August 2016 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Hi there and a balmy Scottish summer welcome to our whistle-stop tour through August’s events and news. Firstly I’d like to make a quick mention of the wonderful Edinburgh Trans Women team, who hosted a super friendly and inviting stall at our LGBT Summer Fete last weekend. Helen, Dee, Maria and Susan did a fantastic job of promoting the group and creating friendly vibes for the new folk looking to find out more. They engaged with lots of people so great job! Festival and Pride fever is rippling through Scotland this month. I was thrilled to hear about Alloa’s first Pride march and a great turn out at West and East Lothian Prides. It’s on to Glasgow next, where LGBT Health and Wellbeing will be hosting Glasgow Pride Breakfast and a stall at the ‘Village Square’. Pride Breakfast is a great way to meet people at the start of the Pride weekend and feel energised and inspired before the march on Saturday. There will be changing space for those who’d like it and lots of delicious breakfast goodies to indulge in. Katrina from our Glasgow Trans Support Programme will be there too, perhaps along with some talented T time performers! Leading up to Pride, Katrina and the T time Glasgow team will be hosting a creative placard-making session this weekend. Head along this Saturday to find out how you can get involved in the celebrations! Over at T time Edinburgh on the 20th of this month, we’re looking forward to welcoming PC Davie Clark, to chat about reporting hate crime against trans people. It will be a safe, informal and supportive session to share your experiences, ask questions and let the LGBT Liaison Officers know what YOU need to feel safe in your city. This discussion will be followed by a wider community discussion on Tuesday 6th September. Have a fabulous month! 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 Lothian and Glasgow Support for trans and non-binary people LGBT Health and Wellbeing offers 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: James Knight, Development Worker, Lothian E: james@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
Volunteers needed for Trans Support Programme photoshoot! We are looking for volunteers to help contribute to some welcoming, inclusive publicity for our Trans Support Programmes, that we can use online and in printed materials. We want our service publicity to reflect the diverse trans community we meet here in Scotland and would like to invite a number of trans people to take part in a social afternoon and photoshoot, to help create some friendly and authentic images. We’ll be providing a lunch and chance to get to know other participants, before creating a fun, safe, supportive and relaxed atmosphere for picture-taking. If you’re thinking of volunteering, please be aware that the images we create at the session will be widely publicised and associated with trans work, for an indefinite period of time. If you would like to help us and are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.
Introducing James Knight, Development Worker, Trans Support Programme (Lothian) Hello, I’m James and I’ve just started as a Development Worker as part of the Trans Support Programme (Lothian). I will be working to provide people with a huge range of support regarding their gender identity – this could be 1:1 support or providing information on different services or activities, or support alongside your ongoing treatment. I have experience or working with a number of charities on issues ranging from sexual and mental health to young people and animal welfare. I’m just about to finish my training as a Person Centred counsellor and I try to bring the qualities of empathy and acceptance to all of my work. You can contact me by emailing james@lgbthealth.org.uk or calling 0131 523 1100. I work on Fridays and will also attend the monthly T time events, and it would be lovely to see you either to offer support, provide information or even to have a friendly chat.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing News Counselling Service Anyone who is LGBT, questioning their gender identity and/or sexual orientation is welcome to self-refer to our counselling service. You can currently access up to 11 counselling sessions. We offer day time and evening sessions Monday to Friday. Once we receive your referral form you will be invited for an initial assessment and then allocated with a counsellor. Contact counselling@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1100 to ask for a Referral Form or make a referral over the phone.
TRANS SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 6th August, 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. This month our optional event will be games, so you can get competitive or just have fun – we’ll have some board games inside, and if the weather is ok we’ll branch out into the garden too. For more information contact Katrina at katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
Pride Placards and Practice Saturday 1-4pm, 6th August (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS We’ll be making affirmative placards in anticipation of Pride later in the month; while downstairs there will be a practice space (with guitar) available to anyone who would like to perform a song or two at the community Pride Breakfast. For more info, contact katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 20th August, 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
Reporting Hate Crime Saturday 2-3.30pm, 20th August (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE Come and meet Davie Clark from Police Scotland, who will provide information on how to report a hate crime or incident, how to tell the difference between a crime and an incident and just what might be involved in the process of reporting. We’re creating a safe and supportive setting to hear more about the importance of reporting hate crime and giving you an opportunity to think of further questions that you might like to ask at the wider community discussion in September.
Transition Support Course Glasgow 24th and 25th September, 11am-5pm, Lipton House, 170 Crown Street, Glasgow G5 9XD (Wheelchair accessible) Anyone who self-identifies as having trans and/or non-binary gender identities is welcome to participate in this free, 2-day non-residential course in Glasgow. The course will provide safe and supportive opportunities to learn more about your options and rights, meet and connect with other trans people, 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. The course takes place in Glasgow but is open to anyone, wherever you are based. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. If the cost of travelling to and from the venue is a barrier, please contact us as we may be able to help towards travel costs. Lunch and refreshments provided both days. The deadline for registration is Friday 9th September. Places are limited so register your interest early to avoid disappointment. You will be contacted after receipt of the registration form, to confirm whether a space is available for you, or you are welcome to phone first to discuss. Contact Katrina via: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0141 271 2330 for more information. Booking essential. You can complete a registration form here: http://bit.ly/Glasgow_Transition_Course
LGBT EVENTS COMING UP Glasgow Pride Breakfast Saturday 9.30am-12noon, Calton Heritage and Learning Centre, 723 London Road , Glasgow, G40 1AG. Booking preferred (see below). Cost: £4 / £2 suggested donation. To book your place at the breakfast, please go here: Pride Breakfast Booking Contact kelly@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330. Join us for our 2nd annual Glasgow Pride Breakfast! Pride breakfast is a fantastic friendly and lively start to your Pride weekend. Come along to fill your boots up with hearty hot breakfast rolls, fruit and hot drinks. Enjoy live performances and if you fancy it, walk around the corner with us to the start of the Pride march. Pride breakfast is a safe, family friendly, inclusive space for everyone. We will also be putting on a vintage bus for the march for those who don’t feel able to walk – for bus bookings, please contact jean@lgbthealth.org.uk if you are interested.
