This gathering is an all ages open invitation to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, friends, and support networks to share a meal, connect, and reflect on the joys and challenges of allyship. Our panel will explore the importance of ongoing support and the impact of having strong allies in the next steps to fostering inclusive communities. Come celebrate what we've built together and be inspired to continue the journey!

This is a safe space, come as you are, all are welcome.

Star Oldring they/them- Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity: Star Oldring (they/them) is the Rural Program Coordinator at the Fyrefly Institute, a not for profit research institute housed within the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. The Fyrefly Institute offers evidence based education and advocacy in celebration and support of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity in northern Alberta.

Star is a settler descended, genderqueer, trans, lifelong resident of Alberta. Their advocacy is rooted in decolonial allyship and the joy of participating in communities where everyone belongs and thrives together.

The Alberta Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Students Alliance (GSA) Network provides support to students & teachers to start, strengthen, and sustain GSA clubs (also known as gay-straight alliances, gender & sexual orientation alliances, queer-straight alliances, pride clubs, rainbow alliances, and many other names) in Alberta's K-12 schools.

Every year, we hold the AB GSA Conference which provides educational workshops and presentations on 2SLGBTQ+ topics to students and teachers. It provides students with vital resources, resiliency skills, and access to safer spaces.

Miranda Martini she/her-Affirming Connections: Miranda Martini is a Program Coordinator for Affirming Connections, a Calgary-based organisation that supports ministries and people of faith working to provide spaces in which people can explore their spirituality without fear of exclusion. She is also an award-winning composer, writer, and performer with credits in theatre, film, television and beyond. Affirming Connections is a Calgary-based organisation that works to eliminate religious discrimination by supporting ministries and people of faith working to provide spaces in which people can explore their spirituality without fear of exclusion. Founded by Pam Rocker in 2018, Affirming Connections operates from the belief that 2SLGBTQIA+ people deserve to participate in the spiritual and religious practices and spaces that are meaningful to them, and that healthy religion invites us to be more of who we are, not less.

Tina Que she/her- Rainbow Elders Society : Since I was a teen, there was always a leaning toward feminine dress. After a lifetime ebbs and flows of who I truly was, I revealed my true self to the world on April 4, 2022. There was a lot of speculating about how people would react but it has been a very positive experience.

Once I was out of the closet, I didn't want to create another by living in seclusion so I have lived a very public life testing boundaries of society. I have always tried living the life that paves a path for both myself and those that follow. If I can be a positive experience to those I meet, I can give those that follow a chance at the same positive experience.

I have found that there are many allies out there. Most of them want to know more about me but also what they hear and don't understand. I endeavour to create a safe space for allies to ask questions. Education and safe spaces are key to gaining allies. I have been there for others at Hillhurst United, Wolseley Canada and Rainbow Elders Society of Calgary but also my day to day dealings with people I meet.

Sydney Fleury they/them-Skipping Stone: Sydney (they/them) is a non-binary, Queer, Metis individual who is honored to live, work, and play on Treaty 7 Territory. They are a recent graduate of the Social Work program at Bow Valley College, and they currently work within both the Community and Learning Teams at Skipping Stone Foundation. Working from a person-centered, empathetic, and trauma-informed lens; Sydney is always eager to share knowledge, and walk alongside the journey of the folks that they support - through direct work with Skipping Stone’s clients, and education in the broader community. Skipping Stone Foundation offers a welcoming, positive, and judgement-free space for anyone - of all ages - who identifies as trans, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse, as well as those questioning, exploring or looking to affirming their gender identity or expression.

Our unique comprehensive care model focuses on supporting people as the whole, healthy, wonderful humans they are and connecting trans and gender diverse youth, adults and families to the supports and services they need and deserve and has attracted national and international attention and acclaim.

Through a client-centred, collaborative approach, we empower individuals to achieve their goals by assembling a support team tailored specifically to them. These teams might include community team members, peer mentors and coaches, social workers, mental health and health care professionals, or more. Skipping Stone is committed to supporting the transgender and gender-diverse community in Alberta with Empowerment, Support, and Love.