Dr. Lorne Warneke was a pivotal LGBTQ pioneer in Alberta, who passed on suddenly on August 28, 2020.  Dr. Warneke was a Psychiatrist, University of Alberta Professor and Medical Director and founder of the Gender Clinic at the Grey Nuns Hospital, until he retired in 2017.  "Dr. Warneke fought relentlessly for increased awareness, education and support for sexual diversity and the affirmation of gender identity, the University of Alberta stated on its' website.  

In 1984, Dr. Warneke convinced Alberta Health to pay for gender reassignment surgery for the under-serviced transgender population. He also lobbied to change Alberta human rights legislation to include sexual orientation as a protected grounds.

Through his work and dedication, Dr. Warneke allowed many to access health care to live their true lives and make contributions to our community.

We the undersigned are petitioning Alberta Health Services, the University of Alberta and the University of Alberta Hospital to rename The Gender Program to the Dr. Lorne Warneke Gender Program.