Reposted from ARCHES Queer Health
The provincial government has recently revised its policy on book bans in public schools.
Ambassadors for the LGBTQ2s+ community interpreted the initial ban as part of the apparent trend of suppressing creative voices from marginalized communities.
On the other hand, activist groups driving the book bans, such as ‘Take Back Alberta’, based on with both Christian nationalist and Western separatist agendas , are seen to ‘celebrate’ government policies which restrict forms of diverse gender expression.
ARCHES envisions a a community where harm reduction drives (leads to) transformative change, expands inclusive, services, and eliminates health disparities.
By exploring gender as an ideology, or an identity constructed through complex interpersonal, geopolitical, and psychosocial interactions, we can better understand how our society reproduces inequality.
The government may be testing our limits, and by rolling back the ban, we know that they respond when we speak up.
Don’t be discouraged! Look to your local LGBTQ2S+ leaders, speak out for what’s right, and let your loved ones know you see them and you care.
Find local support groups in your area and find your own way to get involved :
- Letter Against the Education Act Amendments
- Outreach Southern Alberta
- 2SLGBTQI+ Resources and Information – CMHA Alberta Division
- Lethbridge Pride Fest Society
- GSAs in K-12 schools and pride spaces on campuses
- Lethbridge Polytechnic Pride Lounge,
- ULeth Campus Collective Centre.
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