Janelle Brennand Armstrong
@janelleba.bsky.social
She/her🏳️🌈. Policy wonk🍁🇨🇦. Feminist. Settler. Treaty person. Anti-racist. Abortion & reproductive rights advocate. Striving to be an ally 🏳️⚧️✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿. Views my own. https://www.thehonesttalk.ca/honest-thoughts/my-recurrent-miscarriages-made-me-even-more-pro-choice/
Pinned
Hi there! I’m new here and am looking for community and fellow activists. I’m a mom of 2 who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss and required four abortion services. I’m passionate about:
- women’s rights and reproductive rights
- queer and trans rights
- Anti-racism and Indigenous reconciliation
- women’s rights and reproductive rights
- queer and trans rights
- Anti-racism and Indigenous reconciliation
So not only do frequently-prescribed beta blockers actually cause HARM in women (and not men), but women are less frequently prescribed treatments that can be life saving, as well.
What does the data say for women who aren’t cis or white? Do we know?
Cis, white women aren’t the default either.
What does the data say for women who aren’t cis or white? Do we know?
Cis, white women aren’t the default either.
To add insult to injury...
Seriously?
Why is this still happening in 2025? The 4th year undergraduates in my cardiology class are aware of this problem. How is it that women are still being under-treated?
Seriously?
Why is this still happening in 2025? The 4th year undergraduates in my cardiology class are aware of this problem. How is it that women are still being under-treated?
August 30, 2025 at 6:54 PM
So not only do frequently-prescribed beta blockers actually cause HARM in women (and not men), but women are less frequently prescribed treatments that can be life saving, as well.
What does the data say for women who aren’t cis or white? Do we know?
Cis, white women aren’t the default either.
What does the data say for women who aren’t cis or white? Do we know?
Cis, white women aren’t the default either.
This is why I came out as bisexual. As a woman married to a man, I could have been forever perceived as straight. But it wasn’t authentic. And visibility MATTERS.
Despite pretty intense biphobia, I don’t regret a thing. I feel empowered, have gained friends & community, and am proud of who I am 🏳️🌈
Despite pretty intense biphobia, I don’t regret a thing. I feel empowered, have gained friends & community, and am proud of who I am 🏳️🌈
For noen kan et lite regnbueflagg bety at vi føler oss tryggere. Man ser flagget og tenker; « her kan jeg passe inn»
En enkel måte å vite at jeg også blir satt pris på.
Veldig fin video
Oslo Pride🌈
En enkel måte å vite at jeg også blir satt pris på.
Veldig fin video
Oslo Pride🌈
May 30, 2025 at 1:35 AM
This is why I came out as bisexual. As a woman married to a man, I could have been forever perceived as straight. But it wasn’t authentic. And visibility MATTERS.
Despite pretty intense biphobia, I don’t regret a thing. I feel empowered, have gained friends & community, and am proud of who I am 🏳️🌈
Despite pretty intense biphobia, I don’t regret a thing. I feel empowered, have gained friends & community, and am proud of who I am 🏳️🌈
Gaëtan Dugas, a French Canadian who was bravely openly gay at a time it was criminal to be so, and who cooperated with health authorities in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, was falsely and unjustly villainized as “Patient Zero”.
Today is the anniversary of his death - a perfect day to watch.
Today is the anniversary of his death - a perfect day to watch.
This superb, insightful documentary tells Gaetan's story.
It's a must see if you wish to know more about the "Patient Zero" story that so unjustly vilified him.
I was young gay man living in Vancouver's West End, so moved to remember so many friends we had in common.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Gg...
It's a must see if you wish to know more about the "Patient Zero" story that so unjustly vilified him.
I was young gay man living in Vancouver's West End, so moved to remember so many friends we had in common.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Gg...
Killing Patient Zero | Full Film | TVO Documentary
YouTube video by TVO Docs
www.youtube.com
March 30, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Gaëtan Dugas, a French Canadian who was bravely openly gay at a time it was criminal to be so, and who cooperated with health authorities in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, was falsely and unjustly villainized as “Patient Zero”.
Today is the anniversary of his death - a perfect day to watch.
Today is the anniversary of his death - a perfect day to watch.
Reposted by Janelle Brennand Armstrong
This superb, insightful documentary tells Gaetan's story.
