Along with our usual work of connecting with faith communities in Southern Alberta and beyond, and working alongside 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, here’s the latest news!
Thanks to all of you who are providing a faithful response to policies released by Alberta’s Premiere. Alberta’s government is capitalizing on American-style wedge issues at the expense of young people’s wellbeing. Youth deserve inclusive sexual health education, the freedom to be their authentic selves, and to learn and grow in a safe environment - including queer and trans students.
We proudly affirm and will protect the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages to flourish in the fullness of who they are, to seek and find supportive healthcare, and to find belonging in their homes, schools, places of worship, workplaces, and society.
Trans Advocacy Resources
Recording now available:
Media Training and Allyship with James Demers
Whether you're a community leader, activist, faith leader, or simply an ally looking to deepen your understanding and support for gender and sexually diverse-communities, this session is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to create a more inclusive and affirming community where you are. You will learn context and language to support gender and sexually diverse communities in our current social and political climate, from an action-oriented perspective.
We will tackle common misconceptions surrounding gender and sexual diversity, providing tools to engage in myth-busting conversations within your own circles. We will close with actionable steps to confidently advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.
Interfaith Pride Service
June 6, 2024 - 4pm PT / 7pm ET
Join the Queer Interfaith Coalition for their first annual Interfaith Pride Service. Led by and for queer people of all faith traditions, you are welcome to come and be affirmed, celebrated, and cheered on.
Please register and share!
Queer Interfaith Coalition
The Queer Interfaith Coalition (QIC) and its Affirming allies are reclaiming the religious voice from those who have sought to weaponize faith. We believe that all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are created in the Divine Image and that advocacy for their human rights is not antithetical to faith, but a central tenet of our religious faiths.
To learn more and sign onto our open letter, visit our page here.
The QIC was created by Pam Rocker, speaker, activist, and Director of Affirming Connections, and Rabbi Dr. Nachshon Siritsky, Spiritual leader of The Chavurah Collective: Decolonizing Judaism in Mi’kma’ki.
Along with dozens of 2SLGBTQIA+ faith leaders and organizers across the country, we make up the QIC.
Join our United Against Hate campaign!
Affirming Connections stands in support of drag performers and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada.
Over the past year, we have seen a clear rise in malicious misinformation, conspiracy theories, threats, and violence that target drag performers and trans people. In 2022 alone, hate crimes against the queer community rose by 64%, and this number continues to rise.
Add your name to the 375+ signers on this letter to let others know that you publicly stand with drag performers and the 2SLGBTQ+ folks who have been facing the brunt of these threats.
Drag FAQ’s Answered
Affirming Connections started the United Against Hate campaign to address the surge in misinformation, disinformation, and violence targeting drag performers and trans people. We compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we encounter, then asked experts from a variety of fields—including affirming faith leaders, drag performers, educators, academics and researchers—to answer them.