Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Blog: Miscellaneous

  • Blog: Pride Month: Combating Heterosexism, Discrimination, and Oppression

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    By Amanda Labonte and Sydney Sheloff 

    While Pride is celebrated during the month of June, respecting, and honoring people of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community should be a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion we make every day. 

    Heterosexism is a pervasive systemic oppressive force that is both invisible and intentional. Heterosexism is rooted in the idea that binary, meaning cisgender female and male identities, and heterosexual relationships as superior and ‘normal’ [4]. Heterosexism reinforces homophobia and transphobia, and together, these forces are responsible for many of the continued social policies and practices that are oppressive to 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. For example, increased houselessness in 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, where 51% of youth reported they were on the street due to conflict in the home [2], 2SLGBTQQIA+ older adults entering long-term care often ‘go back in the closet’ to avoid prejudice and discrimination [1], as well 2SLGBTQQIA+ folk experience higher rates of poverty [3]. 

    People who identify as heterosexual see their relationships on television, in books, and in advertising. People who identify as binary never have to think about the consequences of which bathroom to use or which part of the clothing store to shop in. These discriminatory methods are used to reinforce heterosexist ideology and are intentionally harmful.  

    To combat heterosexism, it is important to learn and engage in materials to understand the beauty and diversity of gender and sexualities. It is important to use appropriate pronouns as respectful and inclusive practice. In solidarity with 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons and community, listed below are some resources to facilitate further conversation and understanding. 

     

    Watch Videos to Better Understand Terms: 

    Two-Spirit 

    them. (11, December 2018). What does “Two-Spirit” mean? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4lBibGzUnE&t=9s 

    Intersex 

    them. (4, December 2018). What does intersex mean? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_5l2fwWGco 

    Transgender 

    them. (7, September 2018). Angelica Ross explains the history of the word ‘Transgender’. [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXH7vytxGus 

    Queer 

    them. (21, February 2018). Tyler Ford explains the history behind the work “Queer.” [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpE0u9Dx_24 

     

    Learn About Pronouns and How to Use Them: 

    The Diversity Center. (n.d.). Pronouns: A how-to. https://www.diversitycenterneo.org/about-us/pronouns/ 

     

    Read Literature by 2SLGBTQQIA+ Authors: 

    Mohamed Abdulkarim Ali 

    Ali is a Somalian-Canadian writer who writes about his lived experiences. 

    We suggest: 

    Ali, M. A. (2019). Angry queer Somali boy. University of Regina Press. 

    Lee Airton 

    Airton is an Assistant Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies in Education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is a researcher, blogger, advocate and speaker. Airton was founder of the website They Is My Pronoun, which has been archived. 

    We suggest: 

    Airton, L. (2019). Gender: Your guide – a gender-friendly primer on what to know, what to say, and what to do in the new gender culture. Adams Media. 

    Archie Bongiovanni & Tristan Jimerson 

    This pair teamed up to write the guide on they/them pronouns in a graphic novel/comic book style. It is an easy read that explains pronouns, how to use them, how to ask about someone’s pronouns and what to do if you make a mistake.  

    Bongiovanni, A. & Jimerson, T. (2018). A quick & easy guide to they/them pronouns. Limerence Press.  

    Vivek Sharaya 

    Vivek Sharaya is a transgender artist of colour “whose body of work crosses the boundaries of music, literature, visual art, theatre, and film.” 

    We suggest: 

    Sharaya, V. (2018). I’m afraid of men. Penguin Random House. 

    Billy Ray Belcourt 

    Belcourt is an academic and poet from Driftpile Cree Nation. His poetry explores ideas around the queer Indigenous experience, and how Indigenous people deal with pain, violence, and grief, showcasing their resilience.   

    We suggest:   

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2017). The wound is a world. Frontenac House Ltd.   

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2019). NDN coping mechanisms: Notes from the field. House of Anansi Press Inc.   

    Ma-Nee Chacaby 

    Chacaby is an Ojibwe-Cree writer, artist and activist. 

    We suggest: 

    Chacaby, M. (2016). A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder. University of Manitoba Press.  

