Help Lois Access Medical Care and Raise Awareness

Hi, I'm Lois Cardinal.

I'm a post-op transsexual woman of 14 years living on a reserve in central Alberta.

I started my transition in 2007 and was rushed into sex-reassignment surgery (SRS) in 2009, which I regretted immediately. I had been coerced into sterilization, and I felt like I was contributing to the genocide of my people.

Due to my regret and medical complications from the surgery, I have started the assessment process for medical assistance in dying (MAID).

As part of the assessment, I have been given the opportunity to access medical assistance that is not available to me on the reserve, which is one of the reasons I am considering MAID. However, I would have to pursue this care at my own cost.

I would also like to use my voice and my story to raise awareness. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.

Here is what I am raising funds for, in order of priority:

1. A visit to Calgary to see a specialist

I have an appointment at the end of April with a Calgary doctor who works with post-op transsexuals. The appointment is on April 25th at the South Health Campus. I need to cover the costs of flights, accommodation, and transportation while there.

Estimated cost:

Flight $450

Accommodation $400

Transportation $200

2. A new vehicle

Getting to my medical appointments and living my day-to-day life has been challenging as I do not currently have my own vehicle. I would like to purchase a used vehicle that can handle the poor condition of the roads on my reserve, and that I can leave for my mother.

Estimated cost:

Used suitable SUV: $15-20,000

3. A visit to GrS Montreal

GrS Montreal is the leading SRS clinic in Canada—it is where my own surgery was done. I had a phone consultation with the clinic and, if possible, I would like to go for an in-person appointment. I would need to cover the costs of flights, accommodation, and transportation while there.

Estimated cost:

Flight $450

Accommodation $450

Transportation $200

4. A protest at the Alberta Legislature

As part of my mission to raise awareness about the state of transgender healthcare (or lack thereof), I want to organize a protest at the Alberta Legislature. My hope is for lawmakers, media outlets, and the public to hear my story as well as the story of others.

Estimated cost: TBD

Disclaimer: My decision about whether or not to pursue MAID will not be contingent on the outcomes of this fundraiser. I am currently exploring my medical avenues and options for using my voice, but I cannot make any promises in that regard.