McCreath commends NL trans activist for filing Charter Challenge

Mega kudos to Newfoundland resident Kyra Rees and her lawyer Kyle Rees for filing a Charter Challenge with Supreme Court of NL regarding the discriminatory NL provincial law known as Vital Stats Act Section 26. When successful, the Court will order the Provincial Government to amend this law to current global norms, which will make provisions to allow trans-identified people to change ID documents without having to have surgery.

Also, take note that they elected to go the court route, rather than the Human Rights Commission route, which is sadly, the right decision given, that the Commission does not have order power.

Meanwhile, let's not forget that access to surgery for trans folks who need it, is still not accessible as per global norms. Let this be a reminder and a call for trans activists to continue the fight for fair access to health products and services that they need.



For more information, local radio station VOCM has a story on their web site.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

McCreath says NL Vital Stats Act Sec 26.1 Discriminatory Against Trans People

Here are excerpts of an e-mail Jennifer sent to then Minister Brazil on July 21, 2014.

-----------------------
Dear Minister,

The NL Vital Statistics Act Section 26.1 does not allow transgender individuals to have Identification documents changed, unless they complete 'transsexual surgery'. Unfortunately, not all transgender people identify as transsexual. Many do not pursue surgery on their genitals. Others cannot have it for various reasons, even if they would like to.

There is a recent trend in which other provinces are loosening their laws regarding transgender ID changes. The Ontario Government recently lost a Human Rights Case against a trans person, who successfully won a judgement stating that it was discriminatory to not allow one to have ID documents that matched their gender identity.

As gender identity is covered under the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, it is reasonable to suspect that a similar judgement could be won here, should a case be filed. Interestingly enough, shortly after the Ontario judgement, Alberta proactively changed their laws.

I would like to see Newfoundland continue to demonstrate its leadership towards diversity and pro-actively change section 26.1 as well. Alternatively, I know there are at least a dozen transgender people right here in St.John's, who are ready and willing to not only file Human Rights complaints, but take their fight to the media.

Rather than see the Government embarrassed by having to go through a Human Rights complaint process, I'd love to work with you to find a way to get these changes made pro-actively, while at the same time, doing so in a manner that would not harm government or make it look bad.

I would love to have the opportunity to meet and work with you or your staff, to initiative a policy review process that could make this change occur in a manner that would be as painless as possible for all.

I will look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely
----------------------

While there was an initial response indicating a willingness to collaborate, no further follow-up occurred. As today represents Transgender Week of Awareness, Jennifer feels the time is right to take this issue public.

Jennifer is aware of more than two dozen trans people who live in the St John's area alone, who suffer hardship due to their inability to have ID documents that match their gender identity. Jennifer also says that she knows it would be fairly easy to get these people to collaborate on a massive multiple Human Rights Complaint and/or class action lawsuit. Jennifer, once again, puts a call out to the Government of NL to please reconsider and take proactive steps to follow the leads of Ontario and Alberta, and change this Act.

For more information Jennifer has released a ten-minute video on the topic today on her youtube site:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-PxcksFNjw


Jennifer McCreath
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
http://www.jennifermccreath.com
info@jennifermccreath.com
www.twitter.com/Jenn_McCreath
709-753-9529

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Newfoundland Trans Activist tours Nova Scotia!

East Coast Transwomen Awareness and Visibility Tour:

Although many Government entities have started to add human rights for trans people, and while some Governments have pledged to improve health care policies and ID changing policies, it appears many transwomen in Nova Scotia, are being given the run-around when they seek action.

Trans activist Jennifer McCreath from St. John's, Newfoundland will be travelling to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for a two day trans awareness and visibility tour. Jennifer will be accompanied by Rad Pride Halifax representative, and transwoman activist, Trina Conrad.

While originally from Nova Scotia, Jennifer has lived in St. John's, Newfoundland since 2007, and has undergone her transition while living in Newfoundland. She is in the early stages of launching the Jennifer McCreath Foundation, a soon-to-be non profit organization that will carry out educational, activist, and peer support work for members of the trans communities all over Canada, with a core focus on Newfoundland and Labrador.

