A reminder to all this holiday season: 💖 You are loved! 💖 You are enough! 💖 You are valid!

Join us online tonight for CARING HEARTS, our meet-up group for parents/caregivers of trans & gender diverse loved ones to connect about the joys, challenges, & successes of having a trans or gender diverse child. Thursday, Dec 25 | 6:15pm- 8:15 pm www.skippingstone.ca/groups/#zoomlinks

Maybe Burke (she/her), is an award winning artist, educator, published author, and public speaker. Passionate about helping people unlearn the ways they’ve been taught to think, she aims to open minds and hearts through storytelling, and focuses on stories that haven’t already been told.

Skipping Stone offers free mental health programs including CATTY, Creative & Art-based Therapy for Trans Youth ages 13-17! This program provides the opportunity to explore, grow, & build skillsets through creativity. Jan. 13 - March 3 | Tuesdays | 6:15pm-8:15pm Online www.skippingstone.ca/catty

Four more ways to support trans youth: 5) Engage in affirming activities together 6) Connect them to community & stories 7) Put their needs before your comfort 8) Say I love you! Or find another way to express their value 🌈 www.skippingstone.ca/resources-full#parents

Looking to affirm and support the trans youth in your life? Here are some small things to help: 1) Use their affirmed name and pronouns 2) Remember that they are still the same kiddo 3) Don’t make it about you 4) Celebrate Trans joy 🌈 www.skippingstone.ca/resources-fu...

Join us this week for CARING HEARTS, our meet-up group for parents/caregivers of trans & gender diverse loved ones to connect about the joys, challenges, & successes of having a trans or gender diverse child. Thursday, Dec 25 | 6:15pm- 8:15 pm Online: www.skippingstone.ca/groups/#zoomlinks

Our office will be closed from Dec 22 to Jan 4. We want to wish everyone a happy holiday season. If you are looking for immediate support during the break, please contact: ❄️ DISTRESS CENTRE: (403) 266-4357 • distresscentre.com ❄️ TRANS LIFELINE: (877) 330-6366 • translifeline.org

Egale commends sport organizations that are taking a stand against discrimination, including Skate Canada's recent decision to stop holding national and international events in Alberta due to the province’s so-called Fairness and Safety in Sport Act (formerly known as Bill 29).

Friday’s events: 💙 YOUTH CHOIR (Anacrusis Music) | 3pm-4pm | under 18 💙 CREATIVE LABS | Ages 13 & over - 4pm-6:30pm (online) - 4:30pm-6:30pm (Anacrusis Music) To try out your first music class Email [email protected] www.skippingstone.ca/music

Heartbreakingly, despite our best efforts, today the Government of Alberta was able to bring an end to the injunction against Bill 26 on the basis of its use of the notwithstanding clause. This is a cruel and dangerous move by a government that will harm vulnerable young people.

Samantha Rise (they/them) is a black, gender-expansive performing artist, songwriter & activist. For Samantha, music and art are a vehicle for igniting individual and collective power. Through their artistic practice they help communities re-embody music as their birthright.

Thursday’s events: 💚 STRONG HEARTS (Skipping Stone) | 6:15pm-8:15pm 💚 TRANS NEURODIVERSITY GROUP (online) | 6:15pm-8:15pm 💚 YOUTH GUITAR & STRING ENSEMBLE* | 6:30pm-8pm 💚 ADULT BAND/CHOIR* | 8pm-9:30pm *To try out a class email [email protected] www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Looking for a bit of extra help? We assist folks by guiding them through the process of accessing a range of different government & non-profit services including: ⭐ Income support & subsidy programs ⭐ Affirming legal advice & support ⭐ Food & housing programs www.skippingstone.ca/programs#needs

This Wednesday’s Highlights: 💛 AFFIRMING YOGA FOR TRANS FOLKS (Every Body Stronger) | 5pm to 6pm 💛 HARMONY HEARTS (online) | 6:15pm to 8:15pm 💛 HEARTS & CRAFTS - Teen Edition (Skipping Stone) | 6:15pm to 8:15pm www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

❤️❤️ Double your impact! Skipping Stone is a registered member of multiple Corporate Matching Programs including Benevity! If you would like to donate, contact your human resources department to find out if your employer can help your gift have twice the impact. www.skippingstone.ca/get-involved

Join us tonight for Tender Hearts, our in person meet-up for trans men, trans masculine folks, as well as those looking to affirm, to explore, or are questioning a masculine gender identity! Tuesday, December 16 | 6:15pm-8:15pm In person at Skipping Stone

We'll be on a our two week winter break starting next week, from Monday, December 22 until Sunday January, 4. Most of our programming will also be on pause for the break, with the exception of Caring Hearts that meets on Thursday December 25th.