    Rinaldo Walcott 

    Walcott is the Director of Women and Gender Studies Institute and an Associate Professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at University of Toronto. 

    We suggest: 

    Walcott, R. (2016). Queer returns: Essays on multiculturalism, diaspora, and Black studies. Insomniac Press 

     

    Learn About Local 2SLGBTQQIA+ History 

    Edmonton Queer History Project  

    This site has an Edmonton walking tour map as well as a podcast.  

     

    Support or Volunteer with a 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organization 

    Pride Centre 

    Shades of Colour 

    Rainbow Alliance for Youth of Edmonton 

    Edmonton Two Spirit Society 

    Edmonton Queer Youth Club 

     

    References 

    [1] CMHC (July 25, 2019). LGBTQ2S+ Housing Needs and Challenges. https://www.cmhc- schl.gc.ca/en/blog/2019-housing-observer/lgbtq2s-housing-needs-challenges 

    [2] Homeless Hub (2021). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S). 

     https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/population-specific/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-transsexual-queer 

    [3] Researching for LGBTQ2S+ Health ( 2022) The Canadian Coalition Against LGBTQ+ Poverty. https://lgbtqhealth.ca/projects/canadiancoalitionagainstlgbtqpoverty.php 

    [4] Vancouver Island University. (n.d.) Heterosexism. https://adm.viu.ca/positive- space/heterosexism 

     

     

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  • Blog: National Indigenous History Month: Acknowledging, Celebrating and Honouring 

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    By Amanda Labonte, Jenn Rossiter and Sydney Sheloff 

    National Indigenous History Month is a time for celebrating the rich and diverse histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples.  

    As settlers and non-Indigenous persons on this land we have a responsibility to recognize there was a history long before contact. Indigenous Peoples had governance, justice, health care, education, community, food security, and family systems guided by their worldview.  

    Legislation such as the Indian Act and its policies were designed intentionally to harm and oppress Indigenous Peoples. The Indian Act is still in effect today, an 82 page document that has had some revisions over the years. The Act still directs policy, governance and decisions made about Indigenous Peoples rather than with Indigenous Peoples. Bob Joseph, of the Gwawaenuk Nation, wrote a book “21 things you may not know about the Indian act: Helping Canadians make reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a reality” (2018) that included only 21 of the statues and/or policies. It is an excellent book to get started on understanding the Indian Act. 

    The ESPC (Edmonton Social Planning Council) is aware of the devastating impacts colonialism, has had, and continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, and the high rates of discrimination and racism Indigenous Peoples experience today. This is a topic people need to continue talking about, but it is not the whole history or the whole story. Indigenous Peoples have made countless achievements and contributions on this land for time immemorial.  

    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is a crucial document for individuals and organizations to work towards reconciliation. We as a community have a long way to go before achieving reconciliation, and part of our responsibility as settlers and non-Indigenous persons on this land is to engage in and listen to Indigenous culture and history as written, spoken and shared by Indigenous Peoples. 

    In contribution to National Indigenous History Month and reconciliation here are some resources, written or spoken by Indigenous Peoples. We hope you take time to explore these valuable works and others. 

    Events and Experiences 

    Should you be interested in engaging in experiences related to Indigenous histories in Amishkwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton), we suggest you look at this list curated by Mackenzie Brown. The list is large and covers events, museums, cuisine, music and much more.  

    Listen to Podcasts 

    2 Crees in a Pod on Spotify is produced and hosted by Terri Sunjtens, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at kihêw waciston at MacEwan University. The podcast is co-hosted by Amber Dion, an assistant professor at the School of Social Work, MacEwan University. This podcast was nominated for a 2020 Canadian Podcast Award. 

    Unreserved on CBCListen is hosted by Rosanna Deerchild from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation. Deerchild in addition to being a radio host is a writer and poet. During the 2020-2021 Unreserved was guest hosted by Falen Johnson, who is from Six Nations Grand River Territory and is also a playwright.  

    Read a Blog 

     Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples writer Bob Joseph is the founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. Joseph writes on several topics including Indigenous histories and untold stories.  