In recent months, McCreath has made several appearances in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, to undertake trans education and awareness work, during the recent summer Pride season. Jennifer has actually focused little attention on Nova Scotia, given that she thought Nova Scotia was miles ahead of the other three eastern provinces. However, McCreath takes note of several recent news stories involving Nova Scotia transwomen facing discrimination or red tape. With this in mind, Jennifer has decided to focus this tour mostly on Nova Scotia towns. "It seems almost daily, there is a new story going viral on news sites. In a matter of weeks, Jessica Dempsey, Jainey Lee Bresson, and Jessica Durling all had to take their cases to the local media, and this resulted in their stories going national. I am ashamed to see Nova Scotia appear as leaders on paper, but in practice, it appears they are treating transwomen poorly. The time is now for me to come home and lend a hand and a voice as transwomen of Nova Scotia seek acceptance and equality," said McCreath.

Trina Conrad has been transitioning while living in Dartmouth, Moncton and Halifax, in recent years. She knows first hand what it is like to face Government red tape. "Everything from access to medical resources, access to name change, and access to appropriate ID documents, has been an ongoing struggle," said Conrad.

Trina looks forward to rejoining McCreath for this tour, after a very successful tour together this past summer in Summerside and Charlottetown PEI. "Jenn and I seem to be on the same page for the most part, in terms of understanding what it is going to take, to promote positive change for east coast trans people," said Conrad.

Trina has also recently become a leader in the grass-roots movement known as Rad Pride, in Halifax, a group of LGBTQ community members who feel that Pride movements have become too corporate and tend to not pay enough attention to the struggles still faced by many members under this umbrella community.

McCreath co-founded St. John's Pride Inc in 2010, but left the organization in 2012, due to reasons similar to those concerns of Rad Pride Halifax. "While there is definitely a roll for our cis allies, trans activism needs to be lead by trans people,"said McCreath.

Jennifer and Trina will be holding ceremonial trans flag waving events at the following times and places:

Sackville, NB - Town Hall - 31 Main Street, 3.30 pm, Monday November 3, 2014

Springhill, NS - Anne Murray Centre - 36 Main Street, 10.00 am, Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Pictou, NS - Town Hall - 40 Water Street, 12 noon, Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Truro, NS - Town Hall - 695 Prince Street, 2.30 pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Halifax, NS - Province House - 1726 Hollis Street, 4.30 pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2014

note: lunch/supper social events will also take place concluding the events in Sackville, Pictou, and Halifax.

More information:

Jennifer McCreath Foundation

http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2014/07/jennifer-mccreath-foundation-inc.html

Jennifer McCreath Bio

http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2014/06/jennifer-mccreath-bio-november-2013.html

questions or interviews:

Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
 Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

McCreath among stars featured in NL Mental Health Awareness "This Video"

It was an honour to be among the huge names in Newfoundland pop culture, including Rick Mercer, Allan Hawco, Alan Doyle, Mark Hiscock, along with innovator Amelia Curran, as today featured the launch of Amelia's "this video" tonight, a campaign to fight the stigma of mental illness. The video is posted here on youtube as well as directly on their website www.Thisvideo.ca

Here's a few photos from my shoot with Amelia. 

Also featuring mental health activist Carolyn Snow.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day of Awareness - St. John's, NL

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that is characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face, originating from the trigeminal nerve. The pain is so intense that the condition has been known as Suicide headaches. The trigeminal nerve is a mixed cranial nerve responsible for sensory data such as tactition (pressure), thermoception (temperature), and nociception (pain) originating from the face above the jawline; it is also responsible for the motor function of the muscles of mastication, the muscles involved in chewing but not facial expression. It is estimated that 1 in 15000 people in the world suffer from this condition. It is more common in females than males.

