Alberta Legislature to raise flag for Trans Day of Remembrance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 18, 2015 – ALBERTA

The Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA) is pleased to recognise the government of Alberta's first-ever formal raising of a trans pride flag at the Alberta Legislature on Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), observed annually every November 20th.

According to a statement issued by the government, Alberta “will mark this day by flying the blue-and-pink striped banner as a sign of solidarity with transgender Albertans, and a tribute to the lives of victims of anti-transgender violence.”

“As a rural trans Albertan, having the Province mark this important occasion is a strong statement towards equality for all Albertans. This is a significant step forward to promote and support diversity within our province,” says TESA board member Leslea Herber. “No one should live in fear for their lives because of who they are. Albertans should be proud that our government recognises and acknowledges this.”

The flag will be raised at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Alberta Legislature, 10800-97 Avenue, Edmonton. All are welcome.



Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was first established to honour the unsolved murder of Rita Hester in Massachusetts, USA. Trans people, family, friends, colleagues and allies are welcome to join together in this solemn memorial. This year, Alberta trans communities are hosting six TDOR memorials in three cities.

CALGARY -- In Calgary, three TDOR events will be observed, two on Friday and a third on Sunday. The first is at Mount Royal University's Pride Centre on Friday, November 20 in Room Z204 and includes three activities starting at 3:30, 5:00, and 5:30 p.m. respectively. Another Friday event is at the University of Calgary's Escalus Room in the MacEwan Conference Centre, starting at 7:00 p.m. The third is on Sunday, November 22 at CommunityWise, 223-12th Avenue SW, starting at 1 p.m..

EDMONTON -- In Edmonton, two TDOR events will be observed on Friday, November 20, with participants from the first joining together with the second. The first is at the University of Alberta, Room Education South 122, starting at 5:00 p.m. The second is at St. John's Institute, 11024-82 Avenue, starting at 7:00 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE -- In Lethbridge, TDOR will be observed on Friday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m. at Lethbridge City Hall, 910-4th Avenue S.

ONLINE -- Additionally, people unable to attend a TDOR memorial in person may wish to join First United Church of Christ Second Life in the virtual community of Second Life on Thursday, November 19, starting at 4:00 p.m. Second Life Time (5:00 p.m. in Alberta). This online community can be reached via http://firstuccsl.org/



For more information regarding Trans Day of Remembrance, see Observances.


More information about TESA can be found at www.tesaonline.org

--30--

back to Newsroom  |  back to About