December 2016 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Greetings T Monthly readers to our end of year edition! Soon we’ll be tussling with tinsel and the mayhem of festivities, so we hope T Monthly provides a welcome reminder that a supportive community is reaching out and preparing lots of fun and interesting activities to keep you in touch over this time and into the new year ahead. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to make-up specialist Molly Sheridan, who early this month delivered ‘Make-up and Feel Great’ in Edinburgh. Though Molly clearly has a wide-range of commercial experience, her approach and ethos was informative, non-judgemental, generous and totally engaging. For some, perhaps particularly for trans and non-binary people, make-up can be a crucial tool for boosting confidence, exploring identity and self-expression. Molly helped steer this journey, with no agenda or expectations, just knowledge, care and enthusiasm. Fantastic! Molly has invited anybody from the trans & non-binary community to contact her with individual questions or enquiries, via mollysheridanmua@gmail.com As I prepare the new programme, I am focussing my attention on the forthcoming free Transition Support Course taking place at the end of January in Edinburgh. If you would appreciate some time, support and focus to think through your situation and the steps you are considering in regards to transition, this could be just the ticket. There are limited spaces but we want to make sure we offer it to as many who need it, as possible. So if you or somebody you know need support & space to reflect on gender transition, please forward this month’s edition and draw their attention to the details via the link. Before we look too far ahead, you are warmly invited to our annual Winter Concert this Saturday afternoon, which is set to be a belter! Scotland’s LGBT Choir headline a festive bundle of joyful acts to raise your spirits. Including belly dancing, a Christmas story featuring two Dads, live music, spoken word and a hip-hop dance battle! With opportunities to sing-along, LOL and support the wonderful performers who have donated their talents and time, reserve your tickets now via www.tinyurl.com/LGBTwinter (pay on door). Finally, have your say in our annual service evaluation, and maybe win £40 Waterstones vouchers! - www.bit.ly/LGBTsurvey2016 and check out Sandra Alland’s latest event happening this Friday! T Monthly will be back with you in early 2017. 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.
TRANSGENDER SUPPORT PROGRAMMES Lothian and Glasgow 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. We also deliver some social events for trans people in Fife. 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 For information on social events in Fife, contact: Diane Florence, Development Worker, Fife E: diane@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 07508 608699 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
Transition Support Course Edinburgh – Registration deadline 8th January Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January, 10.30am-5pm, St Margaret’s House, Floor B1, West Wing, 151 London Rd, EH7 6AE (Wheelchair accessible) Anyone who self-identifies as having trans* and/or non-binary gender identities are welcome to participate in this free, 2-day non-residential course in Edinburgh. 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 will be facilitated by Jules Stapleton Barnes and staff from the Lothian Transgender Support Programme, with support from our Mental Health Development Worker, Alison Wren. Lunch and refreshments will be provided both days. The course takes place in Edinburgh 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 Jules, as we may be able to help towards travel costs. If you have taken part in one of our Transition Support Courses before, you will automatically be added to our reserve list, as we are prioritising people who have not taken part before. Jules will be in touch in the early New Year to confirm whether a place is available for you. How to register for the course You can complete a registration form via www.tinyurl.com/transsupportcourse2017 The deadline for registration is January 8th but places are limited so register your interest early to avoid disappointment, as it may not be possible to offer everybody a place. Jules will contact you after receipt of the registration form and confirm whether a space is available for you in due course. You are also very welcome to phone first to discuss. Contact Jules via: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0131 523 1104 for more information. Here is what a participant said about last year’s course:
“Thank you so much for facilitating such a wonderfully open, inclusive and informative weekend. It certainly reinforced what I knew, filled in all the gaps and increased my confidence in going out and coming out no end” National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland (NGICNS) Endocrinology Guidance Visit the NGICNS website to find out up to date information about the work of the network, news and changes affecting GIC patients and useful information, including new guidance on endocrinology - http://www.ngicns.scot.nhs.uk/endocrinology/
LGBT Health and Wellbeing News Annual Service Evaluation - WIN £40 Waterstones vouchers Dear T Monthly reader, we want to know what you think about LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s programme of services, events, courses and community groups. Please take the time to give us your comments and feedback by completing this anonymous and confidential survey:
www.bit.ly/LGBTsurvey2016 Closing Wednesday 21st December Thank you very much on behalf of our Transgender Support Services!