Last year, the first ever International Day of Awareness for TN was launched and events were held all over the world, including one in Cavendish, NL, in honour of two locals who suffer from this condition. There will be a small commemorative event in St. John's, on Tuesday Oct 7, 2014, at 12 noon, at the picnic bench park area of Kent's Pond, just out back of the Confederation Building parking lot.

The event will be hosted by Jennifer McCreath, a well-known local political and social activist, and it will feature a keynote address by Kim Noftall, also of St. John's, who suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Participants are encouraged to wear teal blue, as this is the official colour of facial pain. McCreath and Noftall will be available to speak with the media after the event. All are welcome to attend.

For more information:

Jennifer McCreath
709-753-9529
info@jennifermccreath.com
twitter: jenn_mccreath

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/528385247304897

Additional Resourcecs:

Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group - based in Cavendish, NL

https://www.facebook.com/TrigeminalNeuralgiaSupportNewfoundlandLabrador

Trigeminal Neuralgia Association of Canada

http://www.tnac.org/

International Petition for World Health Organization

http://www.tnnme.com/

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

McCreath accused of giving questionable mugging advice!

Wow, someone I don't even know is accusing me of giving them questionable advice about how to handle being a victim of crime. For the record, I have never spoken with this person, Katie Loft, nor was I ever made aware that she had apparently been mugged. Additionally, this is certainly advice that I would never give, nor have ever given.

Sadly, this appears to be a retaliatory cheap shot at me for voicing my concerns over the infamous lesbian wedding article in Wednesday's Telegram newspaper. Upon further investigation, it appears Loft is acquainted with said couple.

Finally, if Loft continues with these type of false accusations, she is going to find herself being sued in civil court. If any of you reading this happen to be friends with Loft, you may wish to adviser her to cease and desist.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Reaction to Telegram's gay-bashing tabloid article

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Note, I am sending this on behalf of my client, Paul Martin, of Harbour Grace, who was the subject of a controversial smear campaign, by the Telegram's Oct 1, 2014 article by Barb Sweet.

--------------------------------------------------------------

On October 1, 2014, the Telegram newspaper published an article that accused me and family members of gay-bashing former clients of mine, as well as published opinionated material that attempted to slander me and my work. I am writing to express disappointment at the telegram, and to voice my side of the story.

First and foremost, I am not homophobic and I did not make any remarks that were intended to be gay-bashing. I am sorry to learn that some members of the customer's family felt disappointed by my work, and felt the need to intimidate me into agreeing to give them a partial refund. The arrangement we had was a handshake. I received written confirmation from one of the brides indicating they were happy with my work. If there was miscommunication or lack of understanding with regards to the policies and procedures for the services rendered, then I will certainly apologize and take a fair share of the blame. Perhaps it was both of our fault that we did not better specifically outline a service agreement, in writing.

Overall, I hold nothing against this couple and wish them nothing but the best, and although I feel I was wronged to be threatened and intimidated by one of their family members, I am willing to let this go. Most of all, I am saddened that the Telegram would stoop to tabloid-level journalism, and attempt to use me as a sacrificial lamb, in order to put a spin on this story based on false opinions and assumptions, rather than facts.

I have many friends in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and I am sure that any of them would concur that I am not a hateful or homophobic person. Furthermore, I am disappointed that steps have been taken by the Telegram to try to tarnish my reputation for my work. While I will certainly agree to the concept that 'the customer is always right', I do not think it is fair for a single instance of misunderstanding, to ruin my career. I have been doing this type of work for quite some time, and many of my past customers have spoken highly of my work.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, I would be happy to arrange a meeting to discuss my credentials further. I would also like to put out an open invitation for any other media outlet, to hear my side of the story. I welcome media outlets to contact my agent, Jennifer McCreath, who is a well-known LGBT community engagement specialist, to arrange an interview: info@jennifermccreath.com 709-753-9529.

