News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people across Scotland. It’s our end of year edition and it’s exciting to not only provide a round-up of events for later this month, but for the start of the new year too! There are so many ways to connect with other trans people, explore skills and opportunities and find ways to help give you a boost of confidence. Before that, I simply have to mention the wonderful performances from our trans community at this year’s Winter Concert in Edinburgh, and the joy and sparkle they brought to over 100 people. The community-born ‘T and Jam band’ braved the drizzle and travelled over from the West to play a moving set list, including covers of Chris Isaak, Radiohead and Crowded House. The lead singer’s vocals provided a poignant re-imagining of familiar lyrics and the instruments accompanying infused passion, rhythm, melody and lots of talent. Also joining T and Jam, were three children under 12 from our Rainbow Families Project (with a supportive Dad on guitar) singing about justice, equality, being yourself and staying strong. They were brilliant, the audience loved it and it was deeply encouraging to see young kids embrace their identities and perform with such pride. Another talent needing a mention was transgender singer-songwriter, Jack Neil from Edinburgh. If you missed their stunning live performance, you can listen via - https://jackneil1.bandcamp.com/ The festive period can be particularly hard on some people, and so at T time in Edinburgh this month we’re taking the festivities into our own hands and creating trans-friendly greeting cards to ensure ourselves and the people we know, receive the right kind of cheer and support this December. Materials provided, just turn up and have a go! And don’t miss out on the first T time Glasgow of the new year, rescheduled for 12th January, where they’ll have a fabulous selection of indoor games to ease us gently in 2019. If you’re finding this time of year hard, we have some suggestions of support that might be useful, read on for details. Also read about some fantastic events lined up for January and February, to give you lots to look forward to for 2019. Back in 2019! Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans people, including 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 - The submission deadline for the January edition is 3rd January 2019.
Support for trans people, including non-binary people, in Lothian & Glasgow 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 around 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: Sylvia Cohen, Trans Support Programme, Lothian E: sylvia@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1100 (if answer-phone is on, please leave a message as this is checked regularly) 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 and resources online: http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/transition-support/
Events coming up for trans people, including non-binary & genderqueer people
Non-Binary Night Wednesday 7-9pm, 12th December, Woodlands Workspace, 66 Ashley Street, Glasgow G3 6HW - Free A friendly and welcoming inclusive social space for non-binary and genderqueer people - have a coffee, meet new folk and hatch some plans. Tonight – Festive Origami!
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 15th 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
T and Jam Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 20th December, 12 Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow G4 9AS, Free (3rd Thursday of the month) Come play some music – people of all abilities welcome, and if you have an instrument, bring it along and join the jam!
Trans Friendly Greeting Cards Saturday 2-3.30pm, 15th December, (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free Volunteer Siobhan is leading on this informal, fun and crafty drop-by workshop where you can design greeting cards with affirmative images and messages to share over the festive season. Materials provided, no skill necessary!
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 12th January, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS – Free (Please note: date rearranged for January) 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. January optional activity: Relaxed games afternoon to ease us into 2019!
Transition Support Course 2019 (Edinburgh) Free, 2-day non-residential course for anyone who self-identifies as having trans, including non-binary gender identities. The course will provide safe and supportive opportunities to learn more about your options and rights, meet and connect with others, share your experiences and take part in confidence building workshops. 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. Registration link: www.tinyurl.com/transsupportcourse2019 Deadline: 5th January. Who is facilitating the course? The course will be facilitated by LGBT Health staff from the Trans Support Programmes with support from our Mental Health Development Worker, Alison Wren and James Morton from the Scottish Trans Alliance. I don’t live in Edinburgh, can I still take part? LTSP is funded by NHS Lothian. Although we welcome people who live outwith Lothian, we do need to prioritise Lothian residents. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. For Lothian based attendees, if travel costs are a barrier to attending, then please get in touch as we can help. I’ve done the course before, can I take part again? If you have taken part in one of our Transition Support Courses before and you register again, 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 early January 2019 to confirm whether a place is available for you. To register, please complete a registration form by January 5th – please note, Jules will confirm receipt of your registration by email. Paper copies of the form (and in larger font) are available upon request.