Could our Counselling Service be useful to you in the new year? Life can feel tough for many of us from time to time and talking with someone who is trained to listen and support can really help. We offer a confidential counselling service with appointments both during the day and in the evening from Monday to Friday. Counselling can help with a whole range of issues, including: - relationship difficulties - gender or sexual identity issues - self-confidence and self-esteem - abuse - depression and anxiety - isolation If you think that counselling might be right for you, the first thing to do is complete and send us a referral form using the link on our website or give us a call on 0131 523 1100. You will then be invited to an initial appointment during which you can find out more about the service as well as talk about the issues with which you’re needing support. Once you begin seeing your counsellor, you will have 11 weekly sessions of 50 minutes. How much does it cost? Private counselling in Edinburgh costs around £45 per session. Our service is supported by donations so although you will never be turned away if you are unable to pay, we ask all of our clients to make a donation at each session according to their ability to do so. All donations come directly into the counselling service and we are members of the Gift Aid scheme. For more information email claire@lgbthealth.org.uk
TRANS SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 17th December, 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
Live Music & Festive Party Saturday 2.15-3.30pm, 17th December (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE
Jules and Siobhan are preparing a wee live performance for you and invite you to bring an instrument and join in or be an appreciative listener. We’re celebrating a year of T times and wonderful new connections made, through music, chat and minces pies!
Festive Creative Fun Saturday 2-4.30pm, Going Forth (SAMH) First House, Woodmill Road, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 4S Come along and let your creativity flow! Make a festive table decoration or a yule log to take home or gift to someone. WE will supply all the materials and the tuition, but feel free to bring along anything you would like to use. We’ll have a Xmas quiz and of course some mince pies. Booking preferred by contacting Diane: E: diane@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 07508 608699
Festive Markets and Dinner Together Wednesday 3pm, 28th December, LGBT Health, 12 Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS Booking essential | Book ticket via Katrina - katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk | 0141 271 2330 Would you like to meet friends over the festive period? Come round to ours where we’ll be cooking up a festive hot meal to enjoy after braving the Christmas markets in town. All dietary requirements catered for, just let us know when you book. All trans, non-binary and intersex people welcome. Tickets £8, please book your place by December 16th.
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 7th January, 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.
Barbershop Evening Tuesday 6-9pm, 17th January, For Fika Sake Café, 7 Keith St, Glasgow G11 6QQ *wheelchair accessible* Confidence Workshop Booking preferred | Contact Katrina or book online - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgowtransgender-support-project-barbershop-evening-tickets-29818945268 katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk | 0141 271 2330 Barber Gabe Jordan will host a relaxed, fun evening looking at what to expect from a visit to the barbers, an introduction to shaving at home and haircare. You’ll even be able to get a speed cut, shave or beard trim on the night! For trans men, transmasculine and non-binary people.
New Year New You Saturday 2-4.30pm, 28th January, The Session Room, The Old Kirk, Steps from Kirk Wynd, Fife, KY1 1EH - or through the level drive from Oswald's Wynd and Church Lane, which provides disabled access (KY1 1BG). Jenny from Ace of Face will be giving us a pamper masterclass full of makeup tips, skin health and much more! Jenny will also be giving ideas for male grooming so there will be something for everyone!
Yoga for Beginners Confidence Workshop Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 16th March, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Book online: http://tinyurl.com/transyoga Contact Jules for more information via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104. Come and try this inclusive yoga beginner’s session with Lorraine, for trans and/or non-binary people in a safe and supportive setting. A great way to try something new or build on your experience of yoga. This will be a trauma informed class that encourages you to move and breathe in a way that feels OK for you. Wear comfortable clothing for physical activity and though yoga mats will be provided, feel free to bring your own.
LGBT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk Winter Concert Saturday 3-5pm, 10th December, St Mark’s, 7 Castle Terrace, EH1 2DP If you are in need of a safe, warm and inclusive space (during chaos of Christmas) and a reminder that there are amazing people in our communities here in Edinburgh, please come and join us this Saturday! Support the performers, our charity and remind those more isolated or finding things tough, that there is support and a community to belong to and be proud of. Friends, friends of friends, allies, and supporters, family all welcome... the doors are open from 2.45pm Reserve seats via www.tinyurl.com/LGBTwinter (pay cash on door, or contact Jules as we don’t want £ to be a barrier!)
