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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

 

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Pride flag raising at Gander Newfoundland 7/15/14

 

On July 15, 2014, I have the pleasure of hosting the 3rd annual Pride Week flag raising ceremony in Gander. I was joined with my St. John's trans contingency, the Deputy Mayor, Cyril Abbott, and Sandra from the Gander Women's Centre; along with about a dozen local LGBT community members + allies.  A coffee social was followed afterwards at the Women's Centre. 

The event has opened new doors for steps that will be taken to form a round-the-calendar LGBT activism and support group in this town. 

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McCreath joins NL Provincial Conservative Party - Supports Steve Kent

What a difference a day makes! With the withdrawal of Frank Coleman from the NL Conservative leadership race, the initial race was cancelled, given that all three candidates had been removed in some way or form. This opened the door for a reboot, in which three new candidates have come forward.  I am excited to see Steve Kent throw his name in the hate for this. I have so much respect and appreciation for what Kent brings to the table, that I have officially jumped off the fence, and joined the NL provincial Conservative party, so that I may support Steve.

Last night, I ran as a candidate at the leadership convention delegate selection meeting for the riding of St. John's North, the riding in which I live. While I was not successful winning one of the seats, I was victorious in one of the 'alternate delegate' slots. This means that I have the right to attend the convention in September, and should some of the delegates no-show or withdraw, I may find myself stepping in and given the opportunity to vote in the leadership. (depicted, me at the St. John's North meeting).

It may come as a surprise to many of my loyal followers, that I would join the party which has caused me so much anguish over the years, but this is what politics is all about. You never know when things will change. The past in in the past, and the people who I had issues with, for the most part, have left Government. 

For more information about Steve's leadership bid, check out SteveKent.ca
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McCreath to appear at PEI Pride!

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 events this week!

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Jennifer McCreath Foundation Inc - Pre-launch Tour!

In preparation of launching the foundation, Jennifer McCreath will be doing educational, advocacy, social, and pride flag raising events in various communities in eastern Canada.  She will also be attending various official pride week events in towns all over eastern Canada too!  Schedule as follows:

July 14/14 St John's, NL - hosting trans pride day
July 14/14 Middle Cove, NL - keynote, St. Johns Pride flag raising event
July 15/14 Gander, NL - hosting Pride flag raising and LGBT  social
July 15/14 Grand Falls Windsor, NL hosting Pride Flag Raising and LGBT social

July 30/14 Summerside, PEI - LGBT social
July 30/14 Charlottetown, PEI - trans round table

Aug 09/14 Scotsburn, NS - trans round table

Aug 09/14 Moncton, NB trans round table
Aug 10/14 Fredericton, NB - trans social + will participate in PRIDE parade!


more dates coming soon! Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

McCreath joins Terry Rielly for Teddy Bear Picnic

Well, it's that time of the year again! The 37th Annual Terry Rielly Teddy Bears Picnic is today (tomorrow if it rains). Noon - 2 pm, Bannerman Park, St. John's, NL. This will be my 6th picnic in a row, and 4th as head nurse of the Teddy Bear Hospital!  Looking foward to it so much! Love Terry! he's one of the greatest people alive!

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McCreath to Swim the S.S. Kyle! in Harbour Grace!

Jennifer McCreath will Swim the Kyle today at 4 pm harbour grace, to raise money for two great non-profit orgs, the S.S. Kyle Historical Foundation Inc., and the brand new Jennifer McCreath Foundation Inc, which does trans education and advocacy work!

To Make a donation, or for more information, contact Jennifer at info@jennifermccreath.com 709-753-9529

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McCreath joins Status of Women Central for Grand Falls Windsor Pride!

I am proud to announce that there will indeed be a LGBT Pride festival in Grand Falls Windsor, Tuesday July 15, 2014 at 12.15 pm at the office of the Status of Women Central, 7B Bayley Street, Grand Falls Windsor, NL.

There will be a rainbow flag raising ceremony, a trans flag raising ceremony, speeches from several local dignitaries, a coffee/lunch social event, and a round table meet n greet with the "Jennifer & Friends Trans tour"

for more information, please contact Jennifer McCreath 709-753-9529, info@jennifermccreath.com
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Jennifer McCreath Foundation Inc!