HELP OVER THE FESTIVE HOLIDAYS We realise that Christmas can be a very lonely time for people. Our offices will be closed from the 21st December (5pm) and will reopen on the 7th January (9am). If you need help between those times, don’t hesitate to reach out to: LGBT Helpline Scotland Information and emotional support for all LGBT people across Scotland, their families, friends and supporters Festive opening times: – Thursday 27th, 5-9pm and Friday 28th December from 12-5pm – Thursdays 3rd and Friday 4th January from 12pm to 9pm - T: 0300 123 2325 E: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk W: Live chat on www.lgbthealth.org.uk Breathing Space A confidential out of office hours telephone line for people experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression. Open: Monday-Thursday (6pm-2am) / Friday-Sunday (24-hour) - 0800 83 85 87 Samaritans 24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope. Open: every day of the year (24-hour) – T: 116 123 E: jo@samaritans.org NHS24 Free 24-hour urgent health advice phone service. Open: Monday-Thursday (6pm-8am) / Friday 6pm-Monday 8am – T: 111 Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline Free, confidential and non-judgemental information and support for LGBT+ people Open: Every day (10am to 10pm) – T: 0300 330 0630 E: chris@switchboard.lgbt W: Live chat on www.switchboard.lgbt
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based in Edinburgh & Glasgow supported by LGBT Health Non-Binary Edinburgh (next meeting 4th January 2019) 1st Friday of the month 6.30-8.30pm, Leith Community Education Centre, (Links Room) 12A Newkirkgate, Edinburgh EH6 6AD We provide a safe space for non-binary identifying people, to come together and meet other NB people, share experiences, support one-another and have the opportunity to learn more about themselves. We welcome all non-binary people, including those who are genderqueer, gender non-conforming and questioning a non-binary identity. We
aim to create a safe space, where non-binary identities and ideas can be fully accepted. If you would like to attend for the first time, please get in touch so we know to expect you. Please also get in touch to join the mailing list. Group contact: nonbinaryedinburgh@gmail.com
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 5th January 2019, 9 Howe Street, 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 Masculine Scotland Social meet-ups for trans men and non-binary folks who identify as trans-masculine. Events are free and for aged 16+ only. To stay up to date with the group’s events and members, visit www.facebook.com/transmasculinescotland. For more information and to let us know you would like to come along, contact the group. For future meeting dates for the diary: Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com or visit the facebook page.
LGBTQI LGBT Health and Wellbeing event highlights coming up - find out What’s On via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
Rainbow Families New Year’s Disco Saturday 2-4pm, 12th January, 44 Buchanan Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8RF Wheelchair accessible, Family friendly Join other LGBTQ+ families for music, games and dancing to generate some positive community vibes to celebrate the new year ahead. Book online: https://tinyurl.com/rainbowdisco
Queering the Map of Our City (LGBT History Month event) Saturday 12-4pm, 2nd February, 2 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE Cost: Free - Suggested donation £3. Ages 13+ Wheelchair accessible, family-friendly, BSL provided, hearing loop available Get creative at a community map-making workshop for LGBTQI+ people. Explore and share the places and spaces that matter to you, past and present. We’re particularly keen to involve people with intersectional identities. Make new connections and discoveries and be part of creating a new queer map of Edinburgh. Book online: https://tinyurl.com/queermap
Community Workshop and Discussion: How Language Promotes Inequality Saturday 2nd March, 1-5pm, Edinburgh (venue TBC on booking link) Free – 16+ Wheelchair accessible, we aim to provide BSL upon request (booking essential) What is Critical Discourse Analysis and how can it help us build resilience against the harmful messages and influences in the media (social and commercial)? Join us for a workshop and discussion, to better understand how language promotes inequality for our LGBTQI community and how we can build resilience, ideas and activism to protect and promote equality for all. With guest facilitators, Senior Lecturer from University of Edinburgh, Joan Cutting and Lifelong Learning Development Officer from City of Edinburgh Council, Hannah Bradley. Book online: https://tinyurl.com/wordsandequality
TRANS GROUPS MEETING ACROSS THE REST OF 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. Visit https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/groups-andsupport/find-local-youth-groups/beyond-gender/
InfiniT Every Monday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm A youth group for people aged 13-16 who identify as transgender or are questioning or exploring their gender identity. Key youth worker: Julia Vidania If you would like to join this group please visit contact us via this page on the website: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/groups-and-support/find-local-youth-groups/infinit/ Make sure your email is correct or we can't get back to you! We will be in touch within 1 week. If you would just like to chat to someone about anything else, click here.