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 7th January, 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 Sat 17th December, 7-9pm, 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. Group Contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com
Me and T Scotland - Re-launched after maternity break! 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 22nd January, 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 October 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 activities, contact by phone: 01224 543695 or email: grampian.tfolk@gmail.com
Me and T Monthly Group has re-launched after maternity break! 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 22nd January
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 The Seahorses Trans and Non-Binary Swimming group continues to meet on the last Sunday every month from 3-4pm at Whitehill Pool in Denistoun in the east end of Glasgow, £3 per session. 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 2nd 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 Sat 17th December, 7-9pm, 9 Howe Street, 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 when and where they are 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
Anatomy #14 - 2016: Nuke it From Orbit (Edinburgh) Invitation from Sandra Alland I'm doing a wee show, it's at a cabaret called Anatomy, and this particular event is called Nuke It From Orbit. I'm doing a reading of my short story, Equivalence, with film and a few theatre-like moments :-) It's about gender, disability, science, and the nature of the 'I' in 1st person stories. I hope you can make it. Friday, 9 December, 8:00pm (with pre-show chat/tour for blind people and BSL users, at 7:30pm) Anatomy costs ÂŁ7, and tickets are available here: http://www.summerhall.co.uk/2016/anatomy-14-2016-nuke-it-from-orbit/ Summerhall Anatomy Lecture Theatre, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh The wheelchair accessible entrance is through the side of the building, off of Summerhall Square. More info on Summerhall's weird but mostly accessible building here: http://www.summerhall.co.uk/about/accessibility/ ACCESS: The space is wheelchair accessible, and there's BSL for the whole night. My show has a BSL performer (Bea Webster), captions and audio description also. Here's a video teaser, with captions and audio description: https://vimeo.com/189777215
Transgender Remembrance Day Event - this Friday 9th December In commemoration of Transgender Remembrance Day, University of Edinburgh's Staff Pride Network is organising a special evening to look at the depiction of trans identity in pop culture. Playwright Jo Clifford will join as guest speaker to talk about her work, followed by a screening of the 2015 trans indie movie Tangerine and a post-film discussion. As well as being an academic and broadcaster, Jo Clifford is an award-winning, Edinburgh-based playwright whose list of credits include the plays God’s New Frock (2003) and Sex, Chips and the Holy Ghost (2011). She is currently in Brazil to produce her latest play, The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of Heaven. Tangerine is a 2015 comedy-drama directed by Sean Baker. It made its premier at the Sundance Film Festival and has been lauded for both for its innovative use of iPhones as film cameras, and for its raw and sometimes shocking depiction of a transgender underworld in Los Angeles.
Location: Screening Room, Ground Floor, 50 George Square When: Friday, 9 December, 18.00-21.00 A limited number of tickets are available. To get yours, please follow these instructions: 1) Tickets can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/transgender-remembrance-tickets29223840293 2) You will reach a site providing you with the link 'Contact Organizer'. Please click on this. 3) On the following set of options, input your name, email and request for a ticket. 4) An email-of-invitation will be sent to you. 5) Within this invitation email, click on 'register', then on 'checkout.' 6) An e-ticket is created for you; please bring this to the event. For any further information or queries, contact Edinburgh University Trans representative Gina Maya Roberts: ginamaya75@gmail.com
Equal Recognition Non-Binary Seminar Sunday 11th December, 10-4pm, Central Glasgow, Lord Hope Building, 141 Saint James Road, Glasgow, G4 0LT This seminar is open to non-binary people in Scotland who want to help us move forward with our Equal Recognition Campaign. The day will be split into two parts - the first will bring together non-binary community members and activists with lawyers, academics and other professionals with knowledge and expertise in this area to start thinking about how non-binary legal gender recognition should and could work in Scotland. The second will be a chance to share a space with other non-binary people to talk about how we negotiate a binary world, sharing tips and priorities for activism moving forward. For the conference programme, accessibility and booking info, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equal-recognition-non-binary-seminar-tickets-29284756495
