This blog was written by Ravneet Kaur. Edited by Jax Dowdell. What happens after you’re seen? For many trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people, visibility can mean dignity, recognition, and connection.But it can also mean being …
How SafeLink Alberta Works with People with Living or Lived Experience
This blog was written by Alisha Ostberg, Olga Sydorchuk, and a SafeLink Alberta Systems Navigator. Editing by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi. What is Living/Lived Experience? Living/Lived experience refers to the firsthand knowledge and insights individuals gain …
Beyond Abstinence: Understanding 6 Pitfalls of an Abstinence-Only Approach
This blog was written by an Anonymous SafeLink Alberta Staff Member. Editing by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi and Alisha Ostberg. Substance use disorders are a complex and multifaceted public health issue affecting millions globally. In response …
STIs and STBBIs: What Do I Do If I Test Positive?
This article was written by SafeLink Alberta’s Community Outreach Coordinator and Kayla Smith, Systems Navigator, Medicine Hat Support Services. Editing by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi and Alisha Ostberg. First off, what is an STI or STBBI? …
Sex Work and Sex Trafficking: Definitions, Differences, and the Need for Human Rights
Contributors: Alisha Ostberg, Hanako Rodgers, and Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi Sex work and sex trafficking are concepts that are often conflated despite being separate subjects. Due to this conflation, they can carry significant social, legal, and …
Celebrating International Sex Workers’ Day: A Conversation with Our Shift Program Peer Support Worker
As the world commemorates International Sex Workers’ Day on June 2nd, a significant spotlight shines on the continued stigmatization of the sex work community in Canada. This day, rooted in a 1975 protest by sex …
International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia: An Interview with Advocate James Demers.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, celebrated annually on May 17, raises awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Established in 2004 to mark the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision …
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
February 22 is marked as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Every year, February 22 is a day to encourage Canadians to “raise awareness of the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad and to …
Black History Month: Why We Serve African, Caribbean, and Black Communities.
SafeLink Alberta is a non-profit organization that has been serving and advocating for priority populations in Calgary and southern Alberta since 1983. Our mission is to reduce the risks associated with sexual activity and substance …
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (IDEVASW)
December 17th marks International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (IDEVASW) and was originally started 20 years ago in Seattle as a memorial for sex workers who were targeted and killed in the area. …