Respectfully,
Paul Martin

------------------------------------------------

In addition to Paul's statement, I am quite happy to make the following statement of my own:

I was recently contacted by Paul Martin, a citizen of Harbour Grace, who brought an article in the Telegram to my attention, and he raised concern that he was being an apparent victim of a smear campaign, which included false accusations of him being homophobic and hatred towards members of the LGBT community. Upon reading the article, and upon speaking with Mr. Martin, I can't help but express concern with this article.

While I can't speak for what happened at this wedding, I have reviewed all content provided to me from various on-line exchanges between Mr. Martin and his clients. This appears to be a sad attempt by the Telegram to exploit Mr Martin, by attempting to play the gay card, in a story that is otherwise, non-newsworthy. It appears quite clear to me, that had this been a heterosexual couple, that the Telegram would have not pursued this article.

Overall, I am disappointed in the Telegram, and feel it is my role, as a member of the LGBT community of Newfoundland and Labrador, to speak out. While there are definitely many sad cases of discrimination that take place here in this province, and while I certainly support the exposure of such discriminations, it is of my opinion that the Telegram has made a major blunder here, by creating something out of nothing, and putting an inappropriate gay-bashing spin, on an instance that was not a gay-bashing matter. Finally, it concerns me when media entities appear to negatively and falsely portray the LGBT community, as whiners who will run to the media and play the gay card, simply to get attention.

questions or interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador
http://www.jennifermccreath.com
info@jennifermccreath.com
www.twitter.com/Jenn_McCreath
709-753-9529

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Jennifer McCreath cancels NL Provincial PC Party Membership

BREAKING NEWS: Jennifer McCreath cancels NL Provincial PC Party Membership

Here is an e-mail I just sent to party president. I will provide more details and explanation for my decision in the near future....

-------------------------------------------------------

Hi Mark,

I am writing to respectfully let you know that I am cancelling my membership with the Provincial PC Party of NL affective immediately.

Given the recent handling of the HVP situation, and given the controversial and questionable cabinet shuffle, (specifically, the appointment of an unelected person to a major portfolio, who just so happens to be Fabian Manning's niece), unfortunately, I no longer believe that this party reflects my political opinions, values, morals, or beliefs.

At the same time, I want to say thanks to you, as party president, and the many others who were welcoming and accepting of me, as a human being, while I was an active member of the party.

I wish you and the party the best of luck, as you attempt to rebuild and revitalize yourselves, but for now, it is in my best personal interest to become politically-neutral. I still hope to remain engaged with the party, as a general member of the public.

All the best,

-- Jennifer McCreath
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
http://www.jennifermccreath.com
info@jennifermccreath.com
www.twitter.com/Jenn_McCreath
709-753-9529

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli

Gleason & Brigance - ALS inspirations!

As the world seems busy dumping ice buckets on each other, I wanted to take a closer look at two ALS inspirations. Steve Gleason and O.J. Brigance played in the NFL for many years, and had to retire early, due to ALS. While they are both now confined to a wheelchair and have to use a computer to speak, through retina eye scanning, they are still making huge impacts in society as role models, motivational speakers, and as activists who are both leading charity organizations to raise funding for medical research for ALS.  For More information, see their websites and photos below......  I have also created a video in which I speak a little bit about the disease, as well as find a friend to nominate me to take on the challenge, of not only water buckets, but activism for this cause as well.

http://www.teamgleason.org/

http://www.brigancebrigade.org/

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Time change for Asher MacDonald Networking Breakfast 10.45 am

the trans networking breakfast originally scheduled for 7.45 am has been moved to 10.45 am to accommodate attendees.


Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

time change for Oromocto Pride Event! now 2.45 pm

Note: the Pride flag waving event originally scheduled for 6.45 am at Oromocto Town Hall has been moved to 2.45 pm to accommodate attendees.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Newfoundland Transgender Activists to visit Fredericton Pride and Host Protest!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Newfoundland Transgender Activists to visit Fredericton Pride and Host Trans Rights Demonstration!