    Watch a Film:  

    Tasha Hubbard  

    Hubbard is an academic documentary filmmaker from Peepeekisis First Nation. Her films explore violence against Indigenous people, including: Two Worlds Colliding, a look at the “Starlight Tours,” or freezing deaths, in Saskatchewan, and Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up which follows the family of Colton Boushie as they fight for justice after his death. 

    We suggest:  

    Hubbard, T. (Director). (2005). Two worlds colliding [film]. National Film Board of Canada.  

    Hubbard, T. (Director). (2019). Nîpawistamâsowin: We will stand up [film]. National Film Board of Canada. 

     

    Read Literature by Indigenous Authors: 

    Billy-Ray Belcourt  

    Belcourt is an academic and poet from Driftpile Cree Nation. His poetry explores ideas around the queer Indigenous experience, and how Indigenous people deal with pain, violence, and grief, showcasing their resilience.  

    We suggest:  

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2017). The wound is a world. Frontenac House Ltd.  

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2019). NDN coping mechanisms: Notes from the field. House of Anansi Press Inc.  

    Leanne Betasamosake Simpson  

    Betasamosake Simpson is a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer, and artist. Her work uses Nishnaabeg intellectual practices, as she breaks apart the intersections of politics, story, and song.  

    We suggest:  

    Betasamosake Simpson, L. (2017). As we have always done: Indigenous freedom through radical resistance. University of Minnesota Press.  

    Betasamosake Simpson, L. (2020). Noopiming: The cure for white ladies. House of Anansi Press.  

    Glen Coulthard  

    Coulthard is a Yellowknives Dene associate professor in First Nations and Indigenous Studies and Political Science. In Red Skin, White Masks, he “seeks to reevaluate, reconstruct, and redeploy Indigenous cultural practices based on self-recognition rather than seeking appreciation from agents of colonialism.”  

    We suggest:  

    Coulthard, G. (2014). Red skin, white masks: Rejecting the colonial politics of recognition. University of Minnesota Press.  

    Michelle Good 

    Good is a member of Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and was awarded the HarperCollins/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction in 2018. 

    We suggest:  

    Good, M. (2020). Five little Indians. Harper Perennial.  

    Thomas King  

    King is a writer of Cherokee, German, and Greek descent. He writes about Indigenous history, issues, and story in Canada and America. He pays particular attention to the ways in which policies have eroded Indigenous land and status rights.  

    We suggest:  

    King, T. (2012). The inconvenient Indian: A curious account of native people in North America. Doubleday Canada.  

    Dian Million  

    Million is Tanana Athabascan and a professor in American Indian studies. Million argues that Indigenous oral story telling “told about historical trauma, past and present victimization, and the search for redemption in personal and community healing,” and is therefore a valid form of theory. She also studies the politics of mental and physical health in relation to Indigenous communities and trauma.  

    We suggest:  

    Million, D. (2013). Therapeutic nations: Healing in an age of Indigenous human rights. University of Arizona Press.  

    Million, D. (2014). There is a river in me: Theory from life. In A. Simpson & A. Smith (Eds.), Theorizing Native Studies (pp. 31-42). Durham: Duke University Press.  

    Tanya Talaga  

    Talaga is an Anishinaabe journalist. Her book Seven Fallen Feathers investigates the alarming number of deaths of Indigenous youth in Thunder Bay, and how they are related to a legacy of human rights violations against Indigenous people. In All Our Relations, Talaga looks at how colonial separation of Indigenous people from their land, communities, and culture, affect social determinates of health and high suicide rates of Indigenous youth. These books are also a call for action, justice, and a better world for Indigenous peoples.  

    We suggest:  

    Talaga, T. (2017). Seven fallen feathers: Racism, death, and hard truths in a northern city. House of Anansi Press.  

    Talaga, T. (2018). All our relations: Finding the path forward. House of Anansi Press.  

    Jesse Thistle  

    Thistle is a Métis-Cree author and professor. His academic work explores Métis history, but he is best known for his recent memoir, From the Ashes. In this book, he explores his experiences with the foster care system, describing abuse, addiction, homelessness, racism, and cultural disconnection. He goes on to share how he turned his life around by learning about, and connecting with, his culture.  