It's a must see if you wish to know more about the "Patient Zero" story that so unjustly vilified him.
I was young gay man living in Vancouver's West End, so moved to remember so many friends we had in common.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Gg...
It's a must see if you wish to know more about the "Patient Zero" story that so unjustly vilified him.
I was young gay man living in Vancouver's West End, so moved to remember so many friends we had in common.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Gg...
Killing Patient Zero | Full Film | TVO Documentary
YouTube video by TVO Docs
www.youtube.com
March 30, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This superb, insightful documentary tells Gaetan's story.
It's a must see if you wish to know more about the "Patient Zero" story that so unjustly vilified him.
I was young gay man living in Vancouver's West End, so moved to remember so many friends we had in common.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Gg...
It's a must see if you wish to know more about the "Patient Zero" story that so unjustly vilified him.
I was young gay man living in Vancouver's West End, so moved to remember so many friends we had in common.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Gg...
I feel old because I don’t know why Hilary Duff has a twin, but otherwise, YES!!! A win for one is a win for us all 💗🏳️⚧️💪
March 29, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I feel old because I don’t know why Hilary Duff has a twin, but otherwise, YES!!! A win for one is a win for us all 💗🏳️⚧️💪
Reposted by Janelle Brennand Armstrong
Yes, elbows up and all that. But let's continue to work against racism and violence against all Canadians.
Because it doesn't matter how high your elbows are when someone's trying to light your hijab on fire.
(📷 via National Council of Canadian Muslims - IG)
Because it doesn't matter how high your elbows are when someone's trying to light your hijab on fire.
(📷 via National Council of Canadian Muslims - IG)
March 23, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Yes, elbows up and all that. But let's continue to work against racism and violence against all Canadians.
Because it doesn't matter how high your elbows are when someone's trying to light your hijab on fire.
(📷 via National Council of Canadian Muslims - IG)
Because it doesn't matter how high your elbows are when someone's trying to light your hijab on fire.
(📷 via National Council of Canadian Muslims - IG)
“Tech platforms including Meta, Amazon, Google and TikTok are “systematically suppressing sexual and reproductive health information for women and people of diverse genders.””
Yikes. All the reproductive health gains we’ve made might be rolled back by bad advice from uninformed influencers. 😬
Yikes. All the reproductive health gains we’ve made might be rolled back by bad advice from uninformed influencers. 😬
Canadian gynecologists are warning that social media videos, often misleading and created by individuals with large followings and no medical credentials, are reshaping conversations among their younger patients. The SOGC has called mis- and disinformation on women’s health a “growing threat.”
Canadian gynecologists concerned social media is reshaping perspectives about effective contraception methods
Thousands of posts on social media encourage women to ditch the birth control pill with arguments that are not supported by science
www.theglobeandmail.com
March 23, 2025 at 1:12 AM
“Tech platforms including Meta, Amazon, Google and TikTok are “systematically suppressing sexual and reproductive health information for women and people of diverse genders.””
Yikes. All the reproductive health gains we’ve made might be rolled back by bad advice from uninformed influencers. 😬
Yikes. All the reproductive health gains we’ve made might be rolled back by bad advice from uninformed influencers. 😬
Amazing.
These are the values we need to protect in Canada. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🇨🇦🍁
These are types of leaders we need.
Well done, Premier Kinew.👏
These are the values we need to protect in Canada. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🇨🇦🍁
These are types of leaders we need.
Well done, Premier Kinew.👏
March 22, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Amazing.
These are the values we need to protect in Canada. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🇨🇦🍁
These are types of leaders we need.
Well done, Premier Kinew.👏
These are the values we need to protect in Canada. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🇨🇦🍁
These are types of leaders we need.
Well done, Premier Kinew.👏
“The reality became clear: Ice detention isn’t just a bureaucratic nightmare. It’s a business…
Companies…receive government funding based on the number of people they detain, which is why they lobby for stricter immigration policies…
The more detainees, the more money they make.”
Companies…receive government funding based on the number of people they detain, which is why they lobby for stricter immigration policies…
The more detainees, the more money they make.”