Transwoman and trans rights activist, Jennifer McCreath from Newfoundland, will be visiting Fredericton NB on Sunday August 10 to march in the Fredericton Pride parade, and to host a trans rights demonstration (aka peaceful protest) to raise awareness to the fact that the Government of New Brunswick has the worst record in the country, in terms of providing products and services to members of the trans community.

Jennifer is best-known for parlaying her trans status with her athletic legacy as a marathon runner, her political activism, and her flamboyant personality; into public educational and advocacy work regarding issues affecting transgender, transsexual, panssexual, and intersexed individuals. McCreath is in the early stages of launching her own Jennifer McCreath Foundation, an organization that will carry out educational, activist, and peer support work for members of the trans communities all over Canada, with a core focus on Eastern Canada.

McCreath realizes that trans people in the 4 eastern provinces of Canada, are at a significant disadvantage, compared to trans people elsewhere, given the current states of Government trans health policies, trans legal identification document issues, as well as general societal attitudes towards trans people in terms of employment, housing, physical safety, bullying, and general social acceptance.  McCreath points out that New Brunswick is one of only two provinces that do not offer funding for medically-necessary trans procedures. New Brunswick and Quebec are the only provinces east of Saskatchewan, that do not officer explicit protection for trans people in their provincial human rights codes. New Brunswick is also one of the provinces that does not allow government ID documents to have the sex changed, unless transsexual surgeries are performed, a matter that was recently declared a human rights violation in the province of Ontario.

McCreath is deep into her pre-launch tour of her Jennifer McCreath Foundation, a tour which saw several successful events last month during PEI Pride in Summerside and Charlottetown, including a well-attended and well-covered trans rights demonstration and march event, that took place in front of the PEI Provincial Legislature.

McCreath's New Brunswick tour starts with a trans round table event Saturday Night at 7.30 in Dieppe. Then carries on with a sunrise rainbow and trans flag waving event Sunday morning in Oromocto, the proceeds with a networking breakfast in Fredericton, followed by the Trans Rights Demo and March in front of the New Brunswick Legislature at 9.30 am.  McCreath will wrap up her day by leading a trans contingency in the Fredericton Pride parade.

A full list of event details and Facebook events can be found here:

http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2014/08/facebook-events-for-jennifer-mccreath.html

 A full bio of McCreath can be found here: 

http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2014/06/jennifer-mccreath-bio-november-2013.html

questions and interviews:

Jennifer McCreath
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
http://www.jennifermccreath.com
info@jennifermccreath.com
www.twitter.com/Jenn_McCreath
709-753-9529

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Facebook Events for Jennifer McCreath NS and NB Trans Tour Aug 8-10, 2014

Networking Trans Breakfast - Starbucks, Scotia Square, Halifax, Aug 8, at 7.45 am

Networking Trans Round Table - Dieppe, 30 Englehart, Unit G, Aug 9, 7.30 pm

Sunrise Rainbow and Trans Flag Ceremony - Oromocto Town Hall, Aug 10, 2.45 pm

Networking Trans Breakfast - Cora's, Fredericton, 476 Queen St, Aug 10, 10.45 am

Trans Rights Demonstration and March - Fredericton, NB Legislature, Aug 10, 9.30 am

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Newfoundland Trans Activist McCreath to visit NS and NB Aug 8-10!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Transwoman and trans rights activist, Jennifer McCreath from Newfoundland, will be visiting Nova Scotia and New Brunswick August 8 - 10 to promote trans rights and attend Pride events. She will be accompanied to some of the events by Nova Scotia transman and activist, Asher MacDonald of rural Cumberland County NS.

Jennifer is best-known for parlaying her trans status with her athletic legacy as a marathon runner, her political activism, and her flamboyant personality; into public educational and advocacy work regarding issues affecting transgender, transsexual, panssexual, and intersexed individuals.

McCreath is in the early stages of launching her own Jennifer McCreath Foundation, an organization that will carry out educational, activist, and peer support work for members of the trans communities all over Canada, with a core focus on Eastern Canada.