    We suggest:  

    Thistle, J. (2019). From the ashes: My story of being Métis, homeless, and finding my way. Simon and Schuster.  

    Eve Tuck  

    Tuck in an Unangax̂ scholar whose research focus is on urban education and Indigenous studies. She focuses on how Indigenous social thought can be engaged to create more fair and just social policy, more meaningful social movements, and robust approaches to decolonization.  

    We suggest:  

    Tuck, E. & Yang, K. W. (2012). Decolonization is not a metaphor. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 1(1), 1–40.  

    Chelsea Vowel  

    Vowel is a Métis lawyer, academic, and author. Her work focuses on language, gender identity, and resurgence. She advocates for Indigenous language preservation, education reform, and Indigenous control of Indigenous education. Her blog, âpihtawikosisân, provides primer resources and “myth debunking” on Indigenous topics.  

    We suggest:  

    Vowel, C. (2016). Indigenous writes: A guide to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues in Canada. High-water Press.  

    Vowel, C. (n.d.). Indigenous issues 101. âpihtawikosisân. https://apihtawikosisan.com/aboriginal-issue-primers/  

    Richard Wagamese  

    Wagamese was an author and journalist from Wabaseemoong First Nation. His books explore Indigenous experiences in Canada; Indian Horse, for example, explores residential schools, abuse, racism, trauma, and how they relate to addiction.  

    We suggest:  

    Wagamese, R. (2008). One native life. Douglas and McIntyre.  

    Wagamese, R. (2013). Indian horse. Douglas and McIntyre. 

     

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  • Blog: Budget 2022 an Insufficient Response to the Mental Health and Addiction Crisis

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    Written by: Vibhu Kher

     

    The Alberta government spends an annual $1.7 billion on mental health and addiction services. Budget 2022 adds another $20 million to support the Opioid Dependency Program along with recovery-oriented programs, including healthcare spending towards ICU beds and an expansion of the mental health intensive care unit. These investments allow Alberta to address the opioid crisis through a recovery-mode system where support services are offered after or amidst individuals looking to recover from using opioids all together.

    What remains omitted and unaddressed is the harm reduction programs and initiatives in Alberta. Furthermore, the substance abuse crisis in Alberta is reaching a peak higher than before the pandemic and during lockdown. There seems to be a larger focus on beliefs about recovery strategies than an individualized treatment plan for Albertans struggling with limited options.

    UofA Researcher Elaine Hyshka highlights the need for hospitals to carry harm reduction supplements and strategies like supervised injection sites and naloxone kit services for overdose victims. In conjunction, survey respondents in the Alberta Health Services report in 2018 identified a need for more provincial coordination and alignment of services with harm reduction initiatives and strategies. This has also been unaddressed till date.

     

    Alberta Opioid Crisis

    According to the substance use surveillance data, the rate of drug poisoning in Alberta has increased exponentially between 2018 and 2021. December 2021 had 178 deaths alone, which is higher than the annual death rate in the previous years. The annual total for 2021 was 1600 deaths due to opioids. This suggests, there is a significant need for intervention and harm reduction programs that compliment recovery programs.

    The purpose of harm reduction stems from understanding the causes of drug use, it is about ‘meeting drug users where they are at’ and recognizing them as part of the community. Harm reduction allows observers and healthcare professionals to understand the deeply rooted issues of the individual as opposed to an over reliance on surface level policy changes.

    Alberta currently has four major harm reduction initiatives in place:

    1. Community based naloxone program
    2. Opioid Dependency Program
    3. Safeworks Harm Reduction Program and,
    4. Supervised consumption sites (Province-wide)

    Out of these, only the Opioid Dependency Program (OPD) is being expanded as part of Budget 2022. The program offers a medicated treatment plan for opioid users along with psychosocial support complimented with oral opioid agonist treatment. Access to the program is free; however, medical prescriptions are subject to costs identified by individual pharmacies. This limits access for vulnerable and marginalized populations who do not have health coverage or reliable income.

