Calgary students have organized demonstrations to protest the province's policies on transgender youth

Calgary students walked out of their classrooms Wednesday to protest the provincial government's transgender policy for children and youth.

The Calgary Board of Education could not say how many students took part in the walkout, only that they ranged from small groups to hundreds of students.

“We are aware of the potential student protests that may occur on Wednesday … these demonstrations are not CBE events,” the board said in a statement.

“During this time, we will not prevent students from leaving class, but any student who is absent will be marked as unexcused.”

Hundreds of students took part in the march at William Aberhart High School in the northwest of the city.

Theo Duerr, 16, is on hormone therapy and believes the policy could put some young people at risk.

“What we're afraid of … is that people in middle school or people in high school or younger aren't going to be able to explore these identities and explore themselves in a comfortable and safe way.”

The Year 11 student believes people need to better understand the queer and transgender community.

“We need to be portrayed correctly in the media, we need to be portrayed correctly everywhere. It's very important that people understand who we are and that we're not here to be intimidated or harassed. We're here for our rights and we're just here to live.”

Alberta Premier Daniel Smith announced last week schedule of policy changes gender identity and gender confirmation surgeries and new rules for transgender female athletes.

This prompted a week of protests and protests both lower level and from Groups such as the Alberta Medical Association.

Defending his proposals during a visit to Ottawa on Monday, Smith said there is no “one voice” that can speak for the entire transgender community. She said she has spoken with some transgender people who have expressed concern about children's ability to transition at a young age.

“We had to talk about what age is appropriate to make life-changing decisions.”

At the high school on 17th Avenue West in Canada, several dozen students carried signs that read, “Our anger is no match for a poster” and “Protect Trans Black Woman Disabled Immigrant, Queer Indigenous Refugee Youth.”

Fletcher Morrison, a transgender man in Year 11, said it is important that his rights and those of others are respected in his schools.

“I want everyone to feel safe at school,” said the 16-year-old, who transferred three years ago with the support of friends and family.

Morrison said he's seen a lot of anti-transgender arguments in the past week.

“I can see it getting worse,” he said. “I'm just concerned about the safety of the young people.”