Summary of Meetings: SAGDA
Number of Meetings Held: 5
January 16, 2025
Registration Count: 62
Guest Speakers: Lee Nevens, barbara findlay, KC, Jay Lennon
Meeting Title/Topic: Transphobia in the Legal Profession and Beyond: Current Issues and Daily Practice
Synopsis: Understanding the barriers that transgender people face is the first step to combatting transphobia. Join moderator amd CBABC President Lee Nevens, and speakers barbara findlay, KC and Jay Lannon to learn more about pressing issues beyond the legal community, and ways to combat transphobia and discrimination in daily practice.
February 24, 2025
Registration Count: 25
Guest Speaker: Lee Nevens
Meeting Title/Topic: 2SLGBTQ+ Law Networking Event
Synopsis: In the face of anxiety about what the future holds, connection is our greatest strength. Building community is an affirmation of our existence and our right to thrive. Mingle with 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers and law students to make connections and share stories. CBABC President Lee Nevens joins us to share a few words.
March 27, 2025
Registration Count: 34
Guest Speaker: Lee Nevens
Meeting Title/Topic: 2SLGBTQ+ Law Networking Event
Synopsis: Join SAGDA and UBC Outlaws to mingle and network with 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers and students at this social event. We look forward to making connections and sharing stories and support. CBABC President, Lee Nevens, joins to share a few words.
June 11, 2025
Registration Count: 55
Guest Speakers: Connie Campbell, Rob Hughes, Brian Yuen, Cherolynn Knapp
Meeting Title/Topic: Pathways to Canada: Immigration Options for LGBTQ+ People Living in the USA
Synopsis: This session, hosted by a panel of Canadian immigration and refugee lawyers, provides essential guidance for LGBTQ+ Americans exploring options for relocating to Canada. With rising concerns over safety, legal protections, and quality of life, many LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. are looking north for greater security and acceptance. Our speakers clarify the realities and limitations of seeking asylum in Canada, highlighting the legal standards and evidentiary challenges involved in making a refugee claim. While Canada is known for its inclusive refugee policies, the system is not designed for everyone, and successful claims must meet specific legal criteria. Due to the unprecedented nature of these claims, there are a lot of unknowns out there at the moment. Beyond the refugee system, the panel will also explore alternative immigration pathways, including family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, and economic immigration streams. The discussion will aim to empower attendees with accurate, practical information to help them make informed decisions about their futures.
July 6 & August 3, 2025
Registration Count: TBA
Meeting Title/Topic: Celebrate Pride 2025
Synopsis: Celebrate diversity, and community at two of British Columbia's most vibrant LGBTQ+ events — the Victoria Pride Parade and the Vancouver Pride Parade. Each city offers a unique experience that blends powerful advocacy with joyful celebration. The SAGDA Executive invites you to join them to celebrate Pride, where you can network with peers, show your support for the LGBTQ+ community, and take part in a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and unity. We celebrate Pride to recognize and honour the many people who have worked and are working tirelessly to strengthen our LGBTQ+ community and to claim the rights and freedoms that we were historically denied. We also celebrate Pride to recognize that the work is not done.