June 2018 News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people across Scotland. Welcome to the first summer edition of T Monthly; full of social events, workshops and opportunities to connect with others, find out how you can get involved and nurture your wellbeing. Please feel welcome and encouraged to share T Monthly with anyone who might be interested. They can easily subscribe and view our privacy policy via our website.
Great Expectations on Saturday 9th - last few places Build your confidence, challenge yourself, share experiences and hear from other trans people as you take some time to consider and connect with your gender expression. Siobhan and Jules will provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore the expectations that might influence your gender expression, how you feel about it and what your aspirations are for the future. Book or More information.
Non-binary community groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow Activities, info sessions, opportunities to make friends and take part in social activities are planned in both Edinburgh and Glasgow for non-binary people. Next meeting in Glasgow is Weds 6th June and in Edinburgh on Friday 6th July.
Transgender Fife - new website and FB page Award nominees Transgender Fife have great new ways to stay in touch! Visit the new website and Facebook page to find out more about this community-led group providing friendship, support and activities for trans people in Fife. Read more in the news section about their nomination in the Equality and Diversity category in the Fife Voluntary Action Volunteering and Voluntary Sector Awards for 2018. Website: www.transgenderfife.com Facebook: https://bit.ly/2I2T40M
Pride Edinburgh Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to march alongside our T time community at this year’s Pride Edinburgh. We’ll be enjoying the Pride Breakfast first, as a useful meeting point and then heading to the start of the march together! Come by yourself and meet others, or brings friends, allies, family or supporters. Have a happy, proud and powerful month! 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 July edition is 22nd June.
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 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/
Glasgow Transition Support Course, 25th - 26th August 2018 Free Booking is open! www.bit.ly/GlasgowTransSupportCourse2018 Free, 2-day non-residential course for anyone who is trans (including nonbinary) and wishes to explore transition options in an open, safe, nonjudgemental space. It will provide 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. We recognise that everyone’s journey is different, so 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.
EVENTS COMING UP FOR TRANS PEOPLE INCLUDING NON-BINARY, PEOPLE
Non-Binary Night Wednesday 7-9pm, 6th June (please note new date for this month!), Waterstones Bookshop, 174-176 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8BT - Free A friendly and welcoming inclusive social space for non-binary and genderqueer people - have a coffee, meet new folk and hatch some plans. Quiz tonight! 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.
Great Expectations: you and your gender expression Saturday 1-4pm, 9th June, Lifecare Centre (St Bernards Room) 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB An opportunity to connect with your gender identity and what influences how you express it. Explore the expectations (your own and other people’s) that we feel we have to meet, in a non-judgemental space.
T and Jam Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 21st June, 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!
Personal Safety workshop Saturday 9.30-5pm, 23rd June – Free Assembly Hall, Glasgow Art School Students’ Association, 20 Scott Street, Glasgow G3 6PE Booking essential: www.bit.ly/SafetyTrans This Personal Safety / Self Defence course will cover various scenarios such as staying safe while socialising; walking late at night; going to and from your workplace, car or home, as well as de-escalating techniques should you be involved in verbal aggression; the law regarding self-defence and reasonable use of force; warning signs and danger signs displayed by an attacker; the T-zone; and improvised weapons. The practical element of the course will cover how to escape from basic wrist grabs and clothing grabs; strangle holds; a front attack; a back attack; and if we have time, a ground attack. We ask that participants wear loose clothing, trousers / jog pants / leggings etc as we will be doing groundwork. Also please wear shoes that allow you to kick without hurting yourself (flip-flops, slipons, high heels, etc are not appropriate). Previous comments from participants on courses for the Scottish Trans Alliance “I now have a peace of mind when out and about (to some degree). I have confidence in my ability to ensure my safety and I have an awareness of signs of potential aggression. The trainers were excellent.” “The course was excellent, especially the accord of the trainers, the attacks from behind and the rape attacks and how they can all be combated. My confidence has improved as well as my self defence abilities. I can now live a normal life and go out after dark, safe in the knowledge that should anything happen to me, I can combat it. Thank you.” “I am now confident in dealing with situations, I have the practical skills to avoid an attack and I now know how to defuse tension. Thank you.” The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety will deliver this course.
