News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people, across Scotland.
Dear readers, welcome to T Monthly and our monthly round-up of news and events. At the forefront of our thoughts this month, is Transgender Day of Remembrance on Monday 20 th, and the people most affected here in Scotland. To mark this annual Memorial Day, we will honour those trans people we have lost, both here in Scotland, and around the world, at our T time Edinburgh event on Saturday 18th November. All trans, non-binary, genderqueer and nonconforming people (including those questioning) are welcome, along with their supporters. At T time, we will be hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance Memorial from 2pm, which will include a safe and reflective space for remembrance, solidarity, celebration and hope. We will share poems, music and visuals, and we’ll provide materials to contribute to our TDoR tree, which has pride of place in our Centre. Weather permitting; we will also visit our LGBT Health garden space at Howe Street. Also this month, we’re providing lots of other safe spaces and opportunities to connect with others, both trans specific and LGBTQ inclusive, including T and Jam in Glasgow on the 16th November and the Winter Concert in Edinburgh on the 2nd December. It’s early enough in December to be a wee bit festive, but not too much so if you know what I mean? Joyful it will be, with Choirs, Bhangra dancing, comedy, kids performances and some gorgeous live music awaiting you, so book your seats now via www.tinyurl.com/winterconcert2018 Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans, including non-binary people through T Monthly, you can contact me via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or by calling 0131 523 1104, I’ll be happy to help - The submission deadline for the next edition is 24th November.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s Annual Feedback Survey is now open! It is this time of the year and once again we will seek for your feedback on our programme of services and events. It’s a crucial way to have your say on our Trans Support Programmes and the opportunities that are provided to trans, including non- binary folks in Scotland. Let us know what we did well this year and what we could improve on. Win a £40 voucher of your choice. Deadline: Tuesday 19th December
Support for trans people, including non-binary people, in Lothian & Glasgow LGBT Health and Wellbeing offers a range of support through our Transgender Support Programmes (TSP) in both Lothian and Glasgow. We welcome trans female/feminine, trans male/masculine genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary identities as well as intersex people, people who cross dress and those who are exploring their gender identity. Anyone who lives in and out with Lothian and Glasgow can access (TSP) although all events are delivered in Edinburgh and Glasgow. For information about social opportunities and workshops in Edinburgh, contact: Jules Stapleton Barnes, Development Worker, Lothian E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104 For information about 1:1 support in Edinburgh, contact: Annette Rae, Trans Support Programme, Lothian E: annette@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1100 (if answer-phone is on, please leave a message as they are checked regularly) For information about 1:1 support, workshops and social opportunities in Glasgow, contact: Katrina Mitchell, Development Worker, Glasgow E: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0141 271 2330 You can also find useful information online: http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/transition-support/
EVENTS COMING UP FOR TRANS PEOPLE, INCLUDING NON-BINARY PEOPLE
T and Jam Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 16th November, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free Back by popular request! Come play some music – people of all abilities welcome, and if you have an instrument, bring it along and join the jam.
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 18th November, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free An informal monthly social gathering open to all transgender people and supporters. Come along for tea/ coffee and a chat in a friendly, relaxed environment. An optional event runs along each T time, please see below for details on this month’s activity. For further information contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104
Trans Day of Remembrance Saturday 2-3.30pm, next meeting 18th November, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free We will be hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance Memorial from 2pm, which will include a safe and reflective space for remembrance, solidarity, celebration and hope. We will share poems, music and visuals, and provide materials to contribute to our TDoR tree, which has pride of place in our Centre. Weather permitting; we will also visit our LGBT Health garden space at Howe Street. T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 2nd December, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free An informal social gathering open to all trans people, their friends, families and supporters. Come along for tea/coffee and a chat plus an optional event or activity in a friendly, relaxed environment. For more information contact Katrina at katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
Non-Binary Social & New Group Consultation Friday 8th December, 6.30-8.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE We will be hosting the first meetup for non-binary and genderqueer peeps on the 8th of December! It will be a night of talk and fun where people can share (around hot beverages and biscuits) what they would like from this group, so that we can work towards creating one together. Please add your participation through this link to show you will be attending. Hope to see you there! Book online: http://tinyurl.com/nonbinaryedinburgh
Transition Support Course (Edinburgh) 2018 registration now open! Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th January, 10.30am-5pm 2018 St Margaret’s House, Floor B1, 151 London Rd, EH7 6AE (Wheelchair accessible) Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/transsupportcourse2018 or contact Jules to request a registration form. Free, 2-day non-residential course for anyone who self-identifies as having trans, including nonbinary gender identities. The course will provide safe and supportive opportunities to learn more about your options and rights, meet and connect with others, share your experiences and take part in confidence building workshops. We recognise that everyone’s journey is different.
