Who are we?
TESA's mission is to be a witness to and a voice for matters concerning trans Albertans.
TESA was formed in the hopes that building a traditional non-profit advocacy group would open opportunities for formal engagement with authorities who otherwise overlook the unique needs of the larger trans community.
TESA was formed in the hopes that building a traditional non-profit advocacy group would open opportunities for formal engagement with authorities who otherwise overlook the unique needs of the larger trans community.
What do we do?TESA engages in advocacy and education in three primary areas: government, outreach, and community development.
Government & Institutions:
Education & Outreach:
Community Development:
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TESA RESPONDS TO PROPOSED TRANSGENDER POLICY CHANGES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, Ocotber 31, 2024 -- ALBERTA
TESA RESPONDS PROPOSED TRANSGENDER POLICY CHANGES
The Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA), has been a voice and witness for all matters concerning trans Albertans since 2009 and we are aware that trans Albertans are very concerned about how these proposed changes will impact them.
In February, when Alberta Premier Danielle Smith first announced that the government was bringing in proposed Transgender Policy changes, she framed these policies as the government protecting children from harm, telling the media that she was “sympathetic to parents who want to preserve the innocence of their kids for as long as they can.”
Premier Smith indicated those policies will, among other changes, ban gender reassignment surgery for those aged under 17, limit hormone therapy for children aged 15 and under, require parental pronoun change reporting in schools, and restrict sports participation for transgender athletes.
Last week, Government House Leader Joseph Schow said this sitting could see 13 government bills that aim to answer demands Smith has been hearing from Albertans at party town halls, local events and rodeos, and from chambers of commerce. He stated "I think these bills represent what we're hearing from Albertans.” Minister Schow also said the changes to transgender policy will also be an early priority, with policy changes to be spread across three different bills.
Today’s Order Paper lists Bill 26 (Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024), Bill 27 (Education Amendment Act, 2024) and Bill 29 (Fairness and Safety in Sport Act), for introduction, which appear to algin with Minister Schow’s comments from last week.
“TESA has been engaged and had conversations with several Alberta governments; including this one. However, we have had NO conversations with the UCP government regarding anything that the government is said to be tabling later today”, said TESA President, April Friesen. “TESA will be watching to see what the government introduces in the Alberta Legislature and will be reviewing what is stated so that we can make additional comments.”
More information about TESA can be found at
https://www.tesaonline.org
-- 30 --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, Ocotber 31, 2024 -- ALBERTA
TESA RESPONDS PROPOSED TRANSGENDER POLICY CHANGES
The Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA), has been a voice and witness for all matters concerning trans Albertans since 2009 and we are aware that trans Albertans are very concerned about how these proposed changes will impact them.
In February, when Alberta Premier Danielle Smith first announced that the government was bringing in proposed Transgender Policy changes, she framed these policies as the government protecting children from harm, telling the media that she was “sympathetic to parents who want to preserve the innocence of their kids for as long as they can.”
Premier Smith indicated those policies will, among other changes, ban gender reassignment surgery for those aged under 17, limit hormone therapy for children aged 15 and under, require parental pronoun change reporting in schools, and restrict sports participation for transgender athletes.
Last week, Government House Leader Joseph Schow said this sitting could see 13 government bills that aim to answer demands Smith has been hearing from Albertans at party town halls, local events and rodeos, and from chambers of commerce. He stated "I think these bills represent what we're hearing from Albertans.” Minister Schow also said the changes to transgender policy will also be an early priority, with policy changes to be spread across three different bills.
Today’s Order Paper lists Bill 26 (Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024), Bill 27 (Education Amendment Act, 2024) and Bill 29 (Fairness and Safety in Sport Act), for introduction, which appear to algin with Minister Schow’s comments from last week.
“TESA has been engaged and had conversations with several Alberta governments; including this one. However, we have had NO conversations with the UCP government regarding anything that the government is said to be tabling later today”, said TESA President, April Friesen. “TESA will be watching to see what the government introduces in the Alberta Legislature and will be reviewing what is stated so that we can make additional comments.”
More information about TESA can be found at
https://www.tesaonline.org
-- 30 --
TESA Released the Statement Below on August 2, 2024
Image: 'Alberta Flag' by abdallahh
https://www.flickr.com/photos/husseinabdallah/4779001922/
Licensed under CC by 2.0
Image cropped and 23% transparency applied.
Image: 'Alberta Flag' by abdallahh
https://www.flickr.com/photos/husseinabdallah/4779001922/
Licensed under CC by 2.0
Image cropped and 23% transparency applied.
TESA Congratulates Desjarlais and Boissonnault in their Election Victories
On the confirmation of election results of the latest federal election, the Board of Directors and Members of the Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA), would like to formally congratulate both Blake Desjarlais and Randy Boissonnault in their election victories in Edmonton Griesbach and Edmonton Centre.
Blake is the first openly two-spirit individual to have been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada.
When Randy was last an MP, he was an advisor on LGBTQ2 issues to Prime Minister Trudeau.
We know both of them will be great representatives for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians.
TESA has, and remains to be, a Witness and Voice for the Transgender community in Alberta. We will continue the fight for education and representation of our community in this country.
Blake is the first openly two-spirit individual to have been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada.
When Randy was last an MP, he was an advisor on LGBTQ2 issues to Prime Minister Trudeau.
We know both of them will be great representatives for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians.
TESA has, and remains to be, a Witness and Voice for the Transgender community in Alberta. We will continue the fight for education and representation of our community in this country.
UPDATED: Trans Patient Care Guide For health care professionals
Click on the photo above to view the document.
Trans patients, just as any other patient, may have a variety of health care needs that requires the attention of a number of professionals.
TESA originally created this document in 2011, in conjunction with graduate student members of a Community Service Learning (CSL)-based course at the University of Alberta. TESA updated this document in November 2020.
Note: The .pdf version posted here is for on-line distribution only. These resources are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. If you are a trans person facing problems with accessing health care from Alberta health professionals, please contact the appropriate governing body for that profession.
TESA originally created this document in 2011, in conjunction with graduate student members of a Community Service Learning (CSL)-based course at the University of Alberta. TESA updated this document in November 2020.
Note: The .pdf version posted here is for on-line distribution only. These resources are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. If you are a trans person facing problems with accessing health care from Alberta health professionals, please contact the appropriate governing body for that profession.
Why should you join TESA
Promoting equity and social justice for our members and the community at large is a significant undertaking. TESA appreciates the efforts of its many supporters, and can always use motivated individuals to help with our activities.
Who should join TESA?
TESA welcome members who fall under the transgender umbrella, as well as allies and other supports.
How can I get involved?
How can I get more information about TESA?
Please feel free to contact us by e-mail us or letter, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.
Trans Equality Society of Alberta
PO Box 2053 Edmonton Main
Edmonton AB T5J 2P4