March 2017
News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Greetings and welcome to all our regular and new T Monthly readers alike. March promises opportunity and fun with lighter evenings and a vibrant programme of activities across Scotland to invite you to! It was brilliant to be part of such an inclusive, welcoming and hilarious women’s space early this week at our Stand-up for International Women’s Day event. Headliner Bethany Black (pictured) had us whooping on our bike benches at Glasgow’s Siempre Bicycle Café! Great people, great comedy and a great reminder that there are really safe and inclusive events happening for trans and non-binary folk regularly. Following on from our Transition Support Course in January, if you’d like to learn more about our courses and what’s involved, you can read the latest Summary