     

    Initiatives in British Columbia 

    In contrast, while British Columbia has the highest opioid cases in Canada; their harm reduction programs are noteworthy. British Columbia introduced an Oral Hydromorphone Pilot project this year, which provides low-barrier access to the medication that is used to relieve pain for opioid dependent patients. This is similar to the ODP in Alberta however, access varies.

    This treatment is covered at 100% depending on drug plans offered by B.C. one would be, Pharmacare Plan G which covers 100% of psychiatric medications depending on physician outlined needs of patients. This plan is accessible to vulnerable populations and unemployed residents. B.C. takes a step forward by offering these services to marginalized and vulnerable populations where payment of drugs is a barrier to treatment.

    On the other hand, in Alberta there is only the OAT Gap Coverage which provides coverage until a health benefit plan is confirmed by the individual. This can be a barrier for Albertans who are unable to afford a monthly premium-based benefit plan. B.C. also offers a higher number of Overdose Prevention Sites province wide. Whereas Alberta has confirmed closure of Supervised Consumption Site in Lethbridge and more to come.

     

    Further Action Needed by Provincial Government

    A prioritization on recovery-based programs saturates the differences in treatment approaches between recovery-based and harm reduction methods. It paints a picture that recovery-based programs are an ideal way of ‘getting better’ from addictions and mental health illness. It further isolates and marginalizes populations that are dependent on opioids where recovery-based programs may not help.

    Harm reduction initiatives are important because they allow individuals to feel part of the community. Furthermore, the harm reduction programs save large amounts of money in surgeries at later times, preventing accumulated high costs to the healthcare system. A robust mental health and addictions system that covers recovery and harm reduction components is called upon to offer treatment services that are catered to individual needs. Consequently, the current time is more crucial than before considering the rising death rate and opioid use rates in Canada.

     

    Vibhu Kher is a post-graduate Master of Public Policy student currently completing her practicum with the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

     

     

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  • Lunch & Learn Summary: Breaking the Stigma for Albertans with Low Literacy

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    By: Vibhu Kher, Practicum Student

     

    Involving the whole of community in supporting Albertans with low literacy is essential to advancing the development and skills of these individuals. Literacy develops through everyday contexts; a supportive network and effective community engagement is called upon.

    Over 19 Edmontonians participated in the virtual Lunch and Learn session on Thursday April 14 to understand the stigma behind adult literacy in Alberta and how this can contribute to life-long development challenges for these individuals.

    The Centre for Family Literacy in conjunction with the Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) addressed key factors and impacts leading to stigmatization of Albertans with low literacy.

    The session was primarily led by Kim Chung, Co-Executive Director for Programming and Training, and assisted by Kristen Dmytriw, Facilitator at the Centre for Family Literacy, along with Brett Lambert, Research Officer at ESPC serving as the host and moderator.

     

    Low Literacy and Impacts

    45 per cent of Albertans from age 16 to 65 struggle with low literacy, a high number for a technologically advanced and well-off province such as Alberta. Literacy refers to the ability to ‘identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials’ associated with different contexts in a given time period.

    An individual with low literacy requires an extended period of time, special aid and support to adequately achieve their goals and participate completely in wider society. Goals range anywhere between being able to fill out forms or attain employment.

    Kim describes one of the experiences of having low literacy equivalent to travelling in a foreign country and not knowing the language. Some signs of low literacy include:

    1. Disinterest or refusal to engage
    2. Feelings of frustration during perceived difficulty in tasks
    3. Forgetting required items to avoid tasks (ex. Eyeglasses)
    4. Indirect, confused or irrelevant answers to questions
    5. Asking repetitive questions already stated in the document

    Feelings associated with low literacy include:

    1. Incapable
    2. Frustration and stress
    3. Sadness
    4. Awkward and uncomfortable

    Living with low literacy can affect individuals throughout their life, families, communities, professional work and social inclusion.

    These feelings are also heightened when others make these individuals feel less capable by questioning their ability to understand further leading to stigmatization.

    These feelings can last up to a lifetime and also cause mental health distress, further pushing their personal goals away and leading to social exclusion from community engagement.

    When asked by a participant about post-secondary education for low literacy students, Kim advised that “people getting pushed through the system may graduate high school but struggle in university, unknowingly.”