The course is not designed to tell you how to transition, but rather to give you space and time to think about your identity, how to keep yourself well and to equip you with information about your options. Who is facilitating the course? The course will be facilitated by Jules Stapleton Barnes and Matson Lawrence from the Lothian Transgender Support Programme, with support from our Mental Health Development Worker, Alison Wren and James Morton from the Scottish Trans Alliance. I don’t live in Edinburgh, can I still take part? Yes. The course takes place in Edinburgh but is open to anyone, wherever you are based. We also deliver the course in Glasgow annually. If the course is heavily subscribed, we may have to prioritise people who live nearest to Lothian. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. I’ve done the course before, can I take part again? If you have taken part in one of our Transition Support Courses before and you register again, you will automatically be added to our reserve list, as we are prioritising people who have not taken part before. Jules will be in touch in early January 2018 to confirm whether a place is available for you. To register, please complete a registration form by January 5th - please note, Jules will confirm receipt of your registration by email. Paper copies of the form (and in larger font) are available upon request. For more information: E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104
LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBTQ Yoga Saturdays weekly 6-7pm, 4th - 25th November Santosa Yoga Studio, 21 Albert St, Edinburgh, EH7 5LH New free community yoga group for LGBTQ people (16+) Trans and gender queer friendly Led by experienced Edinburgh Community Yoga teacher, Amy Hughes. Group Contact: amy@atha-yoga.co.uk Please book via email. Equipment provided. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LGBTQYogaEdinburgh/
Winter Concert Saturday 3-5pm, 2nd December, St Mark’s Church, 7 Castle Terrace, EH1 2DP Booking essential: www.tinyurl.com/winterconcert2017 Joyful, festive and fun line-up of choirs, bhangra dancing, comedy, kids, gorgeous live music and lots more. It’s pay on the door, and you can just turn up, but to be assured a seat, please book via the link.
Rainbow Spoon 2nd Thursday of every month in 2017, 6.308.30pm Project Café, 134 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G3 6ST
Friendly, welcoming meetup run by and for the community members, inclusive of all identities. A space for folks to meet new people, feel safe, have a cuppa and have fun. Come and find out about local events/services. Optional activity each month.
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based at 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 2nd December, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Support group aimed at transsexual women at any stage of transition, women who are transgender and live as women full-time or part-time or for those who are questioning their gender identity. We look forward to meeting you and prefer that you email us the first time you want to visit the group. This helps with security and helps us get ready to welcome you. Group contact: info@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
Trans Masculine Scotland Social meet-ups for trans men and non-binary folks who identify as trans-masculine. Events are free and for aged 16+ only. To stay up to date with the group’s events and members, visit www.facebook.com/transmasculinescotland. For more information and to let us know you would like to come along, contact the group. Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com TMS Social meet-up: 11th November, 3-5pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 12 Queen’s Crescent G4 9AS
Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 26th November, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Me and T Scotland is a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are transgender or exploring their gender, and provides an opportunity to meet other people who may have similar experiences, questions or concerns. Group contact: me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com Also read more about the group here: http://meandtscotland.wordpress.com/
TRANS GROUPS MEETING ACROSS SCOTLAND: support - social - youth - spiritual Beyond Gender Tuesday evenings from 7–9pm Tuesday evenings 7–9pm Group for transgender, non binary and intersex people and their friends aged 13–25. We provide opportunities for young people aged 13 – 25 and their peers to meet, have fun and access appropriate information, support and learning opportunities, as well as
providing opportunities for people to participate in local and national decision making. And have fun in a safe space where they can be themselves. Contact: gemma.moncrieff@lgbtyouth.org.uk or visit https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/edinburgh
InfiniT (Beyond Gender Unders) Fortnightly Mondays, 5.30-7.30pm A new group for transgender, non-binary, intersex and questioning young people aged 11-16. A space for people to meet, have fun and to let us know if they need support at school. Contact E: ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 5553940 W: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/edinburgh
Central Scotland Transgender Group This has been very successful since it started and is now focused on providing a public venue for those of who are finding your confidence and, with the other groups, seeks to provide another step in your journey. We are open to ALL in the Trans Community, both male and female, with the usual proviso that we all dress smartly and behave appropriately, as befits a public venue. Contact Sarah: sarah_m_whyte@yahoo.co.uk
