I am personally affected by the proposed anti-LGBTQ policy in our schools, led by Danielle Smith. Many of my friends, who are part of the LGBTQ community, would be negatively impacted in ways that could lead to dangerous situations. This policy disregards the rights and safety of students who choose their own pronouns without undergoing any life-changing surgeries. It ignores those students who confide their pronouns in schools because they do not feel safe or comfortable enough to tell their parents.

This policy does not protect our youth; instead, it places them in harmful situations with potential long-term effects. According to a study from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), LGBTQ youth face approximately 14 times the risk of suicide and substance abuse than heterosexual peers (CMHA). This is a clear indication that policies such as this one can contribute to an already high-risk environment for these young people.

We need policies that promote inclusivity and respect for all students' identities rather than ones that marginalize them further. We must stand up against this proposed anti-LGBTQ policy and ensure our schools remain safe spaces for all students regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Please sign and share this petition to show your support for stopping Danielle Smith's school anti-LGBTQ policy from being implemented in Alberta's education system.