Shanni pinkerton (she/her)

Policy and Education Specialist

Shanni (she/her) is a bisexual, neurodivergent, cis woman working as one of our Policy and Education Specialists. As part of the Education and Advocacy Team, she works with the nurses to improve gender-affirming care in the province:

“As one of the policy and education specialists on the QTHC team, I have the privilege of working with nursing professionals in Alberta to offer foundational training on providing affirming healthcare to transgender and gender diverse patients. Everyone deserves access to safe, respectful, well-informed care providers; by evaluating the needs of both our community and of Alberta’s medical professionals, we can work to improve the experience of community members seeking care and ensure that medical best-practices affirm all patients.”

To this work, Shanni brings her experiences as a storyteller, educator, and performer:

“My life centres around storytelling. Through my work as both a performer and educator, I’ve witnessed the power a story has to impact the world. This has shaped me to value curiosity, empathy, and the strength inherent in having one’s voice heard”

She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to empower community members to share their unique experiences.

Outside of the QTHC, Shanni spends time mentoring children and teenagers producing live theatre productions. She also works as a co-creator, director, and choreographer for All The King’s Men, a troupe of drag king improvisers who are a part of Sorry Not Sorry Improv:

“This collective of femme and non-binary performers examines gender roles and toxic masculinity through what the show’s marketing calls “an unrecorded live advice podcast hosted by the most qualified experts on any subject—some dudes.” We offer an outlet for laughter and queer joy, punching up at the patriarchy and providing catharsis for our audience and our cast of kings, too.”

In her spare time, Shanni juggles a “dizzying array of hobbies, including reading, writing, cosplay, crafting, improv, D&D, and choreographing 80s-aerobics-inspired dance numbers for drag kings.” Though she enjoys everything she does, there’s nothing she likes more than frolicking in nature with her golden lab, Pippin. 

Shanni can be reached by emailing shanni.pinkerton@ourhealthyeg.ca.