T Monthly February 2018

February 2018 is LGBT History Month!

News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people, across Scotland.

Welcome to February’s edition folks, great to have you with us. I met some pretty wonderful people at our Transition Support Course here in Edinburgh last week, and it’s left me feeling heartened by the potential of our communities. Making a real connection with others can make such a difference in our lives, and I left the 2-day course feeling positive about the potential for these connections to happen, for all trans people. We have a busy few weeks ahead, with lots of opportunities get involved, meet new people and to celebrate LGBT History Month in our own way.

Gender Recognition Act! The deadline for submitting a response for the Scottish Government Consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act is fast approaching.

The Scottish Trans Alliance have made it super-easy for you to have your say, with lots of useful guidance and links to submit your response.

Events coming up Don’t miss the very first Sextival in Glasgow; a celebration of queer sex and relationships on Saturday 14th February.

The LGBT Swimming sessions began this weekend and continue on the 17th February in Edinburgh, followed by the chance to race some giant unicorns at the LGBT Pool Party for LGBT History Month on March 3rd!

D/deaf and Trans?

If you are a trans D/deaf person, you may like to know about a discussion event we’re hosting about LGBT+ identities and the D/deaf community, on Saturday 24th February. BSL will be provided throughout and you are welcome to bring friends and supporters who speak BSL too.

Booking is essential so please visit the Sign of the Times listing on the website.

Need a confidence boost?

This month, we have a Make Up, Skin Care and Hair th Session on the 24 February, followed by a Self-acceptance skills workshop in early March. All the details are included here in T Monthly and on the website, so browse around and start booking your places soon!

Have a fun LGBT History Month, Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans, 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 next edition is 28th February.

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 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 (if answer-phone is on, please leave a message as they are 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/

Facial Hair Removal Survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZLY56F2 In an effort to improve access to funding for facial hair removal for trans people, Scottish Trans Alliance has formed a working group to prepare a report to be used as part of this work. This survey will gather information from service users to inform that report. All survey responses are confidential and no personally identifying details are being collected intentionally. If you have had NHS funded facial hair removal in the past, or intend to in the future, or if you have self funded facial hair removal, then please do the survey! If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Becky Kaufmann at Scottish Trans Alliance - becky@equality-network.org.

Want to get active?

LEAP Sports have produced a handy flyer for lots of fantastic sports and physical activity groups for those who are inexperienced, and experienced, so delve in and see if there’s something you fancy https://leapsports.org/uploads/3758-LEAP%202.pdf

NEWS FROM LGBT HEALTH AND WELLBEING

January to March events programme available now Find out what’s on this quarter, with LGBTQI events, workshops and groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow - www.lgbthealth.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2017/11/January-March-2018-Programme-Web.pdf

EVENTS COMING UP FOR TRANS INCLUDING NONBINARY, PEOPLE

Non-Binary Night Friday 7-9pm, 9th February, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free Following the success of December’s social, we’ve arranged a followon social event this Friday (9th Feb) at the Centre on Howe Street.

Dylan, Ariel and myself (Jules) continue planning for the start of a new regular group soon, but meanwhile we’re keeping the momentum going and inviting you and any other NB folk you’re connected with, for fun, friendship and support.

There is no booking link for this event, so please just either reply to this by email or feel welcome to turn up. Hope to see you there. Contact: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk / 0131 523 1104

T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 3rd February, 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.

Inspirational Trans People Saturday 1-4pm, 3rd February (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS This month, it’s LGBT History Month and Emma will be taking us on a journey exploring the stories of important, interesting and/or obscure trans people from the distant and recent past. Bring along your own inspirations to share and collage.

Non-Binary Night Wednesday 7-9pm, 7th February, Waterstones Bookshop, 174-176 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8BT - Free Now monthly! All non-binary and genderqueer people are welcome to this relaxed social where you can have a coffee, meet new folk and hatch some plans. It'll be ace to have Vic Valentine from Scottish Trans Alliance joining us to discuss the Gender Recognition Act reform - a great chance to discuss and find out about this really important opportunity to improve equality in Scotland for trans people, including non-binary legal recognition, and how to contribute to it (if you haven’t already)!

