ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

We, the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, are a faculty, staff, and student body that is trans-affirming and committed to feminist, inclusive, intersectional, and decolonial learning, that centers Indigenous ways of knowing and is committed to truth and reconciliation. We conduct social justice inspired teaching and research. Alongside allies and extended kin across the University, the province of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, and beyond, we stand against legislation that limits trans individuals’ and communities’ access to health care, education, play and sport that denies them recognition of their personhood.

The Department is committed to the continued support of our current and future students and staff members impacted by ongoing anti-trans, anti-queer, and anti-feminist political violence. If you are a WGS student (or prospective student) with concerns about how forthcoming policies may impact your experience in our programs, if you are looking for local resources, or if you are seeking additional guidance for navigating your own work as a scholar or activist, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our faculty. We will do our best to be transparent in connecting you with resources and assisting where and how we can.

For more information and research regarding anti-trans legislative movements, we wish to highlight projects and resources at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and the work of our colleagues as well as researchers, community organizers, medical professionals, journalists, and other experts across ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

Local Resources:

is a valuable support service for 2SLGBTQ+ students on campus, and offers peer support and community for gender diverse and queer U of A students.

The U of A is also home to the Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity. This is a research institution housed in the Faculty of Education that offers a wide range of programming and support to 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Fyrefly has produced an analysis of how new policies will affect trans youth and all trans ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈns. .

Likewise, it’s important to be aware of recent changes to the U of A’s policies regarding names on campus. The U of A has recently introduced policies allowing students to change their Primary Affirmed Name without governmental documentation.

Finally, it is crucial to note that there are several on-the-ground organizations and nonprofits working to protect gender diverse ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈns. has collected resources and extensive documentation of ongoing policy changes. Likewise, the , which has issued a statement in response to forthcoming law changes, hosts multiple resources for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ residents impacted by these changes.

is a grassroots community initiative advocating for queer and trans rights in the province of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Individuals interested in volunteering and organizing can

is a National organization for and by 2 Spirit Peoples across Turtle Island who aim to express ourselves through cultural ways of knowing and being around gender and sexuality; and to succeed and be empowered in all areas that are grounded in the medicines that 2 Spirit people carry from coast to coast to coast. 

Further Information on Anti-Trans Legislative Movements: 

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Medical Association Section of Pediatrics Statement on Gender-Affirming Treatments:

PB Berge, a faculty member in WGS, has made a statement in a recent article published in , which can be read by U of A students for free through the University's or .

Those interested in the extensive work done by academics across disciplines in the area of trans-inclusive sports and play may consult this recent regarding anti-trans disinformation related to sports by the Re-Creation Collective, or the in Transgender Studies Quarterly, published in 2023. 

For an analysis of the constitutionality of anti-trans legislation, see this article by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Law professor Florence Ashley, “,” ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Law Review (2024) 62:1, 87-119.