It got a bit lost in the shuffle of the news this week, but I wrote a feature breaking down why Skate Canada's choice to pull out of Alberta is such a big deal.
Published as a collaboration between @xtramagazine.com and @thewalrus.ca ⛸️🏳️⚧️
xtramagazine.com/power/skate-...
We can't speak for other orgs, but we put out a statement as quickly as we could, accounting for the need to get the facts right and for being respectful of the victims, who we feel strongly should be the first concern of everyone at this moment.
We always appreciate vocal support from leaders!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Like all Canadians, we were shocked to learn of the horrific shooting in Tumbler Ridge. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all affected by this tragedy. Queer Momentum joins Canadians from coast to coast to coast in condemning this appalling violence, which has no place in our schools or anywhere else in Canada.
We are mindful that news cycles can create fear and vulnerability. We reject any attempt to tie an entire community to the actions of one individual. Our focus remains on the victims, their families and the community. We stand ready to assist our neighbours in Tumbler Ridge however we can.
Statement on the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC
We are not anticipating a spring federal election at this time, though it's possible - do you think it's likely? It's a good suggestion to be prepared just in case, thank you!
📢NOUS VOULONS UNE CLINIQUE DE SOINS D'AFFIRMATION DE GENRE AU N.-B.📢 @queermomentum.ca
Inscriptions pour campagne d'appels (12 février à 18h HA):
www.queermomentum.ca/ZAP
Lettre à envoyer aux représentant·es politiques : tinyurl.com/wb45jp43
#queer #santétrans #nouveaubrunswick
How we can help: - We can help you build a letter-writing and phone calling campaign. - We can mobilize our existing supporters in your region. - We can help you craft your press release, campaign graphics and more. - How about training for your team on effective messaging, media relations or engaging government officials? We want to help power-up your advocacy. Reach out and let’s make it happen.
Whether you are a grassroots collective or a registered nonprofit/charity, we are here to help scale and strengthen your campaign.
Send us a DM or pop into our inbox to see how we cam collaborate on your next campaign! Info@momentumcanada.net
Local 2SLGBTQIA+ Advocates: Our tools and campaign expertise are yours if you need them. Are you planning a campaign? Want to put pressure on your city council, MLA/MPP or MP? Need some support to strengthen your message? That's what we're here for! Send us a message or pop into our inbox: info@momentumcanada.net
When we invest in, support and strengthen local organizing, we build a more powerful national queer movement.
That's why Queer Momentum is proud to offer our tools, expertise and support to local 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy efforts.
How do we respond? By continuing to speak up loudly and proudly for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality and the right to choose. Because in Canada, we believe in freedom, equality and evidence-based healthcare - for everyone. Join the movement: QueerMomentum.ca
Visit QueerMomentum.ca to find ways to speak up and take action for a Canada where everyone is welcome.
Last convention, they also approved a motion to ban trans women from women's services, supports and spaces. This doesn’t protect women. It puts already vulnerable trans women at greater risk of harm.
If these motions pass, this will be the second convention in a row where the CPC adopt anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies.
A photo of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, dressed in a suit and tie, looking towards the viewer. Next to him, black text on a yellow background reads: At this weekend's Conservative Party of Canada convention in Calgary, anti-queer and anti-choice motions are once again on the table. One motion opposes Canada's ban on conversion therapy. Another aims to protect anti-abortion organizations. If these motions pass, they become official Conservative Party of Canada policy.
At their last convention, CPC members approved banning evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare for youth. We believe parents, physicians and patients know best, and that the private medical decisions of Canadian families are none of our business.
While the voices of regression, polarization and hate are loud, we are louder still. This weekend at the Conservative Party of Canada convention in Calgary, party members will vote on two motions that should cause concern to any Canadian who believes in freedom, human rights and bodily autonomy.
Microgrant applications will be closing later this week - Alberta advocates and allies, don't miss your chance to apply for this support program! Let us give you money to help you organize!
New Brunswickers: Act now to support gender-affirming healthcare Add your voice! Call for better Gender-Affirming Care in Budget 2026.
We are proud to speak up alongside trans, gender diverse and allied advocates in New Brunswick who are calling for their provincial government to take critical steps to improve gender-affirming healthcare.
