Hi!
Well folks, it’s January 2025 and we’ve had a busy start to the year! I apologize for the extra email this month and I promise I won’t clog up your inbox again. Thank for taking the time to read all things Advocacy Canada including upcoming campaigns, volunteer opportunities, “You Belong” Pink shirts and Wilbur’s video message. We’re always here to listen and welcome feedback on our newsletters, so reach out anytime.
Until next time,
Amber
Director of Communications, Advocacy Canada
Pink Shirt Day – A Special Message from Wilbur
Pink Shirt Day is February 26th! Time’s running out to grab your limited-edition pink “You Belong” shirt! Created by Kelowna Indigenous queer artist Sarah Jones, this powerful design features the nsyilxcən phrase: “kʷu yʕayʕát kʷuʔ čn̓k̓ʷɬn̓xiʔm̓, which means “We all join in together” and “We are all a part of it together.”
Order deadline for bulk/corporate and local Kelowna pickup orders is JANUARY 17th so ORDER NOW!
For corporate/bulk orders or local Kelowna pickup, order here. Please note the deadline for this order option is January 17th 2025.
For direct ship to your address orders, visit our SHOP page.
ICYMI
Upcoming Spring campaign for Inclusion in Sport & Media Release: Standing with the VIU Women’s Basketball Team Against Transphobia
The news lately has been fraught with headlines about trans inclusion in sport and we at Advocacy Canada are pleased to announce that we are in the planning stages of a campaign to fight for equal rights for all players in sport.
A media release was sent to media agencies following the announcement that Victoria Island University would not be participating in the PACWEST games at Columbia Bible College. VIU’s decision came in response to CBC’s coach and players’ targeted harassment and discrimination against VIU transgender player Harriette Mackenzie. You can read the press release here.
We are looking for committee members and volunteers to work with us on this initiative. You can read the requirements and apply for the committee here.
Access to equitable healthcare campaign with sagah
⚧️ Support Trans Rights: Act for Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare in BC
Join with the Society for Advocacy for Gender-Affirming Healthcare in our call for the Ministry of Health and progressive MLAs to make comprehensive gender-affirming healthcare a reality in BC.
Use our pre-formatted letter or write your own at sagah.ca/bc, to call for:
– Comprehensive access to gender-affirming medications, procedures, and services, bringing healthcare to our communities and bridging the gap for trans women and femmes.
– Enhanced support for primary care through greater funding, upscaled training, and robust standards of care.
– Coroner reporting on trans mortality in the province, strengthening our commitment to remembrance and our fight against erasure.
To stay up to date with the campaign and share with your networks, follow us at @sagah.ca on Instagram.
Call for paid volunteers for UBC’s study on Intimate Partner Violence-Related Brain Injury in the 2S/LGBTQ+ Community.
If you have experienced challenges accessing care following experiences of physical intimate partner violence in your 2S/LGBTQ+ relationship, please consider taking part in this survey with UBC.
We’re Actively Recruiting Volunteers For Our Board and Committees
We are searching for volunteers for two empty seats on the Board of Directors. We seek passionate individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those with experience in: Advocacy, Finance, Governance, Law, Nonprofit board roles.
We are also seeking volunteers for our Inclusion in Sport and Trans Day of Visibility committees.
Whether you identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or are a strong ally, your perspective is invaluable. Ideally, candidates will be located in the Central Okanagan to attend in-person meetings and events. Check out our volunteer opportunities on do some good!
Not a Member?
Become a member today or consider making a donation to help us achieve our advocacy efforts and don’t forget to check out our events page to stay up to date on upcoming events.
IN Magazine’s January/February 2025 issue is here!
This edition features an exclusive interview with the legendary Melissa Etheridge, who opens up about her psychic songwriting, transformative tour, and the importance of recording queer history.
- Dive into more exciting 2SLGBTQI+ stories to kick of 2025:
- A heart-to-heart with queer Canadian heartthrob Samer Salem
- JJ Wright explores queer and trans sexual joy
- Mekahel on his new dance anthem “Last Time”
- 14 must-watch LGBTQ+ rom-coms
Download a FREE copy of the January/February 2025 issue.
IN Magazine is our national 2SLGBTQI+ media partner.