A must-read:
"We are defined by the love we extend, the courage we summon and the truths we are willing to tell." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"We are defined by the love we extend, the courage we summon and the truths we are willing to tell." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
I’m the Canadian who was detained by Ice for two weeks. It felt like I had been kidnapped
I was stuck in a freezing cell without explanation despite eventually having lawyers and media attention. Yet, compared with others, I was lucky
www.theguardian.com
March 19, 2025 at 11:35 AM
“The reality became clear: Ice detention isn’t just a bureaucratic nightmare. It’s a business…
Companies…receive government funding based on the number of people they detain, which is why they lobby for stricter immigration policies…
The more detainees, the more money they make.”
Companies…receive government funding based on the number of people they detain, which is why they lobby for stricter immigration policies…
The more detainees, the more money they make.”
So let me get this straight:
1) They are doubling down on this fentanyl fallacy;
2) One of Trump’s top aids recently said Canada is covering up fentanyl labs;
3) If they call fentanyl a WMD, they can justify invading Canada.
Anyone else having flashbacks to the invasion of Iraq?
Terrifying.
1) They are doubling down on this fentanyl fallacy;
2) One of Trump’s top aids recently said Canada is covering up fentanyl labs;
3) If they call fentanyl a WMD, they can justify invading Canada.
Anyone else having flashbacks to the invasion of Iraq?
Terrifying.
SCOOP—Trump plans to issue an executive order designating fentanyl as a "Weapon of Mass Destruction," per copy of EO reviewed by me. Source at State speculates purpose is to designate cartels as terrorist orgs/justify military ops in Mexico/Canada.
Context/full text of draft only on The Handbasket:
Context/full text of draft only on The Handbasket:
Trump to declare fentanyl “Weapon of Mass Destruction," per draft EO
A copy of the draft was obtained and reviewed by The Handbasket.
www.thehandbasket.co
March 19, 2025 at 1:44 AM
So let me get this straight:
1) They are doubling down on this fentanyl fallacy;
2) One of Trump’s top aids recently said Canada is covering up fentanyl labs;
3) If they call fentanyl a WMD, they can justify invading Canada.
Anyone else having flashbacks to the invasion of Iraq?
Terrifying.
1) They are doubling down on this fentanyl fallacy;
2) One of Trump’s top aids recently said Canada is covering up fentanyl labs;
3) If they call fentanyl a WMD, they can justify invading Canada.
Anyone else having flashbacks to the invasion of Iraq?
Terrifying.
While grieving my second ectopic pregnancy, I learned that Ohio legislators wanted women and their doctors to be considered murderers for not relocating ectopic pregnancies to the uterus, despite the fact that relocating an ectopic pregnancy is impossible.
A great way to support grieving women!
A great way to support grieving women!
March 17, 2025 at 4:35 AM
While grieving my second ectopic pregnancy, I learned that Ohio legislators wanted women and their doctors to be considered murderers for not relocating ectopic pregnancies to the uterus, despite the fact that relocating an ectopic pregnancy is impossible.
A great way to support grieving women!
A great way to support grieving women!
Let’s keep it this way, Canada.
This is what “Elbows Up” is all about. This is what we are defending. This is who we are.
🇨🇦🍁🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
#elbowsup
#canpoli
This is what “Elbows Up” is all about. This is what we are defending. This is who we are.
🇨🇦🍁🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
#elbowsup
#canpoli
Canada, Denmark and Sweden have been named among the most progressive and inclusive countries in the world.
Canada named among top countries with social purpose
A study by U.S. News & World Report has ranked Canada third on a list of the top countries with social purpose.
cultmtl.com
March 15, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Canadians — listen to these voices. There’s a whole slew of them, and they are our experts in making Canada what we want it to be — a diverse, equitable and inclusive nation.
That’s my Canada. A nation that defends not just our sovereignty, but our country’s values as well.
#elbowsup
#canpoli
That’s my Canada. A nation that defends not just our sovereignty, but our country’s values as well.
#elbowsup
#canpoli
"Gender equality demands dedicated leadership, accountability, and sustained attention—none of which can be adequately achieved when it is treated as an afterthought within a larger, unrelated ministry."
Read more: www.criaw-icref.ca/statements/j...
Read more: www.criaw-icref.ca/statements/j...
