T Monthly | April 2017

April 2017

News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland The daffodils are beaming to attention as if it’s their first day on the job, I’m seeing the buds of spring poking their way through Winter’s layers and it feels like change is coming! All signs those warmer, brighter days are just around the corner, even amidst these early April showers.

With the new season comes a brand new programme of activities from us here at LGBT Health, and our Trans Support Programmes in Glasgow and Edinburgh are brimming with options for making new connections and getting involved in community life. Whether it’s individual support you’re after, or social activities, we want to ensure you get access to the right opportunities at your own pace.

We enjoyed a fantastic yoga session with Lorraine Close from Edinburgh Community Yoga last month, and explored the benefits of a trauma-sensitive approach. I then enjoyed hearing a wide range of ideas and suggestions at T time this month, to help inform our programme of confidence workshops and optional activities going forward. People shared a keenness for creative events, crafts, movement and voice support, Cos-Play, information sessions and activities with an intersectional focus.

I’m very grateful for these ideas and energy which has already helped to shape our planning.

For the next three months though, just click to download our full April-June 2017 programme, which includes events from our Trans Support Programmes and find lots of ways to get involved…

Trans, Queer and Non-binary Performers wanted for Pride Breakfast 2017!

A fab way to get involved this quarter is to share your talents with an appreciative audience at our Edinburgh Pride Breakfast 2017. I would love to hear from any trans, queer and/or non-binary performers who would like to share a song, poem or performance at our family-friendly celebration on the morning of Pride Edinburgh - Saturday 17th June.

Just email me for details!

E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104 Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans and nonbinary 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.

Support for trans and non-binary people in Lothian, Glasgow and Fife 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 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:  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/  Contact Lothian Gender Identity Clinic on 0131 536 1570 or visit http://lothiansexualhealth.scot.nhs.uk/gic for details on services and updates on waiting times  Contact Sandyford Gender Identity Clinic on 0141 211 8137 or read more about Glasgow’s services via: http://www2.sandyford.org/media/88274/genderiidentity%20service.pdf

TRANS & NON-BINARY SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP Non-binary night Wednesday 6-8pm, 19th April, Project Café, 134 Renfrew Street, Glasgow G3 6ST Come along for an informal social and meet some new people! This month there will also be a fun quiz. For more information, contact katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.

T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 15th April, 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

T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 1st April, 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.

Gender Norms - Blending in or Standing Out? Saturday 2-4pm, 1st April, (within T time Glasgow) LGBT Health, 2 Queen’s Crescent, G4 9AS - Free Join us for some lively discussion with Chrissy, Emma and Andrew. Plus our quarterly clothes swap - bring along clean, good quality clothes you no longer need and take home something more *you* instead!

Tricky Conversations (Edinburgh) Confidence Workshop Saturday 6.30-8.30pm, 10th June, Lifecare Centre (Dean Club Room), 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB Book online: http://tinyurl.com/trickychat Come together with other trans and non-binary folks to build up your resources and confidence for responding to tricky conversations. Explore ways to respond to family, friends and people you don’t know when confronted with difficult, inappropriate conversations.

Contact Jules for more information via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.

LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk

Community Discussion: LGBTQI People & Sex Worker’s Rights Thursday 7-9.30pm, 20th April, Terrence Higgins Trust, 274 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3EH Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/gp2yvbp *Wheelchair accessible* Join Umbrella Lane and special guest migrant trans sex workers from Thailand and Mexico in a community discussion about the intersections in LGBTQI people’s rights and sex worker’s rights. We will address access to health, poverty and criminalisation.

Making a Connection: Photography Workshop Saturday 12-4pm, 13th May, ‘A Sense of Some Place’, Walpole Hall (next to St Mary’s Cathedral), Palmerston Place, EH12 5AW Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTphotoworkshop *Wheelchair accessible* In this often distant and dizzying digital age, do you want to find a real connection with others? Join community and photography enthusiasts alike for a fun and creative day using photography to explore how we make a social connection to others. Meet new people, learn more about the people in your community and maybe learn a few skills along the way. No experience necessary but please bring a camera or phone that can take pictures if you have one.

We will have a small number of cameras to lend to people on the day so please use the booking form to indicate that you need one.

We hope to print the pictures at the venue and for those who would like to, there will be the opportunity to take part in the ‘Making a Connection’ exhibition at Edinburgh’s Pride Breakfast Event.

Community Discussion: Another Brick in the Wall LGBT Youth Scotland, 40 Commercial Street, EH6 6JD Booking preferred: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTQIatschool What was it like having LGBTQI feelings at school? We’re bring together community members all ages to explore the progress being made to make schools and educational settings inclusive for LGBTQI people and asking, how far have we come? What has changed?

Hear our guest speakers share their experiences of teaching and coming out at school, with plenty of opportunity to share your own stories. In partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and Beyond Gender.