Tuesday 🧡 TENDER HEARTS** Wednesday 💛 AFFIRMING YOGA (Every Body Stronger) | 5pm-6pm 💛 HARMONY HEARTS* 💛 HEARTS & CRAFTS - Teens** Thursday 💚 STRONG HEARTS** 💚 TRANS NEURODIVERSITY GROUP* *online 6:15pm-8:15pm **in person at Skipping Stone 6:15pm to 8:15pm www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Registration is open for CATTY, Creative & Art-based Therapy for Trans Youth! This 8 week program for trans & gender diverse youth 13-17, provides the opportunity to explore, grow, & build skillsets through creativity. Jan. 13 - Mar. 3 | Tuesdays | 6:15pm-8:15pm Online www.skippingstone.ca/catty

⭐ Spots now open for our DBT Skill Group! Throughout this 10-week program, we will teach new skills, review previous skills, and provide opportunities to practice coping strategies to deal with the demands of everyday life. Winter Cycle: January 7-March 18 Wednesdays | 6:15pm-8:15pm Online

James Dillon III (they/them) is a photographer, writer & peer recovery coach. They are embedded in both Portland’s queer community & its recovery community. James founded Queercovery, helping Queer people find support, build community & access resources as they navigate their own recovery journeys.

Registration is now open for our last STRONG HEARTS (in person) of 2025! Strong Hearts is our meet-up for trans women and everyone under the trans feminine umbrella. Thursday, December 18 | 6:15pm-8:15pm In person at Skipping Stone www.skippingstone.ca/groups

*** As long as this post is pinned to the top of our profile, the ban on healthcare for trans youth IS NOT in effect. *** Regardless of royal assent, there are still several steps, as well as a new legal challenge, before the restrictions on gender affirming care go into effect.

Friday’s events: 💙 OPEN HEARTS (online) | 6:15pm- 8:15pm 💙 YOUTH CHOIR* (Anacrusis Music) | 3pm-4pm | under 18 💙 CREATIVE LABS* | Ages 13 & over - 4pm-6:30pm (online) - 4:30pm-6:30pm (Anacrusis Music) *To try out your first music class Email [email protected] www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Bill 9 gets Royal Assent but if the Government thinks the fight is over, they continue to underestimate us. By invoking the notwithstanding clause, the Government is attempting to shield these reprehensible laws from being struck down for unjustifiably violating Charter rights. It will not work.

Have you heard of our Trans Affirming Network (TAN)? TAN members all go through training and are committed to make the necessary changes to make their businesses welcoming, respectful & inclusive of trans & gender diverse folks. Learn more: www.skippingstone.ca/network

Thursday’s events: 💚 GENDER AFFIRMING HORMONE INFORMATION SESSION (online) 💚 CAREGIVER MEET UP (The Rec Room) 💚 STRONG HEARTS (online) 💚 YOUTH GUITAR & STRING ENSEMBLE* 💚 ADULT BAND/CHOIR* *At Anacrusis Music. To try out a class email [email protected] www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

🌎 December 10 is Human Rights Day, and our rights are under attack. Trans rights are human rights. If you would like to help us in our fight against discriminatory government policies & legislation here in Alberta, please donate to our legal fund: www.skippingstone.ca/legalfund

Join us online tonight for Young Hearts, our meet-up for trans women and trans feminine folks over 40. This group focuses on the needs and perspectives of older trans feminine folks. Wednesday, December 10 | 6:15pm-8:15pm Zoom link: www.skippingstone.ca/groups/#zoomlinks

Registration is now open for our monthly Affirming Yoga Class! We are partnering with Every Body Stronger to offer free private yoga classes open to all trans folks. Wednesday, December 17 | 5pm-6pm Every Body Stronger 2501 Alyth Rd SE www.skippingstone.ca/fitness

Join us tonight for our non-binary & genderqueer meet-up Flowing Hearts! This group is about helping us understand who we are, how we want to grow, and how we can live authentically. Tuesday, December 9 | 6:15pm-8:15pm Online www.skippingstone.ca/groups/#zoomlinks

Looking for a fun night out this Thursday? Our Caregiver Meet Up is at the Rec Room this week. Register for free online for a great time with other parents of trans & gender diverse folks over food, drinks, & games. Thursday, December 11th | 6:30pm to 8:30pm The Rec Room (1180-901 64 Ave NE)

💖💛💙 Happy Pan Pride Day (December 8th)! Pansexual people are real & valid. They are pansexual regardless of the gender of their current partner(s). Pansexuals are valid whether they are monogamous, polyamorous, or questioning. Sending some extra love today to the pan community. You are seen.

This week: Monday ❤️ TRANS BOARD GAME NIGHT (D6 Tabletop Café) Tuesday 🧡 FLOWING HEARTS* Wednesday 💛 YOUNG HEARTS* Thursday 💚 GENDER AFFIRMING HORMONE INFORMATION SESSION* 💚 STRONG HEARTS* 💚 CAREGIVER MEET-UP (The Rec Room) Friday 💙 OPEN HEARTS* *online www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Ryder Fox (they/them) is a nonbinary, queer, and neurodivergent person living with chronic physical and mental health conditions. Their work as a coach, educator, and systems strategist is informed by their own journey of healing. Ryder is the Founder of THRIVE Lifeline and Stronger U.