Joint News Release on Minister of WAGE - CRIAW
Canadian Government Eliminates Minister for Women and Gender Equality Amid United Nations Women’s Rights Summit For Immediate Release New York UNHQ – It is unacceptable that the new Canadian Prime M...
www.criaw-icref.ca
March 15, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I’m concerned by all the posts I’m seeing that argue we need to choose between fighting for Canadian sovereignty and fighting for equity-deserving groups.
These are Canadian values — this is literally what we are defending.
It’s not one or the other. We need to do both.
#elbowsup
#canpoli
These are Canadian values — this is literally what we are defending.
It’s not one or the other. We need to do both.
#elbowsup
#canpoli
March 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
“We’re in a major fight at the moment about equity, about diversity, about LGBTQ+ rights — generally, about even the concept of gender…We’re up against a number of countries that are simply not willing to accept these concepts as being valid and important.”
#Elbowsup, Canada.
#canpoli
#Elbowsup, Canada.
#canpoli
U.S. gender backlash hitting UN agencies, Canadian ambassador Bob Rae says
Canada is mobilizing to advance gender equity and feminism in global forums as the Trump administration attempts to roll back diversity programming at the United Nations.
www.ctvnews.ca
March 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
I found out about this podcast by desperately searching for an “Elbows Up”-related podcast. Not only does one exist, but it’s great!
If, like me, you are looking for guidance on what more you can do in these uncertain times, I highly recommend. A great listen. Can’t wait for new episodes. 🇨🇦🍁
If, like me, you are looking for guidance on what more you can do in these uncertain times, I highly recommend. A great listen. Can’t wait for new episodes. 🇨🇦🍁
The first episode of Elbows Up is out this morning. It's about how Canada can build a strong civil defence corps, the way other countries living next to (gulp) a potentially hostile power have done. Does it mean you need to use a gun? No. But you need to do your part. Have a listen! lnk.to/AhF2DG
Elbows Up
Go to Elbows Up.
lnk.to
March 15, 2025 at 4:06 AM
I found out about this podcast by desperately searching for an “Elbows Up”-related podcast. Not only does one exist, but it’s great!
If, like me, you are looking for guidance on what more you can do in these uncertain times, I highly recommend. A great listen. Can’t wait for new episodes. 🇨🇦🍁
If, like me, you are looking for guidance on what more you can do in these uncertain times, I highly recommend. A great listen. Can’t wait for new episodes. 🇨🇦🍁
Agreed. I’m also not sure why his repeated threats of force (whether military or economic) aren’t being acknowledged more as an explicit violation of Article 1 of NATO, which states that members must “refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner”.
I’m fed up with media using the term ‘annex’ — which is a very benign way to say ‘seize by force,’ and in the case of Canada, Panama and Greenland, against the will of sovereign citizens.
Let’s call it what it is: an act of war.
Let’s call it what it is: an act of war.
March 14, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Agreed. I’m also not sure why his repeated threats of force (whether military or economic) aren’t being acknowledged more as an explicit violation of Article 1 of NATO, which states that members must “refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner”.
Canadian gender-diverse people and women — particularly Indigenous and racialized women — are paid less than cis men, disproportionately experience gender-based violence, & are at risk of being further marginalized by growing anti-DEI trends.
How Canada prioritizes these issues MATTERS. We matter.
How Canada prioritizes these issues MATTERS. We matter.
March 14, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Canadian gender-diverse people and women — particularly Indigenous and racialized women — are paid less than cis men, disproportionately experience gender-based violence, & are at risk of being further marginalized by growing anti-DEI trends.
How Canada prioritizes these issues MATTERS. We matter.
How Canada prioritizes these issues MATTERS. We matter.
Anyone else get an ominous feeling from Trudeau’s “one last thing” speech today? I know it’s meant to be touching and inspiring, but it reminds me of a Canadian version of the speech James Marsden (as POTUS) gives to Americans in the new series Paradise, when he knows the world is about to end 😳
March 13, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Anyone else get an ominous feeling from Trudeau’s “one last thing” speech today? I know it’s meant to be touching and inspiring, but it reminds me of a Canadian version of the speech James Marsden (as POTUS) gives to Americans in the new series Paradise, when he knows the world is about to end 😳
Thank you to the doctors and surgeons who saved my life when I:
- Was diagnosed and treated for my first ectopic pregnancy (2012);
- Was prescribed misoprostol and had a D&C for an incomplete miscarriage (2015);
- Had emergency surgery to remove my fallopian tube (2015).