     

    Centre Programs and Approach

    The Centre for Family Literacy focuses on learning about the ‘simple goals’ of adults with low literacy, it’s about “helping people achieve their potential and how they define their potential” says Kim.

    Overall, strengthening family relationships by improving adult literacy, and increasing opportunity for children’s language and literacy development, fostering active involvement in community.

    The Centre offers programs, training and resources for adults and families to improve literacy and increase opportunity for children’s language and literacy development through parents and programs.

    The Centre follows a holistic approach for family-based learning, providing early intervention for children all the while supporting parents in pursuing their own skill development and training.

    Chung uses Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Principles to identify ways to enhance a learner’s experience at the Centre, making material immediately relevant and practical to their lives and increasing comprehension and retention.

    Showing respect, involving them in planning and evaluation of a learning opportunity and “acknowledging their life experience [is] an important foundation to their learning” says Kim.

    Training at the Centre focuses on building capacity and apps like Flip are resources for development purposes available through the Centre. Other resources include Microsoft Office Readability tool and using informal diagnostic to assess the learners and their needs.

    Informal assessments are conducted to ensure comfort for the learner and apply a “go with a flow” methodology, says Kristen, Facilitator at the Centre.

     

    What Can You Do?

    Understanding the perspective of someone with low literacy can help realize how and where comprehension in the workplace can be easy or difficult for these individuals.

    Kim recommends doing a literacy audit at the workplace as it addresses signs, resources, forms and interactions through the perspective of someone with low literacy.

    There is a dire need to build awareness, sharing information about low literacy and its impacts, knowing which organizations to refer people to and working with literacy programming can all help break the stigma.

     

    Watch the Lunch & Learn recording here

     

    Lunch and Learn sessions take place monthly hosted by the ESPC, check out here to learn more about upcoming events as they are announced. Additional resources for the Centre for Family Literacy can be found here.

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  • Blog: Celebrating the Transgender Day of Visibility 2022

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    By: Jordan Clark Marcichiw, ESPC Volunteer

    Happy Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to all transgender, two-spirited, non-gender conforming and non-binary folx!

    Thursday, March 31, marks the thirteenth annual TDOV—a time to celebrate transgender people and the milestones and achievements of the trans community. It is also an important day for all Edmontonians and Albertans to come together to reflect, learn, and better understand the discrimination experienced by transgender people in our communities.

    The past year has marked several celebratory moments for the transgender community:

    • the Bank of Montreal’s introduction of Mastercard’s True Name Feature, offering the ability for trans people to use their true name on their credit card without a legal name change, [1]
    • fYrefly in Schools, a new program created by a local trans woman to increase inclusion and safety in rural Albertan communities, [2] and
    • the first transgender woman, Lia Thomas, to win an NCAA Division 1 swimming championship in the face of severe public scrutiny. [3]

    Despite these hard-earned and well-deserved successes, trans people in Canada continue to experience significant discrimination and systemic oppression. Research shows that:

    • 25% of trans people feel they were not given access to the gender-affirming care they required, 22% of trans people have been denied hormone therapy, and 15% have been denied gender affirming surgery. [4]
    • 67% of trans people thought about suicide before transitioning, whereas 3% reported thinking about suicide after transitioning. [5]
    • Compared to the general population, transgender and gender non-conforming people are seven times more likely to struggle with substance use, five times more likely to experience mental health concerns, and two times more likely to experience severe poverty and homelessness. [6]

    These staggering numbers are a result of systemic inequality that continue to minimize and ignore the experiences and needs of trans people.

    As aspiring allies, what can we do?

    Allyship is an ongoing process.

    It is our responsibility to continually educate ourselves to better understand the needs of trans people. Learn what these needs are (like access to gender-affirming health care and the usage of proper pronouns) and continually speak up to advocate for these needs. Be mindful and ensure we are advocating in a way that is meaningful and relevant to trans people, and educate ourselves on the intricacies of intersectionality [7] and how issues might affect trans people.

    Support, amplify and learn from existing trans resources.