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 7th July, 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.
Sew Good Saturday 1-4pm, (within T time Glasgow) 7th July, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS – Free Create an ace banner or costume for Pride, AND learn how to alter clothes! We’ll have Beth and Lorna from MEND and Venus Vault with their sewing machines and fabulous skills to help you create and adjust, so if you like, bring along something that needs altering and they’ll show you how, or if you want to transform something for Pride, bring it along! We’ll also be running our Clothes Popup – but please note we now have too many clothes to store, so please don’t bring any donations this month, but do take home a few items!
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 21st July (no meeting in June), 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 Please note there is no T time Edinburgh in June due to Pride Edinburgh.
Film Screening: A Fantastic Woman Saturday 2-4pm, 21st July (within T time), 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE Join us for a special screening of Oscar winning film ‘A Fantastic Woman’ following Marina’s life, a transgender woman who is thrown into turmoil following the death of her partner.
LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
Pride Breakfast Saturday 9-12noon, 16th June, Serenity Café, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, EH8 8PJ Booking essential: www.tinyurl.com/pridebreakfast2018 Another year, another glorious breakfast event for the whole community, it’s the only place to be to start your Pride Edinburgh weekend. Fill your bellies with delicious cakes and continental treats, enjoy music, and live performances. Good vibes and a safe, inclusive environment await you at this annual, family-friendly gathering. Whether you’re with friends or coming by yourself, you are very welcome.
Ride With Pride! Would you like to take part in Edinburgh Pride march yet find it difficult to walk the distance? Book your seat on the Pride Bus, with 68 spaces including 2 wheelchair spaces. Contact Jean at jean@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330 / 0131 523 1100. Deadline is 8th June, 5pm.
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based in Edinburgh & Glasgow supported by LGBT Health Non-Binary Edinburgh (next meeting 6th July) 1st Friday of the month 6.45-8.45pm, 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 nonbinary 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. Check out our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NB-Edinburgh1684499595002923/. Group contact: nonbinaryedinburgh@gmail.com
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 7th July, 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. Future meeting dates for the diary: 9th June (Glasgow), 28th July (Edinburgh) - email/check Facebook for details! Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 24th June, 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. Please note: there will be no meetings in July or August. Group contact: me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com http://meandtscotland.wordpress.com/
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 (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
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
New Trans Sexual Health clinic A new sexual health service at Chalmers for trans people started in April. Run by Chalmers staff, Clinic T offers a friendly and welcoming space for all trans people to have a sexual health screen at the Chalmers Centre. The clinic offers:
Sexual health screening, including hepatitis C and HIV Hepatitis B screening and vaccinations HPV assessment and vaccinations Cervical smear testing for anyone over 25 with a cervix Hormone injections (please bring ID, the injection, and a copy of your prescription) Discussion about anything related to your sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing
The clinic runs every Wednesday afternoon by appointment only. To make an appointment, either pop into the Chalmers reception anytime after 10.30am during working hours or call 0131 536 1070 Monday to Friday between 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm. The phones can be very busy but we will do our best to answer as soon as we can. You don't need to be attending the Lothian Gender Service (or any gender service) to use Clinic T. If you are registered with the Lothian Gender Service you will be reminded that this is part of the Lothian Sexual Health Service and as such we will use your existing registration number and clinical record.
TransEDU Project wins award We were delighted to be awarded a Guardian University Award recently for the TransEDU project, in the Advancing Staff Equality category. You can read the Guardian’s article about it here. Our book – Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Students and Staff in Further and Higher Education: Practical Advice for Colleges and Universities – is finished and will be published by Hachette / Jessica Kingsley Publishers in spring 2019. We’ve also written a couple of blogs reflecting upon the research findings, for WonkHE and the Scottish Funding Council. If you’ve not had chance to read it yet, you can access the full TransEdu Scotland research report and findings here and the case studies here. This week we launched the final TransEDU video for use in training and teaching, highlighting the lived experience of trans and non-binary students and staff. The latest video explores the importance of gender neutral toilet provision on campuses, while the others examine personal safety and how it can feel to be misgendered. All three videos can be accessed here.