Dundee Trans Collective Dundee Trans Collective is a newly founded group for trans people in the Dundee area. We have a Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1446765165613427), and anyone who is transgender and/or non-binary and/or intersex, who is questioning their gender identity or who wants to learn how to be a better ally to the trans community is welcome to join, wherever they live. We're hoping to set up some offline meet ups and events in Dundee in the near future as well. We also have an email address for anyone that isn't comfortable joining the Facebook group and would prefer to ask questions or get in touch more privately. Contact: transandintersexdundee@gmail.com
Four Pillars: New leaflet and support details for Trans people in Grampian We have been working away quietly in the background and are very pleased to announce all the new services and groups now available through Four Pillars. Grampian T-Folk: We have teamed up with Grampian T-folk to bring a new social group for the trans community. Where people can meet others, share and learn. Grampian T-folk also offer support via online services for more details please email mail@fourpillarsuk.org TransParent: A new support group for parents of transgender individuals. No matter how old your 'child' is coming out as trans has an effect on parents, in both good and bad ways. The group meet every month to share stories, learn how to support their loved ones and grow together. Get questions answered by those that have/are going through the same thing. We have also been updating our website (slowly) please take a look to find out more about the above groups or any other services we offer across Grampian.
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 2nd December Support group aimed at transsexual women at any stage of transition, women who are transgender and live as women full-time or part-time or for those who are questioning their gender identity. The group meets 1st Saturday of each month 7.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE.
We look forward to meeting you and prefer you to email us the first time you want to visit. This helps with security and helps us get ready to welcome you. Group contact: info@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
Grampian T Folk meets 1st Sunday of the month Laugh, share experiences, have fun and meet other transgender folk for activities, to understand and to learn. Get in touch for full details! Group contact: mail@fourpillars.org.uk
Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 26th November Me and T Monthly is a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are transgender or exploring their gender, and provides an opportunity to meet other people who may have similar experiences, questions or concerns. Group contact: me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com Also read more about the group here: http://meandtscotland.wordpress.com/
Non-Binary Scotland Non-Binary Scotland is a group which provides support and social opportunities for people who either self-identify as out with the gender binary of men and women, or are questioning whether they might. Whether you are genderqueer, androgyne, third-gender, non-gender, agender, gender-fluid, gender-non-conforming or have any other non-binary identity you are always welcome! Non-Binary Scotland began in November 2013. We will be meeting fortnightly in Edinburgh. We meet in a safe space at least once a month. Some, but not all, of our events and meetings are also open to significant others, partners, friends, family and allies of non-binary people. You can contact Non-Binary Scotland by emailing: nonbinaryscotland@gmail.com Find out about meet-ups: http://www.meetup.com/Non-Binary-Scotland/ You can tweet us: @NonBinaryScot You can become a member of our Facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/nonbinaryscotland/
Our Tribe Transgender and looking for a supportive place to explore or express your faith? OUR TRIBE is the LGBT welcoming and affirming Christian ministry at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh. It is a joint ministry with worldwide denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches. All are welcome - friends, family and allies. We meet on the last Saturday of each month and start at 7pm. Please feel free to arrive from 6.30/45pm at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL. If you would like further information contact Rev Maxwell Reay ourtribe.auc@gmail.com or call 07957 543359
Perth Transgender Group The Perth Transgender Group meets on the first Saturday of each month and is open to anyone who identifies as trans or is a friend or family member. Meetings are at the Grampian Hotel, York Place, Perth and start at around 7.00pm. There is a Facebook page for this Group called “Transgender Perth Scotland�. On Facebook just search for that name. For further information regarding meetings or other support available in the Perth area, please email Katherine at: kate4851@hotmail.com
TG Times monthly on a Sunday, Dumfries This is an adult social group that welcomes any person who is adult and identifies as Transgender, including those who are questioning their identity or are cross-dressing. Please note that partners
and supporters of Trans people are now welcome at the groups. The group meets one Sunday of each month between 12-3pm at the Birkhill Hotel, Dumfries. For more info contact D&G LGBT Centre on 01387 255 058. For information on time and venue please contact the D&G LGBT Centre on: 01387 255 058 or email dandg@lgbtyouth.org.uk Also to keep up to date on what’s happening at the D&G LGBT center checkout our website www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk or add us on Facebook: Dumfries LGBT Centre.
