Marni Panas

Marni Marcelle Panas is a Canadian LGBT activist. As a transgender woman, she has campaigned for LGBT causes.

Biography

Early life and education Panas was raised in a small town in Alberta. At birth, she was observed to be biologically male and her parents named her Marcel. From "the age of six or seven," Panas became aware that she "didn't fit in to what was expected of [her] as a young boy." Around age 10, she began cross-dressing in her mother and sister's clothing.

On June 11, 2015, Panas graduated from Athabasca University with a degree in Health Administration.

Professional life Paras currently works for Alberta Health Services as a senior adviser of diversity and inclusion. She is also a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional. Paras previously worked for the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.

Personal life In 1996, Panas met her future wife, Laurina, who was accepting of Panas' passion for performing as a drag queen at Mardi Gras. After receiving psychological counselling, Panas and Laurina sent an email to their relatives, friends, and coworkers to explain that March 21, 2014 would be the last day of Panas' life as a man.

Activism and honours Panas campaigned for Bill 10.

Panas is the recipient of a humanitarian award from John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. In 2018 she won the Global Edmonton Woman of Vision award.