We're pleased to announce the formation of a legal entity for the purposes of advocacy and education on trans-related issues for government and others who should--but frequently do not--know or understand the numerous challenges we face living with this condition.

As you know, we have had desperate need to be able to do this advocacy and education for some time now: the recent unilateral action taken by the Province in delisting approved treatment is a major, recent example nearly all of us have had to cope with.

Time was of the essence. Valuable time was lost on the budget issue and that makes the need for a properly-incorporated, not-for-profit advocacy and education group all the more critical.

As a result, a small number of us have formed the Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA).

Just as with other not-for-profit societies, TESA is a membership-based organization. Those who formed TESA fully recognize the efforts of many individuals within the trans community as well as our families, friends, and allies in our ongoing struggle for recognition, and now even treatment, in our province. TESA is open to membership by anyone who wishes to work together on our common causes. Individuals as well as our family members, friends, and allies who--for whatever reason--prefer to remain non-members are also welcome to do so.

TESA does not claim to be the voice of all trans people in Alberta, but does intend and expect to bring forth matters relevant to many or most trans people to government and others as a united voice. Again, please remember that those who choose not to participate in TESA's ongoing activities are fully supported by TESA for their right to do so. We trust that the combined efforts of both formal groups such as TESA and other established ally groups as well as personal efforts by the many individuals within our province coping with these issues will continue to help us all move forward.

TESA is currently operating with an interim board until such time that an Annual General Meeting is held, anticipated to be around March of 2010. Membership, volunteering and donation information coming soon. Please be patient while we put the details into place.

Signed,
TRANS EQUALITY SOCIETY of ALBERTA
info@trans-equality.org

April Friesen
Cynthia Paish
Jamie-Lynn Garvin
Jan Buterman
Jordenne Prescott
Kara DeWinter
Karen Hofmann
Leslea Herber
Mercedes Allen