We issue this statement at the close of Pride Month, which is traditionally a time to celebrate, learn from, stand beside, and support our 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more) communities. 

As a committed group of mental health professionals, many of whom specialize in supporting individuals and families within the Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse communities, we recognize the past failings of our professions in contributing to the systemic oppression of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 

In accordance with the ethical standards set forth in the Canadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics (CPA, 2017), we must raise our voices against the escalating discrimination and oppression experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The misguided policies recently proposed by the UCP government cruelly target vulnerable Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth who are among the most oppressed and marginalized in our society.

We are deeply committed to anti-oppressive practices and proudly stand alongside our 2SLGBTQIA+ clients, colleagues, friends, and families in the fight against any and all discrimination (CPA, 2017). We affirm that 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are absolute human rights and, as such, need to be fully recognized, supported, and protected without qualification or hesitation. 

As professionals, we are committed to evidence-based practices, and firmly uphold and stand behind the following realities for Alberta’s Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals:

1. Diversity in gender identity is real and has always been a part of our province. Throughout our shared history, gender diversity has been a significant aspect of the human experience (Gill-Peterson, 2018; Hunt, 2016; Stryker, 2017).
2. The mistreatment of individuals based on their actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression, such as discrimination, violence, denial of health care, or lack of acceptance, causes severe harms. This mistreatment significantly impacts the well-being of children, teenagers, adults, and families, including a staggering increase in the risk of suicide (Delozier et al., 2020; Gillis et al., 2019; Green et al., 2022; Kosciw et al., 2022; Puckett et al., 2024; Trevor Project, 2023; Wells, et al., 2017).
3. Protective factors that contribute significantly to positive outcomes for Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals of all ages include family and community acceptance, education, support, access to mental health services, inclusive sporting and school environments, and gender-affirmative medical and healthcare (Alberta Medical Association, 2024; Canadian Pediatric Society, 2024; Gillis et al., 2019; Miller et al., 2023; Wells et al., 2017).
4. We strongly advocate for every Albertan's autonomy over their own body and identity, emphasizing that decisions regarding our bodies should not be determined by the Alberta Government or restricted through political interference. These proposed restrictions are an unethical intrusion on the sanctity of the patient/practitioner relationship and the ability to make informed decisions related to care (Alberta Medical Association, 2024; Canada Health Act, 1985; Canadian Paediatric Society, 2024; Coleman et al., 2022; Dunn & Hope, 2018).
5. We support the fundamental rights of Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people and their families to make informed healthcare choices with the assistance of skilled professionals, including unrestricted access to safe, evidence-based, gender-affirming care and treatment (Coleman et al., 2022).
6. The Psychologists' Association of Alberta and the College of Alberta Psychologists (PAA/CAP, 2024) recommend comprehensive, evidence-based care for transgender and gender non-conforming youth. They further recommend involving trans youth in developmentally appropriate decision-making about their own care and avoiding unnecessary delays (2024).
7. Restrictions on gender-affirming health care disregard the wealth of psychological and medical research supporting the principles of informed consent and the beneficial impact of gender-affirming treatments on the well-being of Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals (Alberta Medical Association, 2024; Coleman et al., 2022; Hembree et al., 2017).
8. An extensive number of Canadian and international professional bodies and associations support unobstructed, timely access to evidence-based health and clinical care for Two-Spirit, trans, gender diverse children and adolescents (APA, 2024; Coleman et al., 2022; CPA, 2024; Wells, 2024).
9. The policies proposed by the UCP government are incongruent with Alberta Health’s strategic pillar of its "Patient First Strategy,” which is committed to ensuring that patients and families are fully informed of and involved in their healthcare decisions (Alberta Health Services, 2024). They are also discriminatory: failing to prioritize the needs of Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals and their families by withholding essential evidence-based and inclusive client-centred healthcare is a violation of human and protected rights (Alberta Human Rights Act, 1973; Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982; Canada Health Act, 1985; Canadian Human Rights Act, 1985).
10. Comprehensive education, including access to inclusive evidence-informed sexual health information, across all age groups is essential in strengthening well-being and reducing risks for all students, including Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth (Day et al., 2019, 2024; Gillis et al., 2019).

As mental health professionals dedicated to health equity, social justice, and anti-oppressive practices, we proudly align with our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities during Pride Month and throughout the year in the battle against prejudice and discrimination. Well-established evidence underscores the need for inclusion, acceptance, support and informed and client-driven decision-making for all Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals in Alberta. We urge all mental health professionals to join us in advocating against discrimination and supporting the rights of all marginalized groups. 

We the undersigned support this statement and call on the Alberta Government to rescind its discriminatory policy proposals targeting Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse Albertans.  