Central Scotland Transgender Group - under new management 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. Contact the group: dunblane.socialgroup@gmail.com
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
TransParent (Grampian) A new support group for parents of transgender individuals. No matter how old your 'child' is coming out as trans has an effect on parents, in both good and bad
ways. The group meet every month to share stories, learn how to support their loved ones and grow together. Get questions answered by those that have/are going through the same thing. We have also been updating our website (slowly) please take a look to find out more about the above groups or any other services we offer across Grampian: http://4pillarsuk.org/groups/transparent.html
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
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”, so please visit us there to find out more.
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, 2-4.30pm Transgender Fife - community group in Fife for adults (16+). (Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline) Website: www.transgenderfife.com Facebook: https://bit.ly/2I2T40M Next Meeting: please email for details! We welcome all trans people including those who are nonbinary. 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: TransparenTsees@gmail.com
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 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 Meets every Monday 7 - 9pm 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 every Monday at LGBT Youth Scotland in Glasgow. The group aims to support and empower young people as they take part in workshops on transgender issues – including coming out, health and legal issues – sharing their own knowledge, skills and experience and learning from each other. For more info contact: info@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
Special community ticket offer - The Gospel According To Jesus Queen of Heaven: Thurs 13 – Sat 22nd December Hello again! This time I'm reaching out as producer of The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of Heaven by Jo Clifford. We are presenting a special run of the show this Christmas in the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and we’d love to extend an invitation to old friends and new in your network. In order to make the experience more accessible and affordable we’ve put together a community offer with the Traverse - more info in the pack attached and online: https://www.traverse.co.uk/visiting/access-guide/jesus,-queen-ofheaven-community-pack/ We want to give the opportunity to as many LGBTQI+ people to enjoy The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven. Our aim is to encourage a wholesome, rewarding and enjoyable visit to the theatre - where LGBT voices and stories are rarely seen, especially at Christmas - and make our LGBTQI friends feel safe and welcome. The pack includes: ➢ Free backstage tour ➢
Opportunity to meet with Jo and members of the creative team after the show
➢ Up to 5 tickets: £8 ticket per person by using code MYQUEEN8 when booking online, in person or over the phone. ➢ More than 10 tickets: £7 per ticket and 1 free ticket for every 10 booked using code MYGROUP7 when booking online, in person or over the phone. To make a booking, confirm a tour and discuss your needs, please contact the Traverse’s friendly box office team at boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or on 0131 228 1404. More about the show: Jesus has returned to earth as a trans woman and she has a lot to say. Stories to tell. Bread and wine to share. Blessings to give… At the epicentre of an anti-censorship and human rights movement in Brazil, Jo Clifford’s legendary play is still touring South America two years after its triumphant arrival. Now almost ten years on from her controversial premiere, Jo and company bring their ‘moving and infinitely graceful’ (The Guardian), legendary production to the Traverse for the first time.
A new LGBTQ+ Latin Dance Fitness Group needs some help getting started: Hi, my name is Nat Lewit and I've decided to open this page to fundraise to help me pay the fees to hire a dance studio to give our local and beautiful LGBTQ+ community the opportunity to have some FREE safe weekly or fortnightly Latin dance fitness classes in Edinburgh. To read more visit: https://www.gofundme.com/lgbtq-latin-dance-fitness-classes