February is LGBT History Month! News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland A warm hello for 2017’s LGBT History Month edition of T Monthly, bringing together all the fantastic events and news for trans and non-binary people across Scotland. I’d like to share a reflection to begin, as I thank the participants of last month’s Transition Support Course, who contributed so openly and wholeheartedly to a fantastic weekend of workshops and topical discussion. For those who attended or those who might like to attend in future, a summary of the course will shortly be made available on our website. We are planning another course later this year in Glasgow and then again in Edinburgh in early 2018. Looking ahead, all the LGBT History Month event listings are available to view at http://www.lgbthistory.org.uk/ and there’s plenty going on! Some highlights for the trans community include, the Drag Walk 2017 in St Andrews, the Gay, Bi and Trans Men Film Screening: Pink Flamingos and Beyond Gender’s 16+ Medical Transition Workshop, and Polyamory Workshop in Edinburgh, the Trans Youth Glasgow: Queer Quiz in Glasgow, and the Trans Tea Party in Ayrshire. Over in Fife you can enjoy our T time social space; a chance to meet others trans and non-binary people in a safe and relaxed setting. Regular T time’s continue to take place in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and at all our T time events, we welcome supporters too. For the parents and carers among you, don’t miss out on the array of amazing family friendly events on offer this month, starting this weekend with a special screening of the Pixar classic, Inside Out. For those looking to boost confidence and maybe try something new there is another opportunity to enjoy a trans and non-binary specific Yoga session in March. So lots to look forward to, too much to mention here in fact, so please feel welcome to read on, explore the links and get in touch if you have any ideas or questions! Have a great month, 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 PROGRAMME NEWS & INFO 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, 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
TRANS SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 18th February, 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
Learn to Sew with The Welcoming! Saturday 2-4pm, 18th February (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free We invite you to have fun with a range of materials, learn some basic sewing skills and take home what you create.
Non-binary night Wednesday 6-8pm, 22nd Feb, Project Café, 134 Renfrew Street, Glasgow G3 6ST Come along for an informal social and meet some new people! For more information, contact Katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk 0141 271 2330
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 4th March, 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.
Get Activism Saturday 2-4pm, 4th March, (within T time Glasgow) LGBT Health, 2 Queen’s Crescent, G4 9AS - Free What is activism anyway? Oceana Maund will be facilitating an open discussion, talking about what activism means to them, why they feel it’s important and how it really isn’t as scary as it sounds!
Yoga for Beginners (Edinburgh) Confidence Workshop Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 16th March, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Book online: http://tinyurl.com/transyoga 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 although yoga mats will be provided, feel free to bring your own. Contact Jules for more information via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.
LGBT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk LGBTQI Film Screening: Inside Out Friday 6.30-9pm, 10th February, “A Sense of Some Place”, Walpole Hall, (next to St Mary’s Cathedral), Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW Book online: www.tinyurl.cominginevent Are you free this Friday night? Fancy meeting up with the community for a movie and some LOLs? Enjoy a film screening and time for a chat at this free event for all. We’ll provide some popcorn and nibbles but feel free to bring your own (though no alcohol permitted). In order to include as many people as possible, subtitles will be used throughout. Venue fully accessible.
Rainbow Families Event: My Family Tree Craft Day Saturday 1.30-4pm, 11th February, “A Sense of Some Place”, Walpole Hall, (next to St Mary’s Cathedral), Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW Cost: Suggested donation: £2 per child A playful, creative afternoon to explore ways to illustrate your 'family tree'! We will celebrate the full diversity of what a family means. Come along with your family and get stuck in to a range of craft materials in a relaxed, fun and supportive setting. Book your family a place - www.tinyurl.com/rainbowfamilytree
LGBT History Month Concert Sunday 2.15-4pm, 19th February, The Old Kirk, Kyrk Wynd, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1EH. Tickets: £5, £3, FREE children under 12 Book via: diane@lgbthealth.org.uk or 07508 608699 We’re delighted to welcome Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus to Fife. This is the first concert for the Chorus outside Edinburgh so join us to give them a warm reception and have an afternoon of fantastic music and celebration for LGBT History Month. Join us from 2.15pm for refreshments; learn more about LGBT History and an exclusive video short from Hollyoaks star Annie Wallace (Sally St. Claire). Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus will take to the stage at 3pm to serenade us until 4pm.