Signed,

Name / Title

• Dr. Ashleigh Yule (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Kiersten Mohr (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• David Small (he/him) / Registered Psychologist
• Susan Larcombe (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Deborah Dobson (she/her) / Adjunct Professor, Dept of  Psychology, University of Calgary
• Amanda Montey (they/them) / Registered Psychologist
• Carmel Shalom (she/elle) /  Registered Nurse, Certified Canadian Counsellor 
• Joanna Card (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Jennifer Rioux (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Jane M. Oxenbury (all pronouns) / Registered Psychologist
• Sabrina Sbarzella (they/she) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Shay Swan (they/he) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Jane Fix (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Franki Harrogate / Registered Psychologist
• Jocelyn Nand (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Brandy Paulson (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Tabitha MacPherson (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Caroline Bélanger-Willetts (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Candace Curry (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Sheldon Walker / Registered Psychologist
• Mateo K. Huezo / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Keoma Thorne (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Shari Roberts (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Alara Hedebring (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Parker Pothier (they/them) / Certified Canadian Counsellor
• Megan Duffy / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Sam Kriviak (they/them) / Registered Psychologist
• Monika Penner (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Nicole Perry (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Felicity Bohnet (she/her) / RSW,MSW
• Dr. Amber Gear (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Megan Cook (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Brittany Goertz (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Vanessa Rankin (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Keith Dobson / Professor Emeritus, Dept of Psychology, University of Calgary
• Jill Thompson (she/they) / Registered Psychologist
• Suzy Kavanagh /  Certified Canadian Counsellor
• Dr. Amanda Smith-Demers (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Carolyn Claire (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Ryley Hatchard (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Sander Deeth (he/him) / Registered Psychologist
• Janice Carew (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Keri Sullivan (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Erin Fuller (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Stephanie Sikorski (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Nicole Pawlick (she/her) / Counselling Therapist & Child & Youth Care Counsellor
• Kelly Ma Rosso (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Skyler Todd (they/them) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Melissa Gray (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Danica Heidebrecht (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Caroline Buzanko (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Kelly O'Neill / Registered Provisional Psychologist 
• Dr. Valerie Pruegger / Registered Psychologist 
• Dr. Elana August (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Harriet Johnston (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Anna Harland (she/her) / Registered social worker
• Miriam VandenBrink (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Bradley Lewis / Registered Psychologist 
• Meg Hasek-Watt (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Emily Wasylenko (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Roslyn Mendelson / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Laurie Ali / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. David Hodgin / Registered Psychologist, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
• Dr. Lynn Sloane / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Cherie Peterson / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Jennifer Garinger-Orwin / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Michael Enman / Registered Psychologist 
• Davis Steward (he/him) / Registered Psychologist
• Davis Steward (he/him) / Graduate Intern Therapist
• Amy Patterson (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Kassie Colonna (she/her) / CCC and Registered Psychologist (qualifying)
• Hilary Pradinuk (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Grace Phillips-Mckenzie (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Claire Cummings (she/her) / Registered Social Worker
• Danielle Morran (she/her) / Certified Canadian Counsellor
• Keelin McKiernan / Registered Psychologist
• Kirsten Setso (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Erin Cape (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Tishina Shannacappo (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Jing Liu (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Andrea Hunt (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dominique Bonneville (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Eunice Mingollo (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Diandra Lewis (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Harleen Sanghera (she/her) / Registered Provisional Psychologist
• Dr. Kerry Mothersill / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Magdalen Schluter / Registered Psychologist
• Kate Emery (they/she) / Registered Psychologist 
• Claire Aries (she/her) / Register Provisional Psychologist
• Ashley Pettigrew (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Sylvia Lagosky (she/her) / Canadian Certified Counsellor
• Sydney McKenzie-Hougestol (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Reshma Bose (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Tara Krego (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Lyndsey Silva (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Shelley Fahlman (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Kristin von Ranson (she/her) / Registered Psychologist, Professor, Psychology Department, University of Calgary
• Dr. Chantelle Magel (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Dr. Brae Anne McArthur (she/her) / Registered Psychologist, Professor, University of Calgary
• Dr. Linette Savage / Registered Psychologist 
• Dr. Marley Young / Registered Psychologist 
• Dr. Michele Fercho (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Dr. Melissa Jonnson / Registered Psychologist
• Rachel Zylka / Registered Psychologist
• Dr. Ivana Djuraskovic (she/her) / Registered Psychologist 
• Jenna Berry (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Alina Rokhman (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Ursula de Vries (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Ali Chacalias (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Erin Pasqualetto (she/her) / Registered Psychologist
• Naomi Isaac (she/her) / Canadian Certified Counsellor

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