Transgender Fife 1st Saturday of the month, 2-4.30pm Transgender Fife - new community group in Fife for adults (16 years plus). (Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline) Next Meeting: Saturday 7th December We welcome all trans people including those who are nonbinary. Intersex people are also welcome. We meet on the 1st Saturday of the month in alternate venues in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline for friendship, sharing information and creating future ideas for group events. You are welcome to bring along an ally/supporter on your first visit. New members are asked to contact us in advance at transgenderfife@outlook.com.
TransparenTsees (West)– group for parents of trans people 1st Thursday of the month, 6-8pm The aim of the group, which has been set up by parents, is to provide a confidential, safe place for parents to meet, discuss issues and ask questions of one another. You may just have found out that your child, whether young or grown-up, is trans*, or you may still be grappling with the issues after many years of knowing – the group is for all parents. Meetings will be held regularly at 2 nd Floor at Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details.
TransparenTsees (East) TransparenTsees East is aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting 1st Monday of the month, 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com
TransparenTsees (Tayside) We are delighted to give details of Transparentsees Tayside. They meet at 6.15-8.15pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month at Mindspace, 18-20 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EH. Contact: transparentsees@gmail.com
Trans Masculine Scotland Next TMS Social meet-up: 11th November, 3-5pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 12 Queen’s Crescent G4 9AS Social meet-ups for trans men and non-binary folks who identify as trans-masculine. Events are free and for aged 16+ only. To stay up to date with the group’s events and members, visit www.facebook.com/transmasculinescotland. For more information and to let us know you would like to come along, contact the group. Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com
Trans Youth D&G Monthly on a Saturday, 88B High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BJ, Trans Youth D&G: our youth group for young people 12-26 who identify under the Transgender
umbrella and their supportive friends meets one Saturday of each month from 1-4pm at the LGBT Centre, Dumfries. These dates activity dependant so please get in touch for more info. 1:1 support sessions for young people and or parents: are also available upon request for young trans people who may need support around their identity as are 121 support sessions for parents/ carers of young trans people who may need support in supporting around trans identities. Parents group: We are currently setting up a parents group for parents of trans young people in D&G so please get in touch for more info on this. The contact for young people and parents in D&G is julieann.karayilan@lgbtyouth.org.uk or call our centre and ask for Julie Ann – 01387 255 058.
TYG: Trans Youth Glasgow For young trans people or those exploring, aged 13-26 TYG: Trans* Youth Glasgow is a group for young people aged 13 - 26 who identify as transgender or want to explore their gender identity. The group meets fortnightly on a Monday evening at LGBT Youth Scotland in Glasgow. The group aims to support and empower young people as they take part in workshops on transgender issues, sharing their own knowledge, skills and experience, learning from each other and making new friends. For more info contact Michael Richardson at Michael.Richardson@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Waverley Care Argyll & Bute We provide one to one support for people living in Argyll & Bute who are trans or exploring their gender identity. Occasional peer support too! Please get in touch with Katrina: katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org or 07760701308.
TRANS & NON-BINARY NEWS & EVENTS ACROSS SCOTLAND Please get in touch if you would like to promote a not-for-profit event, activity, group or campaign you are involved with, for the transgender community anywhere across Scotland - jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
NGICNS Service User Engagment event update: The next NGICNS service user engagement event will be in Edinburgh on Thursday 30th November, 6-8pm. The venue is still to be confirmed, so keep an eye on social media and their website http://www.ngicns.scot.nhs.uk/open-evening-for-service-users-edinburgh-30th-november2017-6-00-8-00pm/ for details.
Supporting Transgender Young People - new guidance available LGBT Youth Scotland is pleased to announce the release of "Supporting Transgender Young People", our comprehensive and easy-to-follow guidance for Scottish schools and teachers. Developed in partnership with the Scottish Trans Alliance, this resource aims to help primary and secondary education staff support transgender children and young people and is informed by the experiences of young people and teachers. For further details, information on training options, advice and support around the issues discussed above, contact info@lgbtyouth.org.uk and download the publication here: Supporting Transgender Young People: Guidance for Schools in Scotland PLEASE NOTE: If accessing this link from an iPhone or iPad, you may need to first request the desktop version of our website, from the link at the bottom of the page.