McCreath also hopes to resurrect the grass roots concept of the East Coast Trans Alliance, a vision she first conceptualized in 2011, with the idea that trans activists would be better-served by coming together and fighting battles of a common cause. McCreath realizes that trans people in the 4 eastern provinces of Canada, are at a significant disadvantage, compared to trans people elsewhere, given the current states of Government trans health policies, trans legal identification document issues, as well as general societal attitudes towards trans people in terms of employment, housing, physical safety, bullying, and general social acceptance. McCreath notes that there are very few family doctors will to prescribe hormone therapy treatment for trans patients in NS and NB, something they are quite capable of doing. This causes unnecessary wait times and unnecessary schedule overload of the one trans-friendly endocrinologist in Halifax.

McCreath is also concerned that PEI and NB are the only 2 provinces in Canada who do not provide Government health care funding for trans surgeries, even when deemed medically-necessary by doctors.  McCreath also has concerns that trans NS and NBers are unable to change ID documents without having surgery, something that is expensive, and something that not all trans people require.  McCreath also wants to see NB amend their provincial Human Rights Act to include Gender Identity and Gender Expression, something most other provinces have already done.

McCreath hopes her visit will encourage more Atlantic transpeople to come out publicly and organize themselves better so that they can better speak and advocate for themselves, as well as collaborate with trans communities of other provinces to fight common battles.

McCreath also sees this visit as an opportunity to develop networking contacts and friendships with members of the NS and NB LGB and T communities. She also hopes that her presence in these provinces, combined with the events she has organized, will help shine a light on the issues currently faced by trans people in NS and NB, and act as a catalyst to stimulate conversations about how society can better learn to accept and embrace, trans people.

Last month, McCreath hosted successful trans flag waving events at town halls of Summerside and Charlottetown PEI, and also spearheaded a very well attended trans rights demonstration event, out from of PEI provincial Government headquarters, Province House.

McCreath will be hosting a 'networking breakfast in Halifax on the morning of Aug 8, then will be dropping into a trans camping event in Scotsburn NS on Aug 9. Then on the eventing of the 9th, she and Asher will co-host a 'networking round table discussion' of trans issues with Moncton's River of Pride, in Dieppe NB, then travel to Fredericton to host a similar trans rights demo in front of the NB provincial government headquarters on the morning of the 10th, then march in the official Fredericton Pride parade.

McCreath, a Nova Scotia native, looks forward to this leg of her tour "I am really excited to come back to my original home of Halifax to host an event that will bring trans activists together to discuss the issues. I am also excited to return to New Brunswick, a place that actually has a rather large closeted trans population. I look forward to taking steps to raise better awareness of the issues, and help build a foundation that will lead to some solutions," McCreath said.

Event Schedule:

Networking Trans Breakfast - Halifax, NS, Aug 8, 7.45 am

Trans camping event drop-in - Scotsburn, NS Aug 9, TBA

Networking Trans Round table - Dieppe, NB, Aug 9, 7.30 pm

Sunrise Rainbow and Trans Flag Waving Ceremony - Oromocto, NB, Aug 10, 6.45 am

Networking Breakfast with Asher MacDonald - Fredericton, NB, Aug 10, 7:45 am

Trans Rights Demonstration - Fredericton, NB, Aug 10, 9.30 am

Marching in the Fredericton Pride Parade, Fredericton, NB, Aug 10, noon


A full bio of McCreath can be found here:

http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2012/11/updated-bio-11012012.html


Questions and interviews:

Jennifer McCreath
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
http://www.jennifermccreath.com
info@jennifermccreath.com
www.twitter.com/Jenn_McCreath
709-753-9529

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

NL and NS Transgender Activists to visit PEI Pride!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Transwoman and trans rights activist, Jennifer McCreath from Newfoundland, will be visiting Summerside and Charlottetown PEI on Wed July 30, to attend two official PEI Pride events, and to organize several trans-themed events of her own. She will be accompanied by Nova Scotia transwoman and activist, Trina Conrad of Halifax.

