Easton Avery
Cohoe-Hopkins
re-naming and 30th birthday celebration
saturday june 15, 2024 at 7pm
grace united church
You’re Invited
I’m turning 30 this year and the time feels right to make my name change official. It would mean the world to me if you were there to celebrate the occasion. - Avery
The Details
Renaming Ceremony
- Doors open at 6:30pm
- Ceremony begins at 7MST
- Officiated by Rev Denise Davis Taylor
- Open to the public
30th Birthday Reception
- After the ceremony till late
- Mocktails, snacks and cake
- Featuring musical performances
- Spots limited, please RSVP!!!!!!!!!
In lieu of gifts or flowers...
Your presence is the biggest gift of all, so please don’t feel pressured to bring flowers or birthday gifts. Instead, I’m asking that all those who have the resources to do so - particularly fellow white settlers - consider giving generously to the Edmonton 2-Spirit Society this year. I’m not affiliated with this organization in anyway. I just deeply respect the work they are doing. The root of homophobia and transphobia is colonization, and 2sLGBTQ people are under attack. This is more than a donation, it’s an act of solidarity, and that’s the best gift you could ever give me.
LEARN MORE
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
- Lilla Watson
You're probably wondering...
What’s up with the name change?
I’ve been thinking about changing my name legally for many years now. Recent political events in our province pushed me to mark this occasion in a meaningful way. The first name, Easton, is my paternal great grandmother’s middle name, and is a play on the name given to me during the Queer Scouts days (East). The last name is a combination of both of my grandmothers maiden names, making my new initials EACH... as the cooperative moto goes, “from each according to their ability, to each according to their need.”
So... what do we call you now?
Still Avery! I was given Avery as a middle name at birth and it always resonated with me. It will remain my middle name when I make the legal change. Did you know it’s an all-gender name that means ruler/leader of the elves? Thanks to my parents for that. Fun fact: My dad James goes by his middle name too. I guess it runs in the family.
Can I bring a plus one?
It depends! The church sanctuary where the ceremony itself will be can fit lots of people, however, space in the basement where the reception is being held is limited. The ceremony is open to the public, so bring the whole family. If you plan on staying for the party we just ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly :)
What should I wear?
It’s important to me that you feel your most comfortable, free and fabulous during this event. Whether that’s full glam in a ball gown, a three piece suite with a bowtie, jeans and a t-shirt, or a hoodie and sweat pants - come as the truest version of yourself.
I can’t make it in person, can I join via Zoom?
Yes! Friends from across Turtle Island and the world can join in on the ceremony. Grace United Church has offered to help us with this. When you RSVP, you’ll join the list to receive a Zoom link closer to the event date.
If you have questions about the event or just want to get in touch, you can reach me at
eastonaverycohoehopkins @ gmail.com