    Some Edmonton-based resources [8] include:

    • The AltView Foundation for Gender Variant and Sexual Minorities
    • Comité francoqueer de l’ouest
    • Edmonton 2 Spirit Society
    • Edmonton Men’s Health Collective
    • Fruit Loop Society of Alberta
    • Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services
    • The Landing
    • The Pride Center of Edmonton
    • RARICANow
    • Shades of Colour

    Research and support policy changes that better address trans needs.

    The resources mentioned above are great sources to learn about policy gaps and advocacy opportunities. The Enchanté Network, the University of Saskatchewan Social Innovation Lab, and the Community-Based Research Center are other great learning resources.

    Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility 2022!

    The following events are occurring for TDOV 2022:

    Celebrate with your trans friends, family members, neighbours, colleagues, and acquaintances!

    Jordan Clark Marcichiw (she/her) is a social worker who is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocating for systems change for the betterment of all individuals. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, skiing, playing slopitch, reading, and adventuring with her pup. As a ciswoman, she is honoured to witness the strength, resiliency, and relentlessness of the trans community and trans allies as they fight for a safer, more equitable community in our province.

    References

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  • Blog: Alberta budget a missed opportunity to improve lives of Albertans

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    By: Sydney Sheloff and Brett Lambert

    With the release of Alberta’s 2022 budget, the provincial government painted a rosy fiscal picture. For the first time in nearly a decade, they tabled a balanced budget and even posted a $511 million surplus. After years of running deficits, one might think this is the optimal time to make some robust investments that would strengthen public services and meaningfully improve the lives of Albertans.

    While spending overall is up from previous years, the reality is that with spending levels still below the pace of inflation and population growth, we are falling short when it comes to making a meaningful difference, especially for marginalized and underserved populations.

    As with each budget released, the Edmonton Social Planning Council took a deep dive and produced a fact sheet informing the public on what this budget means for social services and the populations they serve.

    Rising household expenses are a pressing concern for the average person, with surveys showing more than half of Canadians cannot keep up. Whether it’s higher grocery bills, gas prices, insurance rates, or utility bills, people are feeling the pinch. While many hoped the budget might bring about some form of relief, it appears this was deferred. To combat high natural gas prices, the government will introduce a rebate program starting in October. While this measure will be helpful for the future, it does nothing to address the current pressures we have all been facing during a winter of prolonged cold snaps.

    People living on various income supports are facing added pressures. Advocates have been calling for several changes to Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). First, the current benefit rate of $1,685 a month is far too low to meet basic needs. Many advocates say that raising benefits to the amount Canadians received through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), $2,000 a month, is a good starting point. Second, in the face of a rising cost of living, AISH payments need to be indexed for inflation. The budget addresses neither of these calls. Instead, they are maintaining current benefit amounts.

    Investing in families and children is a key component in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our province. Funding for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) remains on par with the last budget. However, funding before was insufficient. Research has shown that most families are receiving lower payments through the ACFB than through the previous Alberta Child Benefit and Alberta Family and Employment Tax Credit.

    The last two years have been particularly traumatic for older Albertans amid the pandemic. While there are some investments in continuing care and home care, seniors living in low income still struggle to make ends meet. While federal pandemic-related support programs were an important lifeline, many of them are winding down and recipients inevitably will return to provincial programs. This includes the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB), which provides monthly financial assistance to those aged 65 and older. The maximum monthly benefit for a single person and a couple, $285.92 and $428.83, respectively, remains unchanged.

    With AISH, the ACFB and ASB not indexed for inflation, benefits remain stagnant while the cost of living is rising significantly. Month after month, those who are already struggling will find it harder and harder to make ends meet. Income supports must keep up with the rising costs of living.

    Ultimately, budgets are inherently political documents that offer a roadmap for where their priorities lie. Posting deficits are often cited as a reason why public services cannot be funded to the level they deserve. In the time of surpluses, one would think it would be the right time to usher in transformational changes and meaningfully expand and strengthen the social safety net. The fact that neither of these were on display in the latest budget is a missed opportunity.

     

    Sydney Sheloff is strategic research co-ordinator for the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

    Brett Lambert is research officer for the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

    This op-ed originally was published in the Edmonton Journal on March 5, 2022, read the original op-ed here

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