I am extremely proud to announce the soft launch of the Jennifer McCreath Foundation Inc.  This is going to be a 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.

Doing activism work requires resources, especially travel costs and meeting accommodations, but I have had such an immense amount of fulfilling feelings from doing this type of work, that I want to create a mechanism that will help me, as well as help others get involved. As a non-profit corporate entity, I can pass fundraising and liability over to a corporate entity, rather than put it all on my shoulders. I look forward to building the company and building a strong brand that can offer meaningful products and services to the trans people who need it most!

For more information, or to make a donation, please contact me at info@jennifermccreath.com
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McCreath to be featured in Gander Pride Week events!

It's an honour to have been asked to be the keynote speaker and special guest attraction at Gander Pride. I am especially excited to be working with the Gander Women's Centre on this day of Pride events. Be sure to check out their website http://www.statusofwomengander.com for all their great work.

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McCreath to speak at Middle Cove Pride 2014

On July 14, 2014 at 2 pm, I will be returning to the Town Council office on Logy Bay Rd, to speak at an annual event which I conceptualized in 2011, the Middle Cove Pride Flag Raising.  I am honoured that the Board of Directors for St. John's have asked me to speak. I will be talking about trans human rights, trans health care, trans vital statistics policies, and trans success stories.

So excited to be on good terms with St. John's Pride Inc, and org for which I left under rough circumstances in March 2012.

A huge shout-out to St John's Pride Inc. check out their new website stjohnspride.ca and how bout their new awesome logo?

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NL Trans* Issues Demonstration & Walk TRANS PRIDE

NL Trans* Issues Demonstration and Walk
Monday, July 14 at 7:45am - 9:30am
Confederation Building (left parking entrance)

7.45 am - 9 am Members of the trans community and allies are encouraged to bring signs and trans flags to Confederation building, East end parking lot entrance, for this grass roots politically-partisan-neutral, event, designed to raise awareness and to push for change to bring Newfoundland and Labrador up to national and global norms.

Issues:

Vital Statistics policies do not allow NL born trans people to have government ID documents that match who they are unless they have anatomical surgery. This goes against best-practice and was deemed a violation of Human Rights laws in Ontario and Alberta!

Many medical interventions required by trans people are not funded by NL's health provider, unless the patient travels to a particular clinic in Toronto, called CAMH, who are known for long waiting lists and transphobia. No other province who funds trans health, requires a visit to Toronto. This unnecessary red tape must be removed. Allow trans patients to chose local doctors, just like every other province does!

There are many procedures not covered, whatsoever, in NL. Many of these procedures are approved in other provinces. The range of medically-necessary trans health products needs to be comprehensive, like they are in British Columbia. (comprehensive list for NL here http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2012/07/newfoundland-government-trans-srs.html ).

NL's health provider will not fund trans health procedures if performed at private clinics in Canada; however, there are many services not available through public institutes in Canada. Several other provinces have negotiated public-private-partnerships. No reason for NL to send trans people half way around the world to a foreign country!

The Human Rights Act of NL does not have the teeth it needs to help trans people. As per a case rejected in 2012, the Commission states they cannot hear cases of systemic discrimination against oppressed groups of people (such as trans people), but only cases of individual discrimination. This leaves trans people out in the cold. The Act needs to be toughened so the Commission has the tools they need to accurately hear cases of government discrimination against trans people. (details about 2012 case here http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2012/05/transsexual-mccreath-loses-mcp-human.html ).

9:00 am - 9:30 am

At 9 am members of the trans community and allies, are encouraged to take their flags and signs with them for a gentle walk around the trail of Ken't Pond, which is just east of Confederation Building. This is not a parade, this is not a march. This is simply a sign of solidarity and an act of enjoying one of our province's nicest walking trails! Note, the trail around the pond is 1.5 km.

Disclaimer: these are non-sanctioned 'suggested' events that are not formally booked or endorsed by any individual or legally-recognized corporate body. People attend these suggested events under the assumption and impression that they are attending under their own free will as individual citizens, who are exercising their civic rights to physically attend government properties such as the side walks in front of Confederation Building and the Trail at Kent's Pond. Note: East Coast Trans Alliance is not a legal entity.

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