Cancer Support: Focus Group Fife: Saturday 1.30-4pm, 4th March, Rothes Halls, Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, KY7 5NX Edinburgh: Saturday 1.30-4pm, 11th March, The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR Macmillan Cancer Support is keen to engage with people to hear first-hand what your experiences of cancer services - including Macmillan - have been like for you. Good or bad we want to hear about your experiences and to discuss how you can help Macmillan change things for everyone. Join us at one of our informal focus groups. Macmillan will reimburse travel expenses on the day to help cover the cost of getting to the event.
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 4th March, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Support group aimed at transsexual women at any stage of transition, women who are transgender and live as women full-time or part-time or for those who are questioning their gender identity. We look forward to meeting you and prefer that you email us the first time you want to visit the group. This helps with security and helps us get ready to welcome you. Group contact: info@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
Trans Men Scotland Social - Next event Saturday 3-5pm, 25th February, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Trans Men Scotland have a new social meet up for trans men (including nonbinary folks who identify as trans masculine). The group is organising regular meet ups in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The social events are usually free of charge and for ages 16+ only. Stay in touch with the group via Facebook or contact them directly. We are hosting our first meet up of the year, in Edinburgh on Saturday 25th February, 3-5pm. This month we are inviting you all along to an origami session. It’s free! We will be joined by two members from origami Scotland, who will show us how to make a few things. You don't need any experience as they will go through the basics. Paper will be supplied, as will light refreshments. We hope to see you all there! 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 26th February, 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 4th February 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 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 26th February 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 2 nd Floor at Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details.
TransparenTsees (East) A New TransparenTsees East aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting 1 st Monday of the month, 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) Contact: ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555 3940
TransparenTsees (Tayside) We are delighted to give details of Transparentsees Tayside. They meet at 6.15-8.15pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month at Mindspace, 18-20 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EH. Contact: transparentsees@gmail.com
Trans Men Scotland Social Next event Saturday 3-5pm, 25th February, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Trans Men Scotland Social organise social meet ups for transmen (including non-binary folks who identify as trans masculine). The group is organising regular meet ups in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The social events will be free of charge and for ages 16+ only. Stay in touch with the group via Facebook or contact them directly to find out more about the next meeting. Group contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com
Trans Youth D&G Monthly on a Saturday, 88B High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BJ, Trans Youth D&G: our youth group for young people 12-26 who identify under the Transgender umbrella and their supportive friends meets one Saturday of each month from 1-4pm at the LGBT Centre, Dumfries. These dates activity dependant so please get in touch for more info. 1:1 support sessions for young people and or parents: are also available upon request for young trans people who may need support around their identity as are 121 support sessions for parents/ carers of young trans people who may need support in supporting around trans identities. Parents group: We are currently setting up a parents group for parents of trans young people in D&G so please get in touch for more info on this. The contact for young people and parents in D&G is julieann.karayilan@lgbtyouth.org.uk or call our centre and ask for Julie Ann – 01387 255 058.
TYG: Trans Youth Glasgow For young trans people or those exploring, aged 13-26 TYG: Trans* Youth Glasgow is a group for young people aged 13 - 26 who identify as transgender or want to explore their gender identity. The group meets fortnightly on a Monday evening at LGBT Youth Scotland in Glasgow. The group aims to support and empower young people as they take part in workshops on transgender issues, sharing their own knowledge, skills and experience, learning from each other and making new friends. For more info contact Michael Richardson at Michael.Richardson@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Waverley Care Argyll & Bute We provide one to one support for people living in Argyll & Bute who are trans or exploring their gender identity. Occasional peer support too! Please get in touch with Katrina: katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org or 07760701308.
