April 2016 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland. There is something special about the emergence of spring, the sense of newness and budding colour can help to keep us looking forward. A warm welcome from us all at T Monthly HQ. Katrina and the Glasgow T time team bring you a fantastic trans-led singing workshop this month, whilst over in T time Edinburgh we have a discussion for trans and non-binary people and their partners. First though, we’re gearing up for another community-focused NHS Lothian Gender Information Session on Wednesday 13th April. We’ve been working with staff from the Lothian Gender Clinic at Chalmers to organise another supportive information event that will put the focus on the questions that patients and potential patients want to ask. There’s no pressure to ask questions yourself, however via the booking link you have the opportunity to let us know what you’d most like the answers to, from the people who are delivering the services. For the full list of clinic staff who will be present at the event, visit this link. I received a lovely email this week that I have permission to share, which captures the impact of the LGBT Swimming sessions really nicely. I’m grateful for the feedback and really happy to hear the sessions are providing such an important space for trans and nonbinary people. Follow the link above to sign yourself up for the remaining 4 sessions! “I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the last session and how important it was for me personally. It was the first time since early childhood that I was able to take my shirt off in public and it left me feeling very empowered. Had it not been for the accepting atmosphere at Warrender it could have taken me months to get to this stage and yet there I was, just 5 weeks after my surgery, showering topless among cis men.”
Also this month we bring you the summary report for our recent Fife LGBT Community Needs Assessment, carried out by LGBT Health between October 2014 and September 2015. The report reveals some significant findings in regards to the needs of transgender people living in Fife, including the majority expressing a need for more information in regards to gender reassignment services. Access the full report via - http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/online-resources/ I’m off to frolic in a “host of golden daffodils”, so until next month, take care! +
Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans 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.
TRANSGENDER SUPPORT PROGRAMMES Edinburgh and Glasgow Transgender Support Programmes LGBT Health and Wellbeing offers support through our Transgender Support Programmes (TSP) in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. We welcome trans female/feminine, trans male/masculine, genderqueer, 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 outwith Edinburgh and Glasgow can access (TSP) (although all events are delivered in Edinburgh and Glasgow). For more information about 1:1 support and social group opportunities, contact: Jules Stapleton Barnes, Development Worker, Edinburgh E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104 Katrina Mitchell, Development Worker, Glasgow E: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0141 271 2330 You can also find useful information online: Gender Reassignment Protocol http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_26.pdf National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland (NGICNS) www.ngicns.scot.nhs.uk Use the contact form if you would like to request to be added to their contact list. Hate crime information from Police Scotland www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/hate-crimethird-party-reporting/
LGBT Health and Wellbeing News Volunteers wanted for the Trans Support Programme (Glasgow) The Glasgow Trans Support Programme needs volunteers to help with planning and running our exciting and expanding programme of events! If you're interested, please get in touch with Katrina Mitchell on katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk for more information.
Getting it Right for LGBT Teachers Saturday 2-5pm, 9th April, LGBT Youth Scotland, 40 Commercial Street, EH6 6JD We want to ensure the voices of transgender and/or non-binary teachers are heard at this unique event for LGBT teachers in Edinburgh this month! The event is for teachers who identify as LGBTQI and will provide opportunities for conversations, support and sharing best practice. Joining us will be representatives from the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), Education Institute of Scotland (EIS), The National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) and Scottish Workplace Networking for LGBT people (SWAN), to provide guidance and information about support services and initiatives aimed at improving the professional life of LGBT teachers in Scotland. In addition to providing LGBTQI teachers with a much needed safe space to share best practice, reflect and discuss their own experiences, we are hoping that the event will also act as a catalyst for further peer support for teachers in future. LGBT Health and Wellbeing and LGBT Youth Scotland and all the partner organisations are keen to hear from LGBTQI teachers about what we can do to support them in their careers and in schools. The booking link for participant teachers who'd like to attend is: http://bit.ly/1QSM2Lk
Should you like any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or Graeme Ross on 0131 555 3940 or via graeme.ross@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Could you benefit from having a volunteer befriender? LGBT Age Befriending is a supported friendship - like match between two people - the person requesting a Befriender and a trained volunteer. They meet regularly to participate in agreed social activities for a couple of hours per week. For example, they could go along with you to the monthly transgender social event, T time. LGBT Age Befriending aims to help improve the quality of life for LGBT adults over 50 who may have fewer opportunities for social contact. For more information contact Beverley via beverley@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
LGBT Helpline Scotland (http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/helpline) provides specialist support and information for all transgender people and their families, friends and supporters. Whether you need some time to explore your gender, or if would like to discuss your relationships, transitioning options, discrimination you’re experiencing, feelings of isolation or anything at all, we are here for you. The helpline is a trans* aware service and we make no assumptions about your gender or the gender of others in your life. We are open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12-9pm and can be reached by phone on 0300 123 2523 or by email at helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
EVENTS COMING UP T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 2nd April, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free An informal social gathering open to all transgender people and supporters. Come along for tea / coffee and a chat plus an optional event or activity in a friendly and relaxed environment. An optional event runs alongside each T time, reflecting participants’ interests and requests. To discuss T time Glasgow or find out more, please contact Katrina via katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0141 271 2330. March T time is ‘family friendly’. (Please note the 3rd T time of each quarter is ‘family friendly’ in Glasgow, ‘family friendly’ means that under 16’s are welcome if accompanied by an adult).
