LGBT Resources

The ACLRC has worked with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities for over 20 years. In recent years we have developed several publications, resources and services that help schools, community groups and organizations understand and support LGBT populations. We also work with LGBT communities to further equality, provide education, give referrals and support the work being done for LGBT individuals and families. This page lists just some of the resources we have in these areas.

Human Rights Education Program

We have human rights educators that will go to Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and across Alberta to talk about LGBT issues. Here are some presentations we currently offer.  To see our full list of presentations, go to Human Rights Presentations.

Standing up, standing out

An interactive, fun one-hour workshop about LGBT communities. This workshop provides a space for students to talk about issues facing LGBTT youth, such as bullying, dating, making friends, and finding support. To request this presentation, go to Human Rights Presentations.

Trans-identified and in school

A one-hour seminar that provides students with an opportunity to understand the challenges that a transgender or transsexual youth has when coming out. This seminar gently creates a dialogue about trans youth today. To request this presentation, go to Human Rights Presentations.

Resources

Freedom to Be: A Teachers' Guide to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Human Rights

Background information and resources for teachers and students on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified youth. Includes applicable laws; suitable for grades 9 and up.

Visit our Online edition of Freedom to Be.

LGBT Rights: Climbing the Judicial Steps to Equality

Canadian laws regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified (LGBT) individuals and couples have drastically changed in the past twenty years. After same-sex marriage rights became a reality in early 2000, many people thought that human rights and equality for LGBT people and same-sex couples had been achieved. However, this perception does not play out in a detailed examination of the law, policies and accessing legal resolutions. This paper outlines the areas where the law has not been amended to protect LGBT people and where its application results in differential treatment of LGBT individuals. Includes a history of LGBT rights in Alberta. It then reviews legal areas that have the potential for continued change, interpretation and legislative review, such as human rights, family issues, hate crimes, transgendered persons rights, refugees and immigrant issues and issues in schools.

Employer’s Guide: Trans-Identified People in the Workplace

Handy guide to terminology, pertinent human rights law, privacy, revealing gender identity to other employees, use of bathrooms and other issues regarding accommodation of trans-identified persons in the workplace. Click here for a free PDF

Teacher's Guide: Gender Identity and Gender Expression

A basic guide to being respectful of all people regarding their gender identity, including people who are genderqueer, non-binary, transgender, agender, androgynous, gender fluid, gender non-conforming and gender questioning. Trifold pamphlet, includes pronouns and human rights law. 2017. Click on title above for a free PDF.

...but words DO hurt: Stories from GLBTT Youth

(Video 30 mins. and Guidebook 48 pages) In this video, you will meet young people who identify as GLBTT. They talk about identity issues, the media, coming out, their family, their experiences in school and their hopes for the future. Some of the biggest obstacles they face include discrimination and name-calling and they share some of these experiences. To access this free video and guidebook go to Human Rights Videos & Materials.

But Words Do Hurt - Trailer:

Support

Youthsafe.net

A website listing the resources and organizations that work across Alberta on LGBT issues and with LGBT communities. Find a youth support group, look for an LGBT friendly newspaper, find a counselor, see if there are any supports in a rural area or find many other resources that you need for support.

To order these materials fill in the order form or contact the office.

Contact us for legal information

We are happy to talk to you and provide legal information on LGBT rights, issues in the workplace or other human rights issues. Contact us if you would like to know more about an issue facing the LGBT communities. We can’t provide legal advice, but we can refer you to an LGBT friendly lawyer.

m:  Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
      University of Calgary
      2500 University Dr. NW
      Room 2350 Murray Fraser Hall
      Calgary, AB
      Canada, T2N 1N4
p:   403.220.2505
f:    403.284.0945
e:   aclrc@ucalgary.ca