Third Gender Indicator Experiences Report

Following the inaugral Albertan Queer Affirmation Review, Cupola Policy & Strategy was engaged by the University of Alberta’s Nursing program to collaborate and strengthen policy intersections. Fourth year nursing students take their senior nursing leadership course in either their last or second last term before graduation, and with mentors, work on projects to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. This project’s focus on healthcare, education, and social justice, closely aligns with the aims of the student experience and greater policy outcomes. As a result of the professional/academic collaboration, the researchers behind the Third Gender Indicator Experiences in Albertan Healthcare project bring experiences and biases from Queer & Straight, Cis & Trans, Binary & Nonbinary, multi-ethnic, and diverse religious/spiritual backgrounds.

Outcomes

Recommendations - Actions towards inclusive identity recognition and communication; accessible and comprehensive gender-affirming care; curriculum development and continuous learning; advocacy and public engagement; and, safe spaces and community collaboration.

Institutional Call to Action -Accrediting bodies, post-secondary institutions, and policy decision-makers must prioritize equitable, affirming, and empathetic care for all Albertans.

Enabling interjurisdictional studies and comparative analysis; baselines and guidelines; and space for growth with students and their mentors is seen as critical steps in moving forward.

Addressing these systemic gaps will not only improve health outcomes but also help set a national standard for inclusive healthcare.

Queer Springtime Pilot Project

The Albertan Queer Affirmation Review revealed the need for stories to be shared, told, & amplified to give Queer folks in Treaty 7 to counter effects of anti-diversity extremists snuffing out participation in youth, in sports, and society. We gathered $3,000 to gather, feed, hear, and give cash prizes to Queer story writers & to share some of their stories via podcast & elsewhere. We are on track to raise: 15 unique stories; foster 150 conversations; and, 1,500 listens, all in a time of needed dialogue.

This project went into hiatus for safety considerations in summer 2024 but is ontrack for completion in Q1 2025

The Albertan Queer Affirmation Review

An process & policy review of affirmation for Queer individuals in Alberta, identifying gaps & opportunities, to provide recommendations for enhancing the support and empowerment of the Queer community within Albertan society. Work was targeted to:

  • Identify accessibility, effectiveness, and experiential outcomes of affirmation related interactions across various categories.

  • Gather insights from Queer individuals and those they rely on.

  • Compile narratives to inform policy decisions and improve affirmation programs in Alberta.

Outcomes

Queer Springtime - A $3k direct-ask funded pilot program combining the traditions of salons, story telling, and deep canvassing , based on the findings of the Review in response to announced social disenfranchisement of Trans-peoples in the province of Alberta.

Queer in Treaty 7 - A pilot program combining the traditions of salons, story telling, and deep canvassing , based on the findings of the Review in response to announced social disenfranchisement of Trans-peoples in the province of Alberta.

Community Ghostwriting

Cupola proudly helps build community through pro bono supports and ghostwriting for those looking to use their connections to build a better world around them, but don’t know quite how to start.

Members of the public wishing to access these services are encouraged to reach out via our ‘Contact Us’ page.

Outcomes

Conservative / Queer Family Connection - Letters connecting Queer Canadians to their relatives in high offices. From Members of Parliament to Councillors and other elected officials, we have proudly supported personal and public growth.

Veterans Letters & Speeches - Connecting personal stories into speeches for Remembrance Day services, Battle of the Atlantic commemoration events, Legion appearances and elsewhere, we are proud to help those who served continue to serve.

Growing Community Access Narratives - Bringing individuals needing advocacy but unable to openly bring forward their issues. From workplace lexicon to disability equity advocacy, we see the benefits of lifting up others.

Pan-Canadian

Non-Binary Working Group

Cupola is humbled to play a supporting role in the efforts of the Non-Binary Working Group. The group is ad-hoc and stands up when logistical barriers for X marker Canadians reveal paths to make life better. We support the scoping of realistic action and supporting policy science materials to empower changemakers to enact positive-sum change.

Two-Spirit, Non-Binary, X Marker, and Queer Canadians wishing to motivate an issue to the working group are encouraged to reach out via our ‘Contact Us’ page.

Outcomes

X Marker Equality in the Air - Canadians with ‘X’ markers on their identifications weren’t able to fly domestically, a decade following Transport Canada rule modernisation, mainly due to non-Canadian software. The Working Group collaborated with West Jet leadership to overcome the obstacles, in turn leading the Canadian aviation sector into allowing X marker Canadians to fly as themselves (Air Canada following suit shortly thereafter).

X Marker Advances in RCMP Procedure - When X marker Canadians apply for name changes, they are forced into falsifying policing documents which do not include X marker options. Through identifying the process errors, Canadian police services have begun a review of this and other gender/sex-marker related processing and information collection. In turn, senior officials with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are pursuing the removal of sex-marker information in general processes.