LGBTQI Adoption Event (Rainbow Families Project) Wednesday 6-8.30pm, 7th June, “A Sense of Some Place”, Walpole Hall, (next to St Mary’s Cathedral) Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW *Wheelchair accessible* Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTQIadoption Thinking about adopting? Or perhaps you would appreciate the opportunity to connect with other LGBTQI adopters? In partnership with Scottish Adoption, we’re inviting you to find out more and ask questions about what’s involved in the adoption process or for those already involved, explore what support and information you need on your ongoing journey. We are particularly keen to create a supportive environment to explore specific issues relating to the full diversity of identities within our community.

With the opportunity to hear from LGBTQI adoptive parents, we also hope to create a safe space for you to share your own experiences and explore issues unique to your situation. Come for all or whichever part of the event feels relevant: •

6-7.30pm - Find out about adoption in Scotland and how agencies like Scottish Adoption can support you

•

7.30-9pm - Hear LGBTQI adoptive parents share their stories and connect with others

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 1st April, 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 Men Scotland Social - Next event Saturday, April 29th LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Trans Men Scotland have a new social meet up for trans men (including nonbinary folks who identify as trans masculine). The group is organising regular meet ups in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The social events are usually free of charge and for ages 16+ only. Stay in touch with the group via Facebook or contact them directly.

We welcome all trans masculine (including non binary )folks 16+ who were AFAB and as always, to help maintain a safe space for everyone attending the meetings, the event is not open for cis allies. However, if you feel like you need someone with you for whatever reason, or have any further questions, please email us at transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Group Contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com

Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 23rd April, 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

Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 1st 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

Me and T Monthly 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 23rd April 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! 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/

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

Seahorses Swimming Club Seahorses is a community swimming group for Trans identifying people in Glasgow.

Seahorses takes place at 3-4pm at Whitehill pool in Glasgow on the last Sunday of each month. The group is currently open to people aged 16+ but we are working on opening it up to younger members.

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/Seahorsesglasgow

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 Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details.

TransparenTsees (East) A New TransparenTsees East 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: ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555 3940

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 Men Scotland Social Next event Saturday 3-5pm, 29th April (Edinburgh), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Trans Men Scotland Social organise social meet ups for transmen (including non-binary folks who identify as trans masculine). The group is organising regular meet ups in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The social events will be free of charge and for ages 16+ only. Stay in touch with the group via Facebook or contact them directly to find out more about the next meeting.

Group contact: 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 & NON-BINARY 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

Scottish Government - Experience Panel Recruitment In March, the Minister for Social Security launched the social security Experience Panels.

The Experience Panels will offer an opportunity to those with direct, personal experience of the benefit system to get involved and help shape the future of social security in Scotland. One of our key principles is that social security in Scotland will be designed with the people of Scotland, and these panels are one way of turning that principle into a reality.

We’re looking for at least 2,000 people to join the Experience Panels, and will be looking to recruit volunteers through an open invitation, publicly asking for volunteers, and by a direct postal invitation to a sample of around 18,000 people currently in receipt of DWP benefits.

Registration will be open for 10 weeks and will close on 12 May 2017. We’ve tried to make signing up as easy as possible, primarily through the SG website, and with a telephone helpline for those who need additional support or who have questions. A range of recruitment and promotional material has been produced. This includes an invitation form, an online and downloadable registration form, an information pack and a poster. We will also be providing translation in 200 languages, textphone, SMS and BSL via the helpline. The material is all available here: http://www.gov.scot/socialsecurity http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/fairerscotland/Social-Security/Experience-Panels/b We are keen to reach as many people with recent experience of benefits as possible, and to ensure that we get a wide representation across all of the devolved benefits

Life in Scotland Survey needs your input! Win £50 voucher Trans or non-binary? 13-25? Live in Scotland? LGBT Youth Scotland would love to hear from you!

Complete their anonymous survey and tell them what life is like for you. As well as getting your voice heard, you’ll have the chance to win a £50 voucher. Please share the survey with friends and help LGBT Youth Scotland spread the word. We are asking LGBTI young people about their experiences of community, education, health, safety and identity.

Complete the survey here - www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LifeinScotland2017

Scottish Trans Alliance unveils new brand We launched our new brand at the Equality Network Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh last night, 28 February 2017. The launch of the new brand coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Equality Network and the 10th anniversary of the Equality Network establishing the Scottish Trans Alliance.

Our new Scottish Trans brand identity has been created in parallel with the new Equality Network brand, to help promote our position as Scotland’s centre of expertise on trans issues.

Equality Network's new voice icon:

The Equality Network’s role is to achieve real and lasting change for LGBTI equality in Scotland, by working together with diverse LGBTI people across Scotland. At the core of our identity is therefore a new iconic mark. It is a symbol that represents thousands of voices - being heard, being included, and demanding change. It’s the voice of community, change and equality.

The voice icon is an integral part of the brand, appearing in all our materials and campaigns. The new Equality Network logo retains a human element, but its clear and simple design is a move away from the previous complex logo.

Tim Hopkins, Director of Equality Network, said: “We are pleased to unveil the new Equality Network brand identity. Our new brand reflects our position as a go-to organisation for LGBTI equality in Scotland—active, confident and inclusive.”

Tim continued: “We have chosen a new tagline that clearly sums up what the Equality Network does: “Creating change together“. We are all about getting real change for LGBTI equality in Scotland, by empowering LGBTI people across Scotland and working in partnership.”