For the first time in the province’s history, Transgender Pride flags have been raised at McDougall Centre and outside the Alberta Legislature.

Ceremonies were held in Calgary and Edmonton on Sunday to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance with MLAs and members of the Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA) in attendance.

Angela Reid, TESA co-president, says the flag raising ceremony symbolized a positive step towards inclusiveness.

“Recognition by government is something that is still very new to us,” said Reid. “We are thrilled with the rate of progress that’s occurred. Having that visible support I think sends a very important message both to the larger community and to the rest of Alberta society.”

Reid adds that Calgary, Alberta and Canada remain some of the safest places in the world for transgender people. She adds the Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder of the violence the majority of transgender people face at the hands of individuals or government agencies worldwide.

Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley was among those who gathered on the steps of McDougall Centre.

“It’s important to show our commitment as a society to ensuring that all people feel included and that all people have a right to express themselves and be who they are and to still have access to basic services,” said Ganley. “No one should be denied accommodation or a job because they’re being true to who they are.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the lives lost to transphobia and hatred.