Alberta LGBTQ2+ Advocates Express Concern After Trans Youth Denied Gender-Affirming Care Edmonton, Alberta – Advocates for LGBTQ2+ rights in Alberta are expressing alarm after a transgender youth was denied access to gender-affirming care by Alberta Health Services (AHS). The 16-year-old youth, who identifies as female, was seeking puberty blockers, which would have allowed her to delay the onset of male puberty and align her body with her gender identity. However, AHS denied her request, citing a lack of evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers in minors. Advocates argue that denying trans youth access to gender-affirming care is harmful and can have long-term consequences. “This decision is medically and ethically wrong,” said Helen Kennedy, executive director of the Edmonton Community Health Centre. “It sends a dangerous message to trans youth that their identities are not valid and that their well-being is not a priority.” Gender-affirming care includes a range of medical, social, and psychological interventions that help trans people live in accordance with their gender identity. Research has shown that puberty blockers can reduce gender dysphoria and improve mental health outcomes for trans youth. “Denying trans youth access to this care is like denying them their basic human rights,” said Kylar Broad, policy coordinator for the Alberta LGBTQ+ Rights Network. “It’s not just a matter of not getting the care they need, it’s a matter of being told that who they are is not acceptable.” AHS has defended its decision, stating that more research is needed on the long-term effects of puberty blockers. However, advocates argue that the evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers is already strong and that the potential benefits for trans youth outweigh the risks. “The decision by AHS is a major setback for trans rights in Alberta,” said Kennedy. “It shows that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that trans people have access to the care and respect they deserve.” Advocates are calling on AHS to reverse its decision and provide trans youth with access to gender-affirming care. They are also calling on the Alberta government to implement legislation to protect the rights of LGBTQ2+ people, including the right to healthcare.Alberta LGBTQ2+ advocates express concern after trans youth denied gender-affirming care CALGARY – Advocates for the LGBTQ2+ community in Alberta are expressing concern after a trans youth was denied gender-affirming care by a Calgary pediatrician. The youth, who is 15 years old, was seeking a referral for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, the pediatrician refused to provide the referral, citing concerns about the youth’s mental health. The youth’s mother, who spoke to CTV News on the condition of anonymity, said she was “devastated” by the pediatrician’s decision. “My child is transgender, and they need this care,” she said. “It’s not a choice. It’s who they are.” The mother said she has since found another pediatrician who is willing to provide the referral. However, she said she is concerned that other trans youth in Alberta may not be so lucky. “There needs to be better access to gender-affirming care for trans youth in Alberta,” she said. “No one should have to go through what my child has gone through.” The concerns raised by the youth’s mother are echoed by advocates for the LGBTQ2+ community. “This is a very concerning case,” said John Archer, executive director of the Calgary Queer Arts Society. “It highlights the need for better access to gender-affirming care for trans youth in Alberta.” Archer said that the pediatrician’s decision to deny the youth HRT is based on outdated and harmful stereotypes about trans people. “Trans people are not mentally ill,” he said. “They simply need access to the same healthcare as everyone else.” Archer said that he hopes the youth’s story will raise awareness of the need for better access to gender-affirming care for trans youth in Alberta. “No one should have to go through what this youth has gone through,” he said. “We need to do better.”