Pride YMM Condemns Alberta’s Proposed Legislation on Trans Youth as Harmful and Unconstitutional
FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — Pride YMM is speaking out against proposed legislation by Alberta’s government regarding transgender youth, claiming the measures will harm vulnerable children and violate their rights. Bills 26 and 27, introduced by Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party, would require parental consent for students to change their pronouns at school, ban gender-affirming care for minors under 15, and prohibit gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 17.
Mitch Bowers, Board Chair and acting Executive Director of Pride YMM, criticized the proposed laws, saying they amount to the “forced outing” of transgender youth, a practice he argues is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. He cited studies indicating a 72 percent increase in suicide rates among transgender youth in areas where similar policies have been enacted, adding that trans youth already face high levels of discrimination in Alberta. Bowers referenced a recent study showing that 100 per cent of trans youth in Alberta have experienced some form of prejudice.
“The province claims this legislation is for protection, but it actually puts youth at greater risk,” Bowers said. He noted that while most parents are supportive of their children’s gender, around 30 per cent are not, meaning the requirement for parental consent could place many children in hostile or unsupportive environments. Bowers also pointed to data showing 92 per cent of trans youth report experiencing some form of so-called “conversion therapy,” an attempt to change a person’s gender expression that is banned in Canada.
On Saturday, approximately 100 people gathered outside Fort McMurray’s Provincial Courthouse to protest the legislation, joining a wave of protests across the province. Demonstrators voiced concerns that the proposed laws would further isolate and stigmatize transgender youth. Bowers said he believes the laws are unconstitutional and expects they will be challenged and overturned in court. He also warned that preventing access to hormone blockers could push trans youth to seek unsafe alternatives on the gray market.
Bowers emphasized that trans people of all ages are not alone. “This legislation will be challenged in court and deemed unconstitutional,” he said, encouraging anyone seeking support to contact Pride YMM. He noted that the organization holds monthly support groups for youth, adults, and parents of trans people. While Pride YMM is not a counselling service, Bowers said, they can connect individuals with numerous resources.