Rainbow Families Summer Picnic Saturday 1-5pm, 13th August, Magnet Play Area East Meadows, Melville Drive, Edinburgh, EH9 9EX Booking via: www.tinyurl.com/rainbowpicnic
Join us in the Meadows for a fun-packed afternoon of games, mischief & mayhem! Jules will be there with a gazebo & fun games for children to try! We’ll set up near the Magnet Play Area so children have lots to keep them occupied whilst parents have the opportunity to chat. Contact Jules for more info: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104. Booking essential in case bad weather prompts cancellation.
LGBT Hate Crime: Would You Report It? Tuesday, 6-7.30pm, 6th September McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4LU. Wheel accessible, BSL provided. Free, booking essential at: www.tinyurl.com/reportinghate Join us for the next in our series of quarterly community discussions. Find out the difference between hate incidents and hate crime and the impact of reporting either to the police. We will discuss why people do and don’t report and hear from Police Scotland’s new LGBT Liaison Officers about their role in making Edinburgh a safer place for LGBT people.
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 6th August 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 Meeting on the following dates:
Thursday 6-10pm, 25th August, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Sunday 7-9pm, 18th September, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS
Transmen Scotland have a new social meet up for transmen (including nonbinary 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. Group contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.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 6th August 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/
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 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 2.30pm. 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 555 3940
Trans Men Scotland Social Meeting on following dates: • •
Thursday 6-10pm, 25th August, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Sunday 7-9pm, 18th September, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS
Transmen Scotland have a new social meet up 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. 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 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
Lunch on an Island! Saturday 27th August We'll meet at Oban train station at 11.45am, then take the 5 minute crossing over to the island of Kerrera on the tiny ferry, and then a leisurely stroll to the Kerrera Tea Garden for some lunch before heading back. The walk from the ferry to the tea garden takes about 50 minutes each way, so there will be plenty of time to chat and take in the beautiful scenery. This is open to anyone who is trans, nonbinary, intersex or exploring their gender identity. For more information or if you're planning to come, please get in touch with Katrina before August 25th (so that she knows how many people to expect): katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org / 07760701308. Please note, you’ll need to bring lunch money and £4.50 for the Kerrera ferry fare.
NHS Lothian Annual Review The NHS Lothian Annual Review meeting will take place from 2pm to 3pm on Wednesday 31 August 2016 at Lothian NHS Board headquarters, Meeting Room 7 and 8, 2nd Floor, Waverley Gate, 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG. The Annual Review is the formal process through which the Scottish Government assesses NHS Lothian’s performance in 2015-2016. The meeting will be chaired by Ms Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport. Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting. During the main Annual Review meeting there will be a 30 minute Public Question and Answer session, at which members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions about health services in Lothian. It will not be possible to answer questions about an individual patient’s care or treatment at this session. British Sign Language Interpreters will be available during the meeting. Questions in advance of the meeting are welcomed; please email us at: Strategic.Planning@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Edinburgh Festival: Trans themed play "Playback" by Laurie Motherwell, Paradise @ St Augustines, Venue 152 on 6-13 August at 3.20pm Stag Hart Productions are bringing the debut performance of emerging playwright Laurie Motherwell's 'Playback' to the Edinburgh Fringe! After an acclaimed production of 'Yellow Moon' (**** theSpace, 2014). Stag Hart Productions are returning to Fringe with another striking piece of Scottish writing. The Boy can't sleep. Audio books help. At least it did. But what happens when the story they tell takes on a life of their own? When the tape skips and the boundaries of binaries are blurred? When the rewind button refuses to work, or goes back over something that was fast forwarded past? When it tells a story that should have ended in a completely different way? Max was happy with Mum and Dad. Max might be a werewolf. Max feels most comfortable in trousers over a dress. As Superman and not as a princess. Directed by Julia Carstairs Cast The Boy- Jamie Gould Ensemble- Elliott Reeves Giblin, Emily Horrex, Kimberley Athawes, Martin MacLennan
Play suitable for 14+ We will be performing at Paradise @ St Augustines, Venue 152 on 6-13 August at 3.20pm Tickets are ÂŁ7/ ÂŁ5.50. To book tickets follow the URL below. For tickets on 6-8 August phone Paradise box office on 0131 510 0023 Hope to see you there! It's not to be missed. https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Playback?utm_campaign=projectpage-shareowner&utm_content=Playback&utm_medium=Yimbyprojectpage&utm_source=Facebook&utm_ter m=j5qaA5yXw
Coffee, Cake and Conversation A time for spiritual, pastoral and social connection. Meeting monthly on Tuesdays from 7.30 - 9.00pm and Thursdays from 1.30 - 3.00pm at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL. Everyone Welcome. Next meeting dates: Tuesday 20th and Thursday 22nd September Contact: Maxwell Reay, NHS Chaplain: 0131 537 6734 Rev Fiona Bennett: 07552 162717
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/