The store will be closed to the public, so just knock the door when you get there and a member of staff will let you in. If no-one seems to be about on the ground floor to let you in, you can text or call the events mobile on 07493 827 977 and someone will come and let you in (the number will be posted on the door too). The café is wheelchair accessible.

T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 17th 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

My gender or Yours? Saturday 2-3.30pm, (within T time) 17th February, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE A supportive discussion exploring our gender in relation to others, including trans, non-binary and cis identities. Listen and learn from each other, in this safe and supportive space to discuss what different genders and gender expressions mean to those who identify with them.

Makeup, Skincare and Hair Session Saturday 1-5.30pm, 24th February, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE A confidence building workshop for trans women and trans feminine people.

The session is tailored to those who are new to make up, skincare and hair styling, as well as to those who have some knowledge, and to those who feel fairly confident yet want to learn new tips.

The event is free but booking is essential: www.bit.ly/transmakeupskinhair

Self-acceptance Workshop: a confidence building workshop for trans including non-binary people Saturday 11am-4pm, 10th March, The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH 2 2PR The workshop will explore why it can be difficult to feel accepting of being a trans person, how we can begin to recognise unhelpful thinking that relates to that and provide a space to consider creative strategies for how people can practice accepting themselves. Places are limited so please book early to arrange a place.

For more information contact: alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.

Booking essential, place limited via: https://tinyurl.com/transaccept

LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk

LGBTQ Yoga Saturdays weekly 6-7pm - (sessions planned until 10th March) Santosa Yoga Studio, 21 Albert St, Edinburgh, EH7 5LH Free community yoga group for LGBTQ people (16+) Trans and gender queer friendly

Led by experienced Edinburgh Community Yoga teacher, Amy Hughes.

Group Contact: amy@atha-yoga.co.uk Please book via email. Equipment provided.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LGBTQYogaEdinburgh/

LGBTQ Swimming Saturdays 3 Feb - 31st March (includes family-friendly Party in the Pool event on March 3rd) In partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, we are offering 5 exclusive sessions for LGBT swimmers and their friends. Steam and sauna rooms will also be available and we’re hosting an extra special family-friendly Party in the Pool for LGBT History Month on Saturday 3rd March. Booking is via: www.bit.ly/LGBTswim2018

Sign of the Times: Conversations about LGBT identities and the D/deaf community Saturday 1.30-4pm, 24th February, Serenity Café, 8 Jackson’s Entry, The Tun, EH8 8PJ Book online: www.tinyurl.com/LGBTdeaf An opportunity for LGBT D/deaf people to discuss their needs and the D/deaf community to learn more about LGBT identities, in a safe and supportive space. BSL provided throughout and attendees are welcome to bring their hearing BSL friends.

LGBTQ Inclusion & Equality in Primary Education Thursday 15th March, 6.30-9pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE Cost: free A safe and confidential discussion space for parents or caregivers of children in primary level education, to share experiences, concerns, information & support.

Book: www.tinyurl.com/primaryLGBT Contact: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk

TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based in Edinburgh & Glasgow Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 3rd March, 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 nonbinary 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.

Future meeting dates for the diary: 10th February (Glasgow) 24th March (Edinburgh) 14th April (Glasgow) 26th May (Edinburgh) 9th June (Glasgow) Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com

Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 25th 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 - 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

Four Pillars: New leaflet and support details for Trans people in Grampian We have been working away quietly in the background and are very pleased to announce all the new services and groups now available through Four Pillars.

Grampian T-Folk: We have teamed up with Grampian T-folk to bring a new social group for the trans community. Where people can meet others, share and learn. Grampian T-folk also offer support via online services for more details please email mail@fourpillarsuk.org TransParent: 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.

Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 3rd March, 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 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 25th 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/

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 - new community group in Fife for adults (16 years plus).

(Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline) 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 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.

Group contact: transmasculinescotland@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.

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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

Gender Recognition Act consultation – how to put in your response!

The Scottish Government has published its Gender Recognition Act consultation paper covering self-declaration, age and non-binary inclusion, and they really want to hear from the people it affects! So please do set aside a little time to let them know what you think of it before it closes on March 1st at 5pm! The Scottish Trans Alliance has set up a super useful website: http://equalrecognition.scot/consultation/ with loads of information and background on each question the government is asking. We urge all trans people and their allies to respond to the consultation – let’s create change together! If you want to go straight to the consultation, here’s the link: https://consult.gov.scot/family-law/review-of-the-gender-recognition-act-2004/

Media - here’s a few pieces of coverage about the Gender Recognition Act consultation which challenge a lot of negative press you might've seen recently: https://www.glasgowclyderapecrisis.org.uk/news/blog/trans-day-of-remembrance-2017/ https://greens.scot/blog/trans-rights-are-human-rights-and-we-must-stand-together-to-achievethem https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/23/times-up-feminist-rally-trans-womentransphobia http://thenational.scot/news/15890902.Feminist_organisations_back_trans_equality_despite_the_r hetoric_of_a_vocal_minority/ http://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2018/01/23/gender-recognition-its-not-what-you-think/ http://www.thenational.scot/news/15885035.We_must_change_our_attitudes_towards_trans_peop le/?ref=twtrec

Stonewall’s Bi Role Models Programme - 15th March 2018 Stonewall continues to work towards bi equality, but we know bi people face challenges including: invisibility, a reluctance to identify as bi because of fear of discrimination, and exclusion, all of which can lead to significantly higher levels of distress and mental health difficulties for bi people.

In light of this, Stonewall Scotland are delighted to announce that we will be delivering a free Bi Role Models programme on 15 March 2018 in Edinburgh.

We are especially interested in inviting bi people who identify into BAME and faith communities, and I am sending this to you in relation to our conversations around our ongoing BAME inclusion work.

This programme is specifically for bi people to explore what it means to be a visible bi role model in their communities. This one-day empowerment programme will run from 10am to 5pm and enables bi people to:   

Reflect on personal experiences and increase their confidence in being their authentic self Establish practical ways of stepping up as a visible role model Celebrate difference, improve inclusion and increase visibility of bi people in the community

‘Bi’ is an umbrella term, and this programme is for anyone under the bi umbrella. For instance, people who identify as pansexual, heteroflexible, non-heterosexual, bi-curious, queer, or whose sexual orientation is fluid, are all welcome to apply.

Book your place here. Please note that places are limited.

If you would like to find out more information, please email memberships@stonewallscotland.org.uk. You can also call 0131 474 8019 for further information.

New LGBT+ book group run by the Edinburgh University Staff Pride Network 6pm on the 3rd Thursday of the Month at the Potting Shed on Potterrow.

Are you looking for a trans-inclusive book group? We welcome people from in and outside of the University Community!

Contact: rosie.russell@ed.ac.uk

Our Tribe Relaunch "Our Tribe" is the LGBTQI ministry at Augustine United Church. It is a joint ministry with the worldwide denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches. All LGBTQI folks are welcome - friends, family and allies.

"Our Tribe" recently consulted internally and externally about the spiritual and religious needs of the LGBTQI community. Feedback suggested that folks wanted "Our Tribe" to focus on worship, social activities and education. Folks preference was to meet in the church building on Sunday afternoons.

So we are delighted to invite you to The "Our Tribe" Re launch CELEBRATION SERVICE on Sunday 11th February 2018 at 3.30pm. (doors open at 3pm) This will be at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 5EL.

We will also be celebrating LGBTQI History Month and you will have the chance to sing, hear community members coming out stories and share in communion. After the service refreshments will be shared.

The building is wheelchair accessible. There is a loop system. Changing Space is available.

This event is open to all and Family Friendly.