Law students launch fundraiser for Trans ID Clinic

Students at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law are bridging gaps for members of the trans and non-binary community with a fundraising campaign that helps low-income Edmontonians access identification that better aligns with their identities.

“No one should have to use an ID that isn't accurate or reflective of who they are,” says Austin Leask, ‘24 JD, president of OUTLaw. 

Alongside Rebecca Alexander, ‘24 JD, Leask is spearheading OUTlaw’s Proud to be Me campaign in support of the Trans ID Clinic, a student-run project offered by Student Legal Services. The clinic provides free legal assistance to trans and non-binary people so that they can complete the documents needed to change their names and gender markers. 

Updating that legal identification can be life changing, says Leask.

“For myself, I hadn't consciously thought about how having an accurate ID makes my life easier before coming to law school,” says Leask. “When asked for ID, I show my driver's license, and my identity is never questioned; there are no comments about my name, my gender, or about my appearance. I am never denied services or accused of using someone else's ID. Every person deserves that same experience.” 

While the clinic provides free legal services to Edmontonians of all income levels, other barriers prevent trans and non-binary people from completing the process. From volunteering in the clinic, OUTlaw's members became aware that financial barriers were preventing low-income Edmontonians from finalizing the change on their legal identification.

“The process requires gathering fingerprints, a criminal record check, and government fees, which can cumulatively cost over $300,” says Leask. “The clinic provides free assistance with completing forms and arranges for free notarization services, but the additional costs are a barrier to low-income Edmontonians.”

The campaign aims to bridge the gap by ensuring the clinic can offer financial assistance to those who need it. 

“What started as a shared grievance about fees preventing folks from having accurate ID turned into a year of fundraising to address these issues,” says Leask. OUTlaw’s other fundraising efforts this month include a partnership with Kind Ice Cream. Ten per cent of the sales of its pride flavour, “Gay OK,” go directly to the clinic.

“The Proud to be Me campaign aligns with the mission of OUTlaw to improve how the law intersects with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We saw an opportunity to uplift the trans and non-binary community in Edmonton and to advocate for a meaningful learning experience for law students.”

In addition to helping the community, the Trans ID Clinic allows law students to gain valuable experience assisting trans and non-binary people navigate the legal system. 

“Volunteering provides students with a unique opportunity to work directly with trans and non-binary Edmontonians and to build relationships and knowledge they can bring into future practice,” says Leask. “It allows students to be better advocates for the trans and non-binary community and to understand how the law intersects with trans and non-binary folks.”

The students have an ambitious fundraising goal of $10,000, and the campaign runs for the month of June. Those interested in supporting the campaign can make donations through the U of A’s crowdfunding platform. 

“Donations ensure the project can continue to grow and offer consistent support over the years for trans and non-binary Edmontonians,” says Leask.