of things, particularly the enforcement of hate speech laws -- in the case of the federal HRC, the Conservative government has signalled that it intends to remove hate speech provisions as a result of this outcry, which comes mostly from conservative pundits and journalists, but also from the Roman Catholic Church, Albertan protestants (in response to the case between Dr. Darren Lund and Rev. Stephen Boissin about two years or so ago) and white supremacists, some of whom have been able to scrub their backgrounds to portray themselves to the public as innocent victims. Ezra Levant, Mark Steyn, The National Post (all of whom have not surprisingly lost hate-speech cases heard by HRCs), Jonathan Kay and (of course) Margaret Wente have been some of the most visible voices in this, and have repeatedly and loudly used four HRC cases across the country involving transsexuals (Nixon vs. Rape Relief in B.C., a case against a surgeon who refused to perform vaginaplasty touch-ups in Ontario, the reinstatement of GRS coverage in Ontario, and a case that hasn't yet begun against a women-only gym owner who refused entry to a pre-operative transsexual) to assert that HRCs have "lost touch with reality and common sense" (paraphrase). Of course, these cases aren't about hate speech, and when examined are straw arguments, but that hasn't stopped them from winning points with politically-active Canadians. This use of us as the boogeyman likely hasn't encouraged the government to want to consider full inclusion.
And they have to be aware of these criticisms: among the proposed changes to Alberta's HRC are provisions that would allow parents to opt their children out of sex and diversity tolerance education, and a proposal to remove hate speech provisions -- exactly the things that these lobbies are calling for. The inclusion of sexual orientation is not surprising, as it was mandated by the Supreme Court of Canada years ago, and appears to be offered more as a concession now (the carrot being offered to look progressive), than anything.
That doesn't mean that anyone is giving up. But I do want people to know that if it doesn't happen or appear (in the media) to be discussed, it's not a case of being forgotten.
I'm mulling over what else we can do, and am open to suggestions.
--
Take care,
Mercedes Allen
Alberta Transgender Resources: http://www.albertatrans.org/
Used by Permission
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 9:34 AM
Subject: Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in Human Rights Legislation
Sorry for the bulk email, but I had to send a note out on this, because when discussions happen behind closed doors, it's easy for people to have the impression that they're not taking place at all. I can't say much more than this (particularily because I'm not in the know, myself), but I thought it important that people know that some dialogue is in fact taking place. Silence is all too often discouraging in our community.
By now, some of you have heard that the Alberta Government is assessing some changes to the Human Rights Act and has a first draft proposal that includes adding sexual orientation to the list of protected entities, but not including gender identity or gender expression. The latter are said to be protected under the category of "gender" already, but this can be subject to interpretation, as happened in a U.S. court with a similar implicit protection recently, where a company dress code based on birth sex was given more weight than a person's gender identity.
This has been largely the result of the respective ministers in the Conservative Party and an unwillingness to discuss gender identity and gender expression, so far. Some of the people who have been pushing for inclusion of sexual orientation have also been pressing them on this point, and plan to continue to do so as the draft proposal goes through debate and changes. It's important that people be aware of that much. These people know that some of us can be called upon to assist in dispelling the myths and representing the community.
I do want people to know, though, some of what they're up against, because if we aren't included in the end, some may find it easy to blame our allies -- which is not fair to them.
Over the past few years, Canada's Human Rights Commissions have been becoming increasingly under fire for a number of things, particularly the enforcement of hate speech laws -- in the case of the federal HRC, the Conservative government has signalled that it intends to remove hate speech provisions as a result of this outcry, which comes mostly from conservative pundits and journalists, but also from the Roman Catholic Church, Albertan protestants (in response to the case between Dr. Darren Lund and Rev. Stephen Boissin about two years or so ago) and white supremacists, some of whom have been able to scrub their backgrounds to portray themselves to the public as innocent victims. Ezra Levant, Mark Steyn, The National Post (all of whom have not surprisingly lost hate-speech cases heard by HRCs), Jonathan Kay and (of course) Margaret Wente have been some of the most visible voices in this, and have repeatedly and loudly used four HRC cases across the country involving transsexuals (Nixon vs. Rape Relief in B.C., a case against a surgeon who refused to perform vaginaplasty touch-ups in Ontario, the reinstatement of GRS coverage in Ontario, and a case that hasn't yet begun against a women-only gym owner who refused entry to a pre-operative transsexual) to assert that HRCs have "lost touch with reality and common sense" (paraphrase). Of course, these cases aren't about hate speech, and when examined are straw arguments, but that hasn't stopped them from winning points with politically-active Canadians. This use of us as the boogeyman likely hasn't encouraged the government to want to consider full inclusion.
And they have to be aware of these criticisms: among the proposed changes to Alberta's HRC are provisions that would allow parents to opt their children out of sex and diversity tolerance education, and a proposal to remove hate speech provisions -- exactly the things that these lobbies are calling for. The inclusion of sexual orientation is not surprising, as it was mandated by the Supreme Court of Canada years ago, and appears to be offered more as a concession now (the carrot being offered to look progressive), than anything.
That doesn't mean that anyone is giving up. But I do want people to know that if it doesn't happen or appear (in the media) to be discussed, it's not a case of being forgotten.
I'm mulling over what else we can do, and am open to suggestions.
--
Take care,
Mercedes Allen
Alberta Transgender Resources: http://www.albertatrans.org/
Used by Permission
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