TRANS & NON-BINARY COMMUNITY NEWS IN SCOTLAND Please get in touch if you would like to promote a not-for-profit event, activity, group or campaign you are involved with, for the transgender community anywhere across Scotland - jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBT History Month has arrived and celebrations are well underway! This year’s theme is LGBT heritage and we’re sharing social and political milestones as we uncover hidden histories from Scotland’s story. We’re off to a great start with rainbow flags being raised across the country, motions being tabled in Scottish Parliament, schools engaging students in activity, and people sharing and celebrating Scotland’s LGBT Heritage using the #LGBTHeritage hashtag. Share and Celebrate your Organisations #LGBTHeritage (Gay Police Association Scotland share a photo from their first Pride in uniform) 2017 is the Scottish Government’s year of history, heritage and archaeology, so this year we’re putting the focus on LGBT heritage. We’ll be spotlighting milestones from this year’s LGBT History Month poster on LGBT History Month Scotland social media channels @lgbthistoryscot We’re asking organisations, groups and individuals to share their own milestones – a photograph, a clipping from an article, a handwritten note – using the hashtag #LGBTHeritage so we can uncover some of the hidden histories that have been part of Scotland’s story.
As well as sharing milestones and stories using the #LGBTHeritage hashtag on social media, let us know if you have any interesting stories we can spotlight on the LGBT History Month website. If you’re planning any comment pieces or press articles linking to the #LGBTHeritage theme, let us know so we can spotlight and re-share.
LGBT History Month Resources Download this Year’s LGBT History Month poster. Watch and share this video of social and political milestones from Scotland’s #LGBTHeritage. Made in partnership with The National newspaper. Events There’s over 80 events (and counting) happening across the country, even in places as remote as Stornoway in a first for Scotland. Common Space have shared a guide to what’s happening throughout the month and Skinny Magazine have shared their top picks for Glasgow and Edinburgh. Remember to share photos from your events, and tag @LGBTHistoryScot in social shares, so we can re-share to help you promote what you’re up to.
Schools Resources LGBT History Month resources for schools can be downloaded HERE. Purple Friday resources for schools can be downloaded HERE. The last Friday of LGBT History month is… Purple Friday Stand for equality to help save and change young people’s lives this Purple Friday - be a #PurpleHero Purple Friday is on Friday 24th of February: a day for people across Scotland to show support for LGBTI people, and stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Scotland. This year, LGBT Youth Scotland are calling on people to be a #PurpleHero by showing support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex youth and the wider community to help to save and change lives. Link for people to sign our #PurpleHero pledge. More information on Purple Friday.
Home is where the heart is: LGBT migrants in Scotland This exhibition displays photographs by LGBT migrants from Central Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union living in Scotland. LGBT migrants were invited to produce a photo diary on the theme of home. Their photographs, and their written thoughts about what home means to them, will be on display at Hillhead Library from 14 to 27 February 2017, as part of LGBT History Month Scotland. The exhibition is linked to the research project ‘Intimate Migrations’, carried out by our team at the University of Glasgow and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Don’t miss the launch event for the exhibition on 16 February, 6.00-7.30pm. The event will be introduced by OurStory Scotland and features stories of LGBT people coming to Scotland talking about what ‘home’ is to them; drinks and nibbles will be provided. The event is free but ticketed; please register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exhibition-launch-home-is-where-the-heart-is-lgbt-migrants-inscotland-tickets-31511610074?aff=eac2
Beyond the Binary: Trans Artists in the Digital World Saturday 2-4pm, 18 February 2017, Gilmorehill Centre, 9 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ The Adam World Choir and Queen Jesus Plays present an afternoon exploring how trans and non-binary artists from across the world are using digital media to make a difference. This free event takes place in Glasgow, but will be streamed live and can be viewed around the world on the National Theatre of Scotland’s Youtube Live channel. Register for your free place - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-the-binary-trans-artists-inthe-digital-world-tickets-31601207061