Trans Men Scotland Festive Social Saturday 17th December, 7pm - 9pm (Doors open at 6:45pm), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Join the TMS organisers for a festive social! Activities planned for the evening will include typical party games, some with a transmen themed twist. Music will be in the background - requests in advance are welcome, we will do our best to include as many as possible. Feel free to bring along some party games to share. We also encourage festive clothing (jumpers t-shirts hats etc.), though there is no formal dress code required. As it’s Christmas, we can't leave without a Christmas present! Spend a whole £1 only, on a pressie and bring it wrapped to the party for a "Secret Santa if you can. We are still finalising food details, since cooking facilities will be limited to a microwave. We encourage you to get in touch with any simple food and drinks ideas. In the spirit of community, we also encourage you to bring along food or drinks contributions. Again, please ensure that all contributions are shop bought and in original packaging. ***ALL DRINKS MUST BE ALCOHOL FREE, no alcohol is allowed to be consumed on the premises. This is non-negotiable*** We would really appreciate if you could reply to transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com to confirm your attendance. This is so that we can provide enough food. Do not worry if plans change at short
notice, you are not obliged to come and equally, you will still be welcome to come along on the day. Please also let us know if you will be attending with a carer/support worker/personal assistant. Unfortunately, both venues are not entirely accessible for wheelchair users (this is something we are aware of and hope to address in the future). Both premises have a small number of steps at the entrance. There is one accessible toilet in the Edinburgh venue. We look forward to see you there! Warm wishes from Transmen Scotland Social. We welcome all transmasculine 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.
New Stonewall Survey - Help LGBT Young People Make Their Voices Heard Stonewall Scotland have just launched a new survey for LGBT young people aged 11-19, which will tell us what things are like for LGBT young people in Britain today. We’ll be able to see if things have changed over the last few years, and what still needs to be done to make things better. The information we get from the survey, will be presented in a report, which will be published in 2017. Please help reach as many young trans and/or non-binary people as possible! Complete/share the survey - www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/scotland-survey Suggested tweet - Trans and/or non-binary? Aged 11-19? @stonewallscot wants to hear your views - www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/scotland-survey
Trans-friendly Football A new Trans-Friendly Football Club will begin training early in 2017, with coaching support and the use of Glasgow Life facilities. As a first step on this journey, we are issuing an open invitation for anyone – especially those in the trans-community – to join a 6-week fashion and kit-making course. Help to design a kit for the gender-neutral football team, including a team badge and accessories. Explore your creativity in a safe and welcoming environment, and help build a safe space for transgender people to get involved in sport and fitness. The weekly sessions run from 6 – 7.30pm, next session on Wed 14 December. Venue: Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8AP. This course is designed for adults.
Queer Tango Inclusive Tango classes for LGBTQI people Wednesdays 12 noon-1pm and/or 1-2pm; 7-8pm and/or 8-9pm, Epworth Halls, Methodist Church, Nicholson Square (5 minutes from the University of Edinburgh George Square campus) Want to know more? A participant described how Louise teaches tango: "Louise’s philosophy of tango is that it is about awareness and connection. To tango well, you have to be able to pay attention. Some people have called tango ‘walking with attitude’, but she thinks it is ‘walking with awareness’ – of yourself, of the other person, of everybody else in the room, of the music. In the world and in life in general, people are often looking for different ways to connect really well with other people. As human beings, we thrive with connection, and tango is a fabulous way of being connected."
Find out more at http://www.qte.dance/ and/or join the Queer tango Edinburgh Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/285415031797624/.
Are you a trans-identified or experienced applicant, student or staff member? The University of Strathclyde is undertaking a research project to better understand the barriers and challenges faced by trans applicants and those considering going to college and university as well as students and staff within further and higher education in Scotland. We are seeking trans-identified or experienced applicants, students and staff members within Scottish colleges and universities to take part in the research. We want to learn about the barriers you have faced and the support needs trans applicants, students and staff have within Scottish colleges and universities. We would also like to hear from those who have considered or are currently considering applying to college or university. We would be very grateful if you could spend 10 minutes completing our online survey: https://strath.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AZY9XrsYrbRsKV For more information, please see our website: https://tiny.cc/trans-edu
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/