Jennifer is best-known for parlaying her trans status with her athletic legacy as a marathon runner, her political activism, and her flamboyant personality; into public educational and advocacy work regarding issues affecting transgender, transsexual, panssexual, and intersexed individuals.

McCreath is in the early stages of launching her own Jennifer McCreath Foundation, an organization that will carry out educational, activist, and peer support work for members of the trans communities all over Canada, with a core focus on Eastern Canada.

McCreath also hopes to resurrect the grass roots concept of the East Coast Trans Alliance, a vision she first conceptualized with Conrad, and others, in 2011, with the idea that trans activists would be better-served by coming together and fighting battles of a common cause. McCreath realizes that trans people in the 4 eastern provinces of Canada, are at a significant disadvantage, compared to trans people elsewhere, given the current states of Government trans health policies, trans legal identification document issues, as well as general societal attitudes towards trans people in terms of employment, housing, physical safety, bullying, and general social acceptance.

McCreath hopes her visit will encourage trans PE-Islanders to come out publicly and organize themselves better so that they can better speak and advocate for themselves, as well as collaborate with trans communities of other provinces to fight common battles.

McCreath also sees this visit as an opportunity to develop networking contacts and friendships with members of the PEI LGB and T communities. She also hopes that her presence in the province, combined with the events she has organized, will help shine a light on the issues currently faced by trans people in PEI, and act as a catalyst to stimulate conversations about how society can better learn to accept and embrace, trans people.

McCreath and Conrad will be attending official PEI Pride events, the Cupcake Decorating, 1 pm at Atlantic Superstore, in Charlottetown, as well as the Pride Coffee House 7 pm at Beanz, where McCreath will be on the agenda to give a brief speech.

"I am really excited to have been invited to appear at PEI Pride's Coffee House event on July 30, where I will introduce myself and talk a little bit about the work I have planned for the Jennifer McCreath Foundation. I look forward to engaging the PEI LGBT community in my work, and I encourage anyone in the area to come out and support PEI Pride," said McCreath.

McCreath and Conrad are also organizing the following 3 trans-themed events:

Trans Pride Flag Waving Event - Summerside, PEI, Town Hall, 11.15 am

https://www.facebook.com/events/549385161831980

Trans Pride Flag Waving Event - Charlottetown, PEI, City Hall, 3 pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/621503774630546

PEI Trans Issues Demonstration - Charlottetown, PEI, Province House, 4 pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/245826458949390/

McCreath will also be touring Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in August, where she will march in Fredericton's official pride parade, as well as organize trans-themed events in Fredericton, NB, Moncton, NB, and Scotsburn, NS.

A full bio of McCreath can be found here:

http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2012/11/updated-bio-11012012.html

Questions and interviews:

Jennifer McCreath
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
http://www.jennifermccreath.com
info@jennifermccreath.com
www.twitter.com/Jenn_McCreath
709-753-9529

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Newfoundland's first Trans March and Rally 7/13/14

History was made July 13, 2014, as members of the St. John's trans community and their allies attended a rally and march at Confederation Building on Prince Philip Drive.  This was a grass roots movement that I organized in attempt to raise awareness to some of the challenges still facing members of the trans community, a the overall LGBT community 'celebrates' Pride Week.

Although the turn out of 10, was a far cry from the 2000 who attended the official Pride parade later in the week, the event attracted the attention of CBC Radio, who did a 9 minute live interview with me on site. 

Included in the attendance, was Rebecca Martin, another keen local trans activist, who also received a radio interview from CBC, later in the week, to discuss trans issues. 

There was also a special appearance by my alter-ego, Trans Mysterio, my pro wrestling character, who added some fun to an otherwise serious event. 

The rally lasted 2 hours, with more than 1000 cars driving by on the busy intersection. Many folks honked horns and waved in support. The march consisted of an out and back 2 km walk down Prince Philip Drive towards lovely Kent's Pond.  Along the way, we found a portable toilet, and declared it was 'gender neutral'.