Abortions save lives.
- Was diagnosed and treated for my first ectopic pregnancy (2012);
- Was prescribed misoprostol and had a D&C for an incomplete miscarriage (2015);
- Had emergency surgery to remove my fallopian tube (2015).
Abortions save lives.
Today is #AbortionProviderApreciationDay ✨
With anti-choice attacks on the rise, we're so grateful for our brave team members around the world who face down stigma to ensure everyone has a choice.
Join us in raising your voice and showing your appreciation for abortion providers. Comment below 💙
With anti-choice attacks on the rise, we're so grateful for our brave team members around the world who face down stigma to ensure everyone has a choice.
Join us in raising your voice and showing your appreciation for abortion providers. Comment below 💙
March 10, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Thank you to the doctors and surgeons who saved my life when I:
- Was diagnosed and treated for my first ectopic pregnancy (2012);
- Was prescribed misoprostol and had a D&C for an incomplete miscarriage (2015);
- Had emergency surgery to remove my fallopian tube (2015).
Abortions save lives.
- Was diagnosed and treated for my first ectopic pregnancy (2012);
- Was prescribed misoprostol and had a D&C for an incomplete miscarriage (2015);
- Had emergency surgery to remove my fallopian tube (2015).
Abortions save lives.
Elbows Up, Canada 🇨🇦 🍁🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
March 9, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Elbows Up, Canada 🇨🇦 🍁🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy, did not mince words today at an “Elbows Up” rally on Parliament Hill.
He said we are “facing an adversary to the south of us”, and that the American government “is run by a megalomaniac, who has only one thing in mind — power and greed.”🧵
He said we are “facing an adversary to the south of us”, and that the American government “is run by a megalomaniac, who has only one thing in mind — power and greed.”🧵
March 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy, did not mince words today at an “Elbows Up” rally on Parliament Hill.
He said we are “facing an adversary to the south of us”, and that the American government “is run by a megalomaniac, who has only one thing in mind — power and greed.”🧵
He said we are “facing an adversary to the south of us”, and that the American government “is run by a megalomaniac, who has only one thing in mind — power and greed.”🧵
Mar. 6: Trump uses the excuse of “honouring” women to release a statement filled with transphobic hate.
Same day: Canada announces free contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, “a significant step toward improving health care for women and gender diverse people throughout their lifetimes.”
Same day: Canada announces free contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, “a significant step toward improving health care for women and gender diverse people throughout their lifetimes.”
The feds have signed a universal contraception coverage agreement with BC. An investment of over $670 million over 4 years will provide contraception to BC residents, as well as hormone replacement therapy.
Government of Canada signs pharmacare agreement with British Columbia to improve universal access to free medications
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s (BC) Minister of Health, announced the signing of a pharmacare agreement to invest...
www.canada.ca
March 8, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Mar. 6: Trump uses the excuse of “honouring” women to release a statement filled with transphobic hate.
Same day: Canada announces free contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, “a significant step toward improving health care for women and gender diverse people throughout their lifetimes.”
Same day: Canada announces free contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, “a significant step toward improving health care for women and gender diverse people throughout their lifetimes.”
Reposted by Janelle Brennand Armstrong
Trump pretended he was "moderate" on abortion and supports "exceptions" for "rape, incest, and the life of the mother."
This week, he backed states that ban abortion for women who show up at E.R. in crisis, needing an abortion to survive.
www.salon.com/2025/03/07/q...
This week, he backed states that ban abortion for women who show up at E.R. in crisis, needing an abortion to survive.
www.salon.com/2025/03/07/q...
"Ordering people to suffer": Trump backs states that ban life-saving care for pregnant women
The Biden administration protected emergency abortions, but Trump will leave women to be injured or die
www.salon.com
March 7, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Trump pretended he was "moderate" on abortion and supports "exceptions" for "rape, incest, and the life of the mother."
This week, he backed states that ban abortion for women who show up at E.R. in crisis, needing an abortion to survive.
www.salon.com/2025/03/07/q...
This week, he backed states that ban abortion for women who show up at E.R. in crisis, needing an abortion to survive.
www.salon.com/2025/03/07/q...