If you're in New Brunswick, join the call:
win.newmode.net/newbrunswick...
Working across Communities: How to be culturally aware when doing political activism This webinar is ideal for anyone involved in political or community work who wants to ensure their activism is grounded in respect, cultural safety, and meaningful relationship-building. Whether you’re new to this learning or deepening an existing practice, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to advocate for change in ways that uplift Indigenous sovereignty rather than overshadow it. When: March 23rd, 6PM EST Register: QueerMomentum.ca/training
Looks like we can only attach for graphics per post, so here's the final one. Visit www.QueerMomentum.ca/training to register!
Effective Messaging for 2SLGBTQIA+ Advocates Join Queer Momentum’s executive director Fae Johnstone for a webinar on effective messaging for 2SLGBTQIA+ movements. In this session, you’ll learn effective messaging frameworks and build your capacity to change hearts and minds - in conversation, on stage and in the media. January 26th, 6:30-7:30PM Eastern QueerMomentum.ca/training
Deep Canvassing and Persuasive Conversations: Changing Hearts and Minds by Building Connections Changing hearts and minds takes more than facts and statistics - it takes compelling stories, authenticity, and real connection. Learn the essential skills for effective persuasion and "deep canvassing" from Tim Ellis, who was part of Bernie Sanders persuasion team in the 2016 New Hampshire primary that saw Bernie go from single-digit name recognition to a decisive win. February 5th, 6-7PM Eastern QueerMomentum.ca/training
Art & Advocacy: A Webinar for Queer Creatives Join Karla Marx - drag queen, burlesque performer and all around queer icon for a virtual session focused on using drag and art for 2SLGBTQIA+ activism. This session is offered in partnership with Trans Action Alberta. When: February 19th 7PM EST Register: QueerMomentum.ca/training
Making Your Voice Heard: Using Mainstream Media for Queer Advocacy It’s becoming harder to get queer perspectives into mainstream media, but media remains one of the best (free) ways of getting our perspectives out there. Join Queer Momentum’s executive director Fae Johnstone - one of Canada’s most frequent queer commentators - for an interactive session on how to meaningfully engage media in your advocacy. March 5th, 6-7PM EST QueerMomentum.ca/training
Visit www.QueerMomentum.ca/training to register for any or all of these sessions!
Training Schedule Effective Messaging for 2SLGBTQIA+ Advocates - January 26th, 6:30-7:30PM EST Deep Canvassing and Persuasive Conversations: Changing Hearts and Minds by Building Connections - February 5th, 6-7PM EST Art & Advocacy: A Webinar for Queer Creatives, February 16th, 7-8PM EST Making Your Voice Heard: Using Mainstream Media for Queer Advocacy - March 5th, 6-7PM EST Working across Communities: How to be culturally aware when doing political activism - March 23rd, 6-7PM EST
This winter, we're bringing you five sessions designed and delivered by our team, ranging from effective messaging to arts-based activism to undertaking culturally aware advocacy. We're proud of these sessions, and excited to share them with you.
Introducing Queer Momentum’s Winter 2026 webinars Through our webinars, we power-up 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates and allies with skills and tools. These sessions are free, and intended to help you - as an activist or ally - become a stronger advocate. This winter, we are offering five sessions to help you level up. Swipe through to learn more and register via the link below!
Join Queer Momentum’s Winter Webinars
Through our webinars, we help power-up 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates & allies with training on effective advocacy, movement-building & community organizing. These sessions are free & intended to help you become a stronger advocate.
Visit www.QueerMomentum.ca/training
Every time I get booked for a keynote speech, a panel discussion or a workshop, the speakers fee goes right into Queer Momentum - helping us power advocacy efforts across Canada.
Visit faejohnstone.ca to learn more or submit an inquiry.
@momentumcanada.net
Visit www.QueerMomentum.ca/microgrants to learn more and apply before the January 30th deadline!
Why we’re launching this microgrant program - We know our movement's power lives in grassroots organizing - in trans and queer people and allies taking action on the local level to create change. We also know local organizing is chronically under-funded, but that every dollar invested has an outsized impact. We want to help you power-up, and in so doing, scale the response to the Government of Alberta’s attack on freedom, rights and healthcare access for transgender people. That’s what this program is all about.