Campaigning for Trans Equality Saturday 2-3.30pm, 2nd April (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS This workshop, facilitated by the Scottish Transgender Alliance, will help you understand your current legal rights and how you can use the recommendations of the UK Parliament’s recent Transgender Equality Inquiry Report to improve healthcare, education and justice for trans people. Find out more about the work of the Scottish Transgender Alliance and how you can get involved.
NHS Lothian Gender Services Information Session Wednesday 6-8pm, 13th of April Nancy Louden Suite, Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, (venue fully accessible and has changing facilities) 2A Chalmers Street, EH3 9ES (Booking essential) This information session is for anyone 16yrs+ who self-identifies as having trans* and/or nonbinary gender identities and who would like to learn more about the gender services offered by the NHS Lothian Gender Clinic. We hope this will be a valuable opportunity to give people a safe and supportive space to ask relevant questions and have those questions responded to in a trans
community-focused environment. You do not have to have been referred to the Clinic to attend and parents and supporters are also welcome. There will be the opportunity to submit questions for Clinic staff ahead of the event via our booking form, and also some limited time to ask them in person on the night. Book online - http://tinyurl.com/genderinfosession
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 16th April, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE 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
Partners in Transition Saturday 2-3.30pm, 16th April (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE Trans and non-binary people and their partners are invited to this safe and supportive discussion around some of the issues affecting couples when a partner transitions. The discussion will be facilitated by Jules and Lawrence, both T time and Lothian Transgender Support Programme staff.
Sing Sing Sing! Saturday 1-4pm, 23rd April, venue TBC, in Glasgow (Booking Preferred) Cost: FREE
We are running a singing workshop in partnership with the Adam World Choir project. The workshop will be an opportunity to explore your relationship with your own voice, and to do some easy and fun singing with friends in a safe and supportive space, led by singer-songwriter Sarah Yann Fanet, who is herself trans. This workshop is open to everyone from the trans, non-binary and intersex community – no particular singing ability or experience required! Supported by the Mental Health Foundation. Contact Katrina for further information or to book: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330. This workshop is leading up to the National Theatre of Scotland’s exciting global digital community choir – The Adam World Choir, which is inviting trans and non-binary people from around the world to participate. For more information visit: https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=s1329
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 April 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
Me & T Monthly group update! Me & T meetings are going on a hiatus for part of this year, due to maternity leave. We will give you an update in September this year to let you know what the plans are moving forward with Me & T. And don't forget to check the Facebook page for a bit of signposting or info during the meetings break - https://www.facebook.com/MeTMonthly 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/
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
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 2nd April 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 Meet in Aberdeen last Wednesday of the month from 6-9pm and last Saturday of the month for an all-day drop-in A support group for all under the trans umbrella. This thriving group now has over 60 members! Grampian Tfolk have started a summer series of bike rides. For more information about the group or getting involved in the summer activities, contact by phone: 01224 543695 or email: grampian.tfolk @gmail.com
Non-Binary Scotland Meeting every second Friday from 6pm-9pm 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! NonBinary 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/
Me & T Monthly Group update! Me & T meetings are going on a hiatus for part of this year, due to maternity leave. We will give you an update in September this year to let you know what the plans are moving forward with Me & T. And don't forget to check the Facebook page for a bit of signposting or info during the meetings break - https://www.facebook.com/MeTMonthly 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/
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 (Scotland is included in the Facebook name as we used to receive lots of membership applications from Australia!) For further information regarding meetings or other support available in the Perth area, please email Katherine at: kate4851@hotmail.com
Sandyford Transwomen Support Group A peer support group for transwomen who reside in Glasgow and the West of Scotland and beyond. Although we are affiliated to Sandyford and hold our Wednesday meetings there, we are
a separate entity. Our meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6.00pm to 7.45pm and 3rd Saturday of each month from Noon to 2.00pm (Not within Sandyford). E-mail: sandyfordtranswomen@yahoo.co.uk
