Calgary: Anna Murphy, Beloved Trans Advocate, Dies; Community Mourns Loss

CALGARY, ALBERTA — Communities across Calgary and the province are mourning the loss of Anna Murphy, a respected advocate for equity and a well-known leader within queer and trans communities, who died this week amid a mental health crisis. She was 30.

Murphy was recognized as a thoughtful and determined voice in Calgary’s transgender community and a consistent contributor to civic life. News of her death has led to an outpouring of tributes from community members, colleagues, and public officials who say her work helped foster a more inclusive and compassionate city.

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said Murphy’s passing left him “shaken and deeply saddened,” pointing to both her personal impact and her broader influence on civic engagement. He described her as a steady and serious presence in public spaces, noting her involvement on advisory bodies and her close work with institutions to improve fairness and inclusion in decision-making.

“She was thoughtful, prepared, and persistent,” the mayor wrote, adding that Murphy focused on meaningful work rather than recognition. He said her death highlights the continued pressures faced by trans people, including public scrutiny, hostility, and emotional strain. He urged the city to honor her legacy by ensuring that those who continue similar advocacy efforts receive meaningful support.

Raised in rural Alberta, Murphy faced significant challenges as she affirmed her identity as a transgender woman. Those experiences informed her long-standing commitment to advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women’s issues, and transgender rights. Over time, she became a trusted voice on equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility throughout Calgary.

Murphy held several prominent volunteer roles, including serving as a University of Calgary senator and as vice-chair of the Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee of the City of Calgary’s Social Wellbeing Advisory Committee. Her contributions were formally recognized when she was named a Calgary Stampede Western Trailblazer and received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her service and volunteerism.

In 2022, Murphy played a key role in securing a mayoral proclamation recognizing International Transgender Day of Remembrance in Calgary. While working with Contemporary Calgary, she helped organize a memorial event that drew more than 200 attendees, including community members, Elders, and dignitaries such as Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani. Many cited the gathering as an example of Murphy’s ability to bring people together with care and purpose.

Tributes have continued from across the city, with fellow advocates describing Murphy as principled and compassionate, someone who approached difficult conversations with clarity and respect. Community members also remembered her as a mentor who encouraged others to remain engaged and persistent, even when advocacy work became challenging.

As Calgary reflects on her legacy, leaders and advocates are renewing calls for stronger mental health supports, safety, and dignity for trans people—values Murphy consistently championed. Many say her impact endures through the policies she influenced, the institutions she challenged to improve, and the people she inspired to continue striving for equity.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, support is available in Canada through Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, or by text at 45645. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day.