August 2017 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Greetings reader, I hope this finds you well. So what does August have in store? In the midst of festival chaos, there are familiar and welcoming events happening across Glasgow and Edinburgh for you. It is perhaps one of the busiest months of the year and can feel pretty hectic, expensive and overwhelming at times, so thanks to James, a thoughtful community member, here are some fantastic festival fringe shows with trans and LGBT themes that have been cherry-picked for you. Including some great free shows too! At T time Edinburgh this month, Specialist Nurse David Parker and Psychiatrist, Dr Danny Mogford from The NHS Lothian GIC are joining us to chat about hormones. In a relaxed and supportive setting, come and ask questions, found out more about hormone treatment and how to access it safely.
Meet local trans groups and orgs at the LGBT Summer Celebration At this year’s Summer Celebration, you can meet the friendly folks from Edinburgh Trans Women, Trans Men Scotland, Me and T Scotland, Scottish Trans Alliance, Stonewall and many others at our community fair within the bright and spacious setting of Out of the Blue Drill Hall. There’s gorgeous live music all day, activities, café, queer book and zine stall, quiet space, and lots to see and do. A perfect excursion for a Sunday afternoon! Throughout the month there are community groups’ regular meetings; Edinburgh Trans Women on Saturday 5th August and the later in the month it’s the Trans Men Scotland social on Saturday 26 th August. Read our ‘What’s On’ guide for all the details. So have a lovely month ahead and should you need to chat to somebody, or get connected, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have lots of different ways to help, and different ways to communicate with you, so whether it’s phone, email or in person, we’re always ready to welcome you. Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans and 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.
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 T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 5th 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. For more information contact Katrina at katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
Quiz and Placards for Pride Saturday 2pm, 5th August, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free Create a placard to march with at Glasgow Pride! And we’ll also be hosting a team quiz, with rounds on trans history, ducks, music and loads more.
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 19th 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
Hormones Q&A Saturday 2-2.45pm, 15th July, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free A chance to chat with David Parker and Dr Mogford from Chalmers GIC, about hormones, their effects, what to expect and how to take care of yourself through treatment.
Moving Forward with Confidence (Edinburgh) Confidence workshop Saturday 12-5pm, 30th September, Media Education, 183 Dalry Road, EH11 2EB Book online: http://tinyurl.com/movementworkshop Dance and movement Therapist Thania Acaron returns with this fantastic interactive workshop to explore asserting our identity and connecting with our body in a positive way. Explore gender expression through movement in a supportive space, challenge expectations and discover how gender influences the way you move, who you are and where you would like to be. This workshop is likely to be oversubscribed so book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited. Please also therefore notify me if you are no longer able to attend. 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
Pride Breakfast (Glasgow) Saturday 9.30-12pm, 19th August, Carlton Heritage Learning Centre, 423 London Road, G40 1AG. Cost: £4 / 2 concession Booking essential: kelly@lgbthealth.org.uk | 0141 271 2330 Our 3rd annual Pride Breakfast - a fantastic friendly, lively start, fruit, pastries, and hot drinks. Enjoy live performances and if you fancy, walk with us to the start of the Pride march.
Ride with Pride Bus We are delighted to say that LGBT Age ‘Ride with Pride’ will be taking part once again in the Glasgow Pride parade on Saturday 19th August. A big thank you to the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust who makes it all possible. If you would like to take part in the march, yet find it difficult to walk the distance, we invite you to ride in style on our vintage double decker bus. Booking is essential, contact jean@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330. Deadline: Monday 14th August
LGBT Summer Celebration Sunday 1-5pm, 30th July, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG Cost: Free, suggested donation £3 Venue is wheelchair accessible and free parking on-street and nearby is available. No need to book, but please share! - Facebook event Stalls, freebies, quality raffle, short hair cuts from Barber Gabriel, activities, live music, games, Queer Book and Zines, café, GIANT unicorn, ‘Love Ball’ photo booth, crafts, treasure hunt and much more! LIVE MUSIC ACTS confirmed include: Roberta Pia, Anders Panders, Lake Montgomery, Cera Impala and Thee Girl Fridays
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 5th August, 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 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. Next events: TMS Social meet-up: 25th August, 3-5pm, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE TMS Social meet-up: 9th September, 3-5pm, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS 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 24th Sept, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Please note: there will be no meeting in August 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 5th 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 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 24th September
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, (Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline), Next Meeting: 5th August (Dunfermline) New community group in Fife for adults (16 years plus). We welcome all trans people including those who are non-binary. 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: 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 TMS Social meet-up: 26th August, 3-5pm, 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 regular social events are 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 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
MORF Binder Exchange Scheme - new catalogue available Since 1st July 2017, the catalogue has moved to its new home at morfbinders.wordpress.com meaning that anyone can see the catalogue, at any time. It is therefore no longer necessary to email requesting the catalogue, and it will be kept as up to date as possible. This also lists our FAQs and may have other information in future. It is a stopgap while the Morf website is under maintenance. This means, if you have a binder request, you should be responded to far quicker. Emails are being answered strictly in the order in which they arrived, but you can check for the most recent updates at morf-binder-scheme.tumblr.com/ or send a message there if you have an urgent query. https://morfbinders.wordpress.com/catalogue/
Transgender Fife 1st Saturday of the month | 2-4:30pm, Next Meeting: 5th August (Dunfermline) (Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline) New community group in Fife for adults (16 years plus). We welcome all trans people including those who are non-binary. 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.
Juno Dawson & C N Lester - ‘Transitions’ Friday 18 Aug, 2:15pm - 3:15pm, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Garden Theatre £12.00, £10.00
What makes a woman a woman? Is it her biology? Is it a rite of passage? Is it society? As she transitions from male to female, Juno Dawson's The Gender Games explores feminism and femininity in culture, science and society. Cofounder of the first national group for young LGBTI people in the UK, academic and activist C N Lester's Trans Like Me analyses the most pressing questions of the transgender debate. https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/junodawson-c-n-lester
Meeting for parents of trans children in Oban Sunday 27th August, 2pm, Oban. TransparenTsees and Waverley Care are teaming up to host a meeting in Oban for parents of trans children. 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. Please contact us for venue details: katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org / 07760 701308
Trans Pride Scotland EGM & Catch up Saturday 12th August | 1-4pm, Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, 9 Haddington Place, EH7 4AL Free registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trans-pridescotland-egm-catch-up-tickets-36196714347 We're hosting an EGM to replace the positions that people have dropped out of since the AGM. This date is the most popular one we have been given and have booked for 3 hours. The venue is accessible and there will be minimal refreshments. We'll be running through what’s been happening since January before the elections take place, info about the positions available will be posted a week before the event.