For press enquiries, contact communications@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Mindline Trans+ Transgender helpline open Monday & Friday 8pm-midnight 0300 330 5468 MindLine Trans+ is a confidential, non-judgemental listening service for people who identify as Trans, non-binary and their friends, families and allies. Our experienced, compassionate Trans call-handlers are here to listen to, support & understand any issues you may have relating to being Trans. We can also signpost you to other places of support. Visit - www.mindline.org.uk
Our Tribe Socials and Questionaire Our Tribe is the LGBTQI and friends ministry at Augustine United Church in conjunction with Metropolitan Community Churches. You are invited to the new Our Tribe socials which will be held on the 1st Sunday of each month at 2.30 - 4.30pm at Starbucks, Middle Meadow Walk, Edinburgh. The dates are 3rd December and 7th January. We are reviewing all the Our Tribe events at the moment so there will be no Saturday Our Tribe events during this time. We want your feedback! Our Tribe is conducting a review and consultation this autumn and we want your thoughts and comments. Please complete this short questionnaire which you can find at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WMZS6W9 Thank you for your time. For further information, contact Maxwell Reay, Associate Minister, Augustine United Church on revmaxwell.auc@gmail.com
Could you be a Nightstop host? The Nightstop service, run by the Rock Trust in West Lothian, provides homeless young people aged 16-25 with emergency, short-term accommodation in the homes of trained volunteer hosts, giving them a safe space away from the streets, while the Rock Trust team work to get them longterm and permanent accommodation. Nightstop hosts are given full training and round the clock support from the Rock Trust team. Get in touch today to find out more! The Rock Trust: 55 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3QY. Registered Scottish Charity No. SCO18708. Scottish Company No. 146616 Email: Breigen.Brown@rocktrust.org Phone: 07523512455
Who’s Your Dandy? featuring Equivalence and Andra Simons Tuesday, November 28, 7:30-9:40pm (includes break) £8.00/£6.00 concessions/£2.00 Filmhouse student members Free carer tickets available in person or by phone. Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9BZ
Tickets available in person, by calling 0131 228 2688, or online https://www.filmhousecinema.com/showing/whos-your-dandy-featuring-equivalence-and-andrasimons Full Disabled and D/deaf Access Info: This is a semi-relaxed event (lights will go off completely at times but people are free to stim, tic, stretch, move and come and go as they please). Filmhouse is wheelchair-accessible via ramped entrance and electronically-assisted door, with gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible toilets on the ground floor. Cinema 1 is wheelchairaccessible via lift (otherwise two flights of stairs). There are only two designated wheelchair spaces, so booking is essential. Additional wheelchair-users can book and transfer to seats (the cinema is step-free but raked). Seating is fixed. All films are captioned; some films contain American Sign Language or British Sign Language. This event will use microphones. There is an induction loop. Live performances will be interpreted into BSL by Lisa Li and Yvonne Waddell. Equivalence contains integrated BSL, captioning and audio description; audio description will be broadcast live via mic to the entire audience throughout. Audio description for the short films is available via headset upon request. Filmhouse offers a £2 disabled discount; carer tickets are free but cannot be booked online. If you need to reserve a carer ticket, or a specific seat (such as an aisle seat or a place in the back or front row), please call 0131 228 2688 or come in person to arrange this in advance. Filmhouse access info here: https://www.filmhousecinema.com/about/access Equivalence Trailer 2017 (captioned, audio-described): https://vimeo.com/237290415 Who’s Your Dandy? Promo Video 2014 (BSL, captions): https://vimeo.com/98035149
Scottish LGBTI hate crime report 2017 launched last month The Equality Network was pleased to launch our Scottish LGBTI hate crime report, in advance of National Hate Crime Awareness Week which started on 14th October. Read the report here! Based on a detailed survey of 1,445 people in Scotland, the report is Scotland’s most comprehensive study of hate crime against LGBTI people. The report reveals shocking statistics. Two thirds of LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) people, four fifths of trans people and over three quarters of intersex people, have experienced hate crime targeted at them. In nine out of ten cases they experienced more than one hate crime. 18% of LGB people and 30% of trans people have experienced more than ten hate crimes. Although the report makes for difficult reading, we hope that people will find it informative and useful, and together, we can work in tackling all forms of hate crime. In the report we make a range of recommendations to ensure better responses to hate crime, to encourage reporting of hate crimes to police, and to prevent hate crime from happening in the first place. We would like to thank all of you who participated in the research, for taking the time to share your experiences and views.