It is my hopes that this will be the first of many annual trans pride marches in this city. It was an honour to share this event with some of the really keen trans activists in this city.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

McCreath reconciles with St. John's Pride, speaks at Middle Cove 7/14/14

It was a special moment for me on July 14, 2014 at the town hall of Logy Bay-Outer Cove-Middle Cove, as I reconciled with St. John's Pride Inc., an organization which I founded in 2010, yet left under rough circumstances in 2012, and attended and spoke at the Middle Cove flag raising event.

The Middle Cove bonfire event has been a St. John's Pride week tradition for more than 20 years, but it was I who conceptualized the Middle Cove flag-raising event in 2011. It was great to return three years later, and not only speak at this event about trans issues, but to help raise the trans flag at this location for the first time ever.

The event was well-attended, and included special speeches by myself, along with Mayor John Kennedy, Susan Rose of Egale Canada, and St. John's Pride reps.  The event was extra special for the trans community, as I joined 3 of the 4 trans people, who make up the 8 person Pride Board of Directors, to raise the trans flag.

Depicted are me with my infamous trans plungers, Mayor Kennedy, Me raising the trans flag with Pride Board members, the Mayor with Pride board members, Susan Rose speaking, and me speaking.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Huge turn out for Grand Falls Windsor Newfoundland Pride Day! 7/13/14

It was an historic day on July 13, 2014 in the town of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador, as the town celebrated Pride Week for the very first time. I was privileged to host a flag-raising and luncheon social event at the  Status of Women - Central's headquarters.

An amazing 40-50 people showed up for the festivities, including Federal Member of Parliament Scot Simms, a rep from the newly-established Pflag Chapter, and several volunteers and students from the local youth centre.

The event also featured a press conference which included the coverage of local newspaper, the Advertiser. 

The event has lead several local LGBT activists to commit to creating an official Pride non-profit organization for the town, an endeavor which I look forward to helping them create.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Terry Rielly Teddy Bears Picnic Report 7/13/14

For the 5th time in 6 years, I attended Terry Rielly's annual Teddy Bear's picnic; and for the 4th time, I was "Head Nurse" at the teddy bear hospital. Terry was one of the first local celebrities to open his arms to me, and welcome me into the community. When I was a newly-out transwoman in a town that did not have very much diversity, an endorsement from Terry went a long way to helping me gain a positive reputation as a community leader and overall good citizen.  It was an honour to return again this year for another successful event.

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

McCreath's "Swim the Kyle" Report 7/12/14

On July 12, 2014, I joined Libby Earl, daughter of the last captain of the S.S. Kyle, Guy Earl, for the 5th annual "Swim the Kyle" fundraiser, a venture to raise money for a non-profit organization that is looking to salvage this ship that has been beached and abandoned since 1967.

Perhaps one of Newfoundland's best-known boats, the S.S. Kyle is an important part of its history, as it frequently transported doctors to rural towns only accessible by boat, in the early 1900s. Later a passenger transport ship during World War Two, and eventually a sealing vessel, the Kyle drifted into Harbour Grace harbor during a snow storm in 1967, and eventually got lodged into a sand bar. It has since sat there ever since.

The swim from shore to boat and back was only 350 metres, but the water was a freezing 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it dangerously cold to be in the water for a long period of time.  Libby's experienced team showed up with wet suits, while I swam in my little pink bikini. 

Amazingly, I managed to keep the limbs moving and we all swam out, touched the boat, got pictures taken, then swam back, in a total of 20 minutes.

There was also a festival on the nearby park grounds, including local musicians, vendors selling crafts, local authors promoting their history books, and balloons for the kids.

I am also excited to have become an informal advisor to S.S. Kyle Historical Foundation, the non-profit org attempting to save the ship.  Libby and her husband live in Connecticut, but make the annual trip to Harbour Grace to oversee this event. I hope to return next summer to join them again!

 

Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet