On Wednesday, students from all over Calgary left their classrooms to show their opposition to the provincial administration’s proposed transgender policies for children and teenagers.
The number of students who participated in the boycotts was unknown to the Calgary Board of Education, but it was between small groups and plenty.
“These boycotts are not Initiative events,” according to a board statement, which read, “We are aware of possible student protests that may take place on Wednesday.”
“However, any students who were not present in school will be marked as an unexcused absence.” “We will not stop individuals from leaving school during this time.”
Hundreds of students participated in the strike at William Aberhart High School, which is located northwest of the city.
Theo Duerr, 16, who is receiving estrogen therapy, said he thought the scheme might endanger some young people.
“Our concern is that high school students, middle schoolers, and younger children won’t be able to explore those identities or explore themselves in a comfortable and safe way.”
The Grade 11 student continued by saying that the gay and transgender community needs to be better understood.
Fletcher Morrison, a participant in the demonstration at Western Canada High School, expressed concern for the security of trans children. (CBC/Erin Collins)
“We need to be properly represented everywhere, including in the media.” “It’s crucial that they comprehend who we are and that our goal is not to intimidate or torment them. We are only here to live, but we are also here for our freedom.”
Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta, unveiled a number of new regulations for transgender women athletes as well as changes to gender identity and female assurance procedures next week.
It sparked a week of reaction and protests from organizations like the Alberta Medical Association as well as community organizations.
“There is no ‘single voice’ that can speak on behalf of the entire transgender community,” according to Smith, who defended her proposals during a trip to Ottawa on Monday. She claimed to have spoken with some trans people who had expressed worries about young children’s ability to transition.
“We had to discuss the proper age to be able to make those life-altering decisions.”
Several dozen students were carrying signs with the words “Our Outrage Does Not Fit On A Poster” and “Protect Trans Black Female Disabled Immigrant Queer Indigenous Refugee Youth” at Western Canada High School on 17th Avenue S.W.
Transgender student Fletcher Morrison, who is in Grade 11, said it’s crucial that his and other students’ rights are respected in their classrooms.
The 16-year-old, who transitioned three years ago with the help of his friends and family, said, “I just want people to feel safe in school.”
Morrison claimed that over the past year, he has witnessed a significant increase in anti-transgender debates.
He said, “I can see it getting worse.” “I’m just concerned for young people’s health.”