Since its launch in December 2017, we continue to maintain and update the TransEDU website – www.trans.ac.uk – which hosts a wide range of information, resources and guidance for supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse people in our college and universities communities. If there is specific content you wish to contribute to the site, do get in touch with us to discuss further. The TransEDU Community of Practice for colleges and universities in Scotland will continue to meet three times per year to drive forward trans and non-binary equality across our institutions and sectors. The next meeting takes place at Ayrshire College in Kilmarnock on 19th June (full details on the TransEDU website). It would be great to have colleagues from the Scottish sectors join us as we set longer-term objectives and plans for the CoP work. As the TransEdu Scotland project and funding has now finished, we no longer have capacity to maintain the mailing list and so will be closing it today. We will be keeping the trans.edu@strath.ac.uk e-mail account open and will continue to monitor it for any incoming TransEDU and CoP correspondence. Stephanie continues to be Widening Access manager at the University of Strathclyde, and you can continue to reach her at stephanie.mckendry@strath.ac.uk. Matson is moving on to a new research project at the School of Education, University of Strathclyde, and you can continue to reach him at matson.lawrence@strath.ac.uk. You can also keep in touch on Twitter using the #TransEDU hashtag, to share your ongoing thoughts, practice and experiences of advancing trans equality in college and university education. Many thanks to you all for your support throughout the TransEDU project, and do keep in touch.
Transgender Fife shortlisted for the Equality and Diversity category in the Fife Voluntary Action Volunteering and Voluntary Sector Awards for 2018 Transgender Fife is a completely unique community group in Fife. Established in 2017, the group is led by trans people for trans people. It provides opportunities for trans people to meet up monthly with the aims of providing friendship, information, a safe space, and creating opportunities to hear relevant speakers and attend key events. In addition, Transgender Fife recently delivered Transgender Awareness training to staff of a voluntary organisation in Fife, and contributed at Fife Pride 2017 by participating in the March, delivering a stall and hosting a Trans Safe Space. Annette Rae, Service Manager for LGBT Health in Edinburgh explained why she made this nomination: “Transgender Fife wholly deserve this award as it is the only social group helping to build the capacity of trans individuals in Fife - which is an extremely marginalised and isolated group. The Group Leaders have shown such commitment, tenacity, and selflessness in setting up this group. It’s been fantastic to observe such an amazing group of individuals gel together to establish the core of this much needed group. Each of the leaders have pushed themselves out of their comfort zones to perform their roles, and this is admirable. LGBT Health and Wellbeing receives a large number of queries from trans individuals in Fife. it is reassuring to be able to signpost people to Transgender Fife knowing that they will receive a prompt, sensitive, confidential and welcoming response.” The existence and visibility of Transgender Fife cannot be underestimated. All services that support the trans community are experiencing huge increases in referrals and a key reason for this is the increased visibility of trans people, mainly in public life. More people 'coming out' and expressing their true gender can only be a good thing for the wider society, and for Fife. The
winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 7 June at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes. For more information about Transgender Fife email: TransgenderFife@outlook.com, Website: www.transgenderfife.com Facebook: https://bit.ly/2I2T40M
Purple Rain Collective We are a collective of Queer People of Colour who came together after the Brexit decision to converse and formulate strategies for dealing with what was about to be a more overtly hostile environment for members of our communities. We focus particularly on care, wellbeing, accessibility, and finding ways to build more of a community and less of a scene. We are putting on a series of Art & Holistic Wellbeing events in June and we are trying to raise money so that people don't have to work for free if we can avoid it. We are also trying to get the word to as many LGBTQI People of Colour all over the UK as we know gathering together like this in the UK can be difficult. Here's the link to the Crowdfunder with all the info- https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/art-body-soul We are also on Facebook and Instagram as purpleraincollective. Thank you!