Trans-Canada Odyssey to Raise Trans Awareness

University of Victoria social work student Noah Adams plans to spend his summer cycling across Canada—not for the scenery but in memory of former UVic student and staff member Alexandria Tucker. Tucker, a transgendered person, committed suicide last year. Adams and friend Keenan Pinder are undertaking the ride to raise awareness about the challenges transgendered people face and support for suicide prevention programs.
“We’re not athletes or professional speakers. We’re just two rather ordinary guys trying to best celebrate the life of a friend and make life a little bit easier for other trans people,” says Adams. “In our speaking engagements across Canada we will be discussing our experiences as trans people. We hope to help people understand that in our communities, suicide is not due to mental illness so much as it’s due to intolerance and hatred.”
Adams says he’s undertaking this venture with the support and blessing of Tucker’s family. Part of the trip will involve returning Tucker’s ashes to St. John’s, Newfoundland, her birthplace. Members of the Trans Cycling Odyssey hope to begin their trip on May 1 and are seeking sponsors for their initiative. For further information visit www.flyingtrannys.com or contact Adams directly at somethinglikeme@gmail.com

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