Alberta Trans Advocacy Micro-Grant Program - Key Information Purpose: To support grassroots efforts that build and support community in response to anti-trans legislation and policies. This program is focused on empowering advocates to take action to help restore rights, freedom, and healthcare access for transgender Albertans. Program Objectives: Strengthen grassroots organizing Change hearts and minds across Alberta Bring political pressure to bear on the Government of Alberta Eligibility: This microgrant program is open to grassroots groups, collectives, community groups, union locals and non-profit organizations with an annual operating budget under $100,000. Deadline to apply: January 30th at 11:59PM MST
Local groups - grassroots collectives, community groups, small nonprofits and others - are invited to apply for up to $1,000 to help power their advocacy.
We're powering-up trans advocacy in Alberta with a new microgrant program. Queer Momentum's Alberta Trans Advocacy Microgrants will distribute $10,000 to local groups, with each group able to apply for up to $1,000. Learn more and apply by January 30th: QueerMomentum.ca/Microgrants
We are 🏳️🌈 SO EXCITED 🏳️🌈 to announce a new microgrant program aimed at powering-up grassroots advocacy in Alberta! We want to help local groups and organizations mobilize, speak up and take action to restore rights to trans and gender diverse Albertans.
www.queermomentum.ca/microgrants
Sending love and solidarity <3
UPDATE: I have been informed by a credible source that Anna Murphy’s obituary was prematurely schedule-posted. She did attempt to take her own life, and remains in critical condition.
If you want to support Anna, go support @momentumcanada.net and @skippingstone.ca.
It’s never too late to donate! Your contribution can extend and expand our campaign. With your support, we can extend the radio ads we’ve placed, which are currently live until early February. We are still accepting donations to fuel our flyer campaign, and to expand our (soon to launch) grassroots activation efforts. Together, we can change hearts and minds across Alberta and restore rights, freedom, and healthcare access to trans youth.
None of this would be possible without the hundreds of donors who contributed to the campaign. Thank you. ❤️🏳️🌈
To trans Albertans and their families: We’ve got your backs. People across Canada have got your backs. Your neighbours, friends, loved ones and allies, are backing you up. We will overcome Premier Smith’s attacks on you, your rights, and your families. We will create an Alberta, and indeed a Canada, where you are safe, free and have your rights respected. Together.
To trans Albertans and their families, know this: we've got your backs. People across Canada are with you, and we will not leave you behind.
We know there’s a lot of doom and gloom in the air, but you give us hope. Our opposition wants us scared. They want us to defeat ourselves - to fall prey to hopelessness and despair. We won’t. Our community is resilient. Our movement’s history is defined by overcoming the odds, time and time again. We’ve done it before. We will do it again. Stay strong, stay hopeful ❤️
We will not fall prey to despair. Our community has defied the odds before, and we will again.
You can listen to our ad here:
Alberta Update: Our Campaign is LIVE! Thanks to you, we have brought together $70,000 to fuel our campaign in Alberta, including almost $50,000 contributed by individual donors. Our radio ads are officially live across Alberta, and campaign flyers will be sent out to tens of thousands of homes across the province within the month. We will also soon unveil a new program to help power-up grassroots advocacy. Because of you, we are able to show up in a big way for trans youth and their families in Alberta. Thank you!
We are kicking off 2026 with 🎉BIG NEWS🎉: Thanks to you, our donors & supporters, our Alberta radio ads are now live across the province!
This is just the beginning. This month we'll ship flyers to tens of thousands of Albertan homes, & soon we will unveil a new program to boost grassroots advocacy.
Worked hard to get this into Guardian Oz & big props to @fiercemum.bsky.social for setting it up & Melissa Davey for publishing it. She will doubtless get loads of hassle from transphobes for it, but it needs to be out there.
Puberty Blocker bans harm trans kids, no-one should pretend they don’t.
Gender-affirming care for youth is just simple medical care. It isn’t political, it’s not radical. It is small-c conservative care that is what is recommended by doctors to protect the health and lives of kids and teenagers. Please protect trans kids.
