(To Danielle Smith)

I know I’m different and I know who I am 

But I don’t know what you like me to be

And how you like to see me

All I know is that your God hates me 

Because I’m not made in his image

I’m not Eve and I’m not Adam  

But I am human like you 

Who does not accept me as I am

All I know is that your God hates me

Because I’m not in your congregation

Notwithstanding your clause

I still am in the body that I was born in

with a life that I should own 

All I know is that your God hates me

Because I’m different but still the same

I’m perturbed that governments (Alberta, USA) are dictating who we can and should be. We’re all different and some of us more that others. I know these legislators are basing their rulings on a fundamental Christian doctrine that is neither forgiving nor inclusive.

We need to accept each other and cannot legislate gender and sexual orientation. Governments do not have a mandate to legislate morality or how we fit into the world. They should concern themselves with cheaters, liars and thieves, healthcare, education the judiciary and road maintenance. Transgender and gender-diverse people are not evil and pose no threat to society. We need to treat them with kindness, as equals, not punitive legislation and judgements.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has invoked the notwithstanding clause for three sweeping bills affecting transgender and gender-diverse youth that were passed last year in a bid to prevent courts from weighing in on the legislation.

The three pieces of legislation respectively limit gender-affirming treatment for transgender youth, ban transgender participation in womens’ and girls’ sports divisions, and require parental consent for name and pronoun changes in schoolwhile also requiring parents to opt their child into sexual education. 19th November 2025