Friday’s events: 💙 HEARTS & CRAFTS - Adults (Skipping Stone) | 6:15pm-8:15pm 💙 YOUTH CHOIR* (Anacrusis Music) | 3pm-4pm | under 18 💙 CREATIVE LABS* | Ages 13 & over - 4pm-6:30pm (online) - 4:30pm-6:30pm (Anacrusis Music) *To try out your first class Email [email protected], or register online

Registration is now open for our Gender Affirming Hormone Information Session (December 11)! This free online event aims to provide all the info required to empower folks to be able to make informed decisions in a more accessible & de-clinicalized space. www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Today’s events: 💚 STRONG HEARTS (Skipping Stone) | 6:15pm-8:15pm | Registration Required 💚 YOUTH GUITAR & STRING ENSEMBLE* | 6:30pm-8pm 💚 ADULT BAND/CHOIR* | 8pm-9:30pm *At Anacrusis Music. To try out a class email [email protected] or register online. www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Register by December 5th for our Caregiver Meet-up this month. Join us at the Rec Room on December 11th for a fun evening of food, drinks, games, community and conversation! Thursday, December 11th | 6:30pm to 8:30pm The Rec Room (1180-901 64 Ave NE, Calgary)

Join us for HARMONY HEARTS tonight! This is an affirming space for Asian trans & gender diverse folks that acknowledges & addresses the unique intersections of queerness, gender, & race. Wednesday, Dec 3 | 6:15pm- 8:15pm In person at Skipping Stone . www.skippingstone.ca/groups

This Giving Tuesday, support mental health. In response to the urgent need we are scaling up our mental health offering for 2026 by more than doubling the support available, but we need your help: This Giving Tuesday, donate to our mental health programs. www.skippingstone.ca/donate

Here’s what we have for you this Tuesday: 🧡 Affirming Fitness Class for Trans Folks (Every Body Stronger) | 5pm-6pm Workout in a safe space, for free, with other trans folks. Register now & join us today! 🧡 Tender Hearts (online) | 6:15pm-8:15pm Our meet-u for trans men & trans masculine folks.

🎲 Registration is now open for the last Trans Board Game Night of 2025! Spots fill up quickly, and registration is required to attend. Monday, December 8 | 6pm to 9pm D6 Tabletop Café (2323 32 Ave NE Suite 112, Calgary) www.skippingstone.ca/boardgames

December 1st is World AIDS Day, a day to honour those affected by HIV, remember the lives lost, share stories, promote understanding and education about the virus, recommit to the fight to end HIV/AIDS, and combat existing harmful stigma around HIV/AIDS.

This first week of December: Tues 🧡 AFFIRMING FITNESS CLASS (Every Body Stronger) | 5pm-6pm 🧡 TENDER HEARTS (online) | 6:15pm-8:15pm Wed 💛 HARMONY HEARTS* Thurs 💚 STRONG HEARTS* Fri 💙 HEARTS & CRAFTS - Adults* *in person at Skipping Stone from 6:15pm-8:15pm www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

December Highlights - Part 2: ❄️ GENDER AFFIRMING HORMONE INFORMATION SESSION (Dec 11 | online) ❄️ CAREGIVER MEET-UP (Dec 11 | The Rec Room) ❄️ AFFIRMING YOGA FOR TRANS FOLKS (Dec 17 | Every Body Stronger) ❄️ HEARTS & CRAFTS - Teens (Dec 17 | Skipping Stone) www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

December Highlights - Part 1: ❄️ AFFIRMING FITNESS CLASS FOR TRANS FOLKS (Dec 2 | Every Body Stronger) ❄️ HEARTS & CRAFTS - Adults (Dec 5 | Skipping Stone) ❄️ TRANS BOARD GAME NIGHT (Dec 8 | D6 Tabletop Café) www.skippingstone.ca/calendar

Our next Caregiver Meet Up is at the Rec Room! Register by December 5th for a fun night out with other parents of trans & gender diverse folks over food, drinks, and games. Thursday, December 11th | 6:30pm to 8:30pm The Rec Room (1180-901 64 Ave NE, Calgary)

Friday’s events: 💙 OPEN HEARTS (online) | 6:15pm- 8:15pm 💙 YOUTH CHOIR* (Anacrusis Music) | 3pm-4pm | under 18 💙 CREATIVE LABS* | Ages 13 & over - 4pm-6:30pm (online) - 4:30pm-6:30pm (Anacrusis Music) *To try out your first music class Email [email protected] www.skippingstone.ca/calendar