Seahorses Swimming Club A new swimming club for the transgender community continues this month Glasgow. The club meets on the last Sunday of each month. The club is only open to those who identify as transgender or non-binary. At this stage, the club is open to those aged 16 and over. It will take place from 3pm until 4pm at Whitehill Pool, Dennistoun. The pool is close to Alexandra Parade train station and quite close to Duke Street station too both of which are just a few minutes from Queen Street Station. The club committee will be at the seated area inside the main entrance and to the right, from 230pm. There is a charge of £5 for the session to begin with. We may be able to bring this cost down as the club develops depending on our numbers. There is a registration form to complete, as well as our code of conduct and safe space rules which you'll need to check out before getting into the pool, so we suggest that you come along in good time. The club committee and LEAP Sports have been doing training with staff at Whitehill Pool and will continue to do some training sessions as the next couple of month’s progress, in order to make the sessions run as well as possible. For more information contact the group via the Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Seahorsesglasgow
Swans of Scotland – North of Scotland Self-supporting help group for all trans folk in the North of Scotland. Find out more and come along and have a chat, ask questions, be yourself. Contact: www.spanglefish.com/swansofscotland
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.
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 so please contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details. Contact: tranparentsees@gmail.com if interested in coming along!
TransparenTsees (East) A New TransparenTsees East aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting monthly on a Monday. 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555394
Trans Men Scotland Social Transmen Scotland have a new social meet up for transmen (including non-binary folks who identify as trans masculine) coming soon. The group will be free of charge and for ages 16+ only. Dates, times and venues to be confirmed. Watch this space for updates! For more info contact us at transmenscotlandsocial@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 COMMUNITY NEWS IN 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
Trans Men Scotland AGM Sunday 3pm, 17th April, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE Transmen Scotland is currently in the process of changing hands bring with it new meet ups, new events and exciting things alike. First on their agenda is an Annual General Meeting where current members of the committee and the group, are invited to meet new members, exchange roles and responsibilities and discuss new opportunities for the group.
Email transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com for more information. (Meeting confirmation from the 31st March).
New Exhibition! Proud City: celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual people living and working in Edinburgh The People’s Story Museum, Canongate Tolbooth, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BN. New exhibition open to the public: 30 April- 29 October 2016 Proud City is a new exhibition opening to the public at People’s Story Museum on 30 th April. The exhibition showcases some of the city’s collections exploring LGBTQIA+ history alongside contemporary items telling the stories of people living and working in Edinburgh today. There will be an opening event on Friday 29 April at 5-7pm at the People’s Story Museum. Numbers are limited so booking is essential. Please book by 8 April via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/proud-city-tickets-24002973540
Trans Fit – a new online directory for trans fitness and sports opportunities Trans-Fit is an online directory that is looking to list all Trans-exclusive and Trans-friendly fitness and sporting activity groups across the UK and Northern Ireland. As more and more Trans and Gender Non-Binary folk look to take more care of their health and fitness, Trans-Fit aims to help people to find activities that they will enjoy, in the knowledge that they will be in a safe and welcoming environment. For people who wish to gain information to help them get fitter and healthier on an individual level, there is a Trans-Fit Group on Facebook. It is run by an experienced transgender health and fitness professional with 13 years’ experience in the field, and the group is aimed at helping to motivate people of all abilities to become the best that they can be! The website can be found here: www.trans-fit.co.uk, and the Facebook group can be found here: www.facebook.com/groups/TransFit If people know of any groups or regular events that can be added to the website, then please get in touch at trans-fit@hotmail.co.uk
National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland The NGICNS annual meeting took place in January. There was a review of the activities of the network since its establishment a year ago. The steering group meets every 3 months and the minutes can be downloaded from the NGICNS website. At the annual meeting there was a suggestion to inform people on the contact list when new content is added to the website. If you would like to receive updates and details of upcoming events to attend you can request this via the contact form on the NGICNS website. Just fill in your details and ask to be added to the contact list.
Useful trans community links and resources The Scottish Transgender Alliance works to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. Click here to access a wealth of links and resources for the trans community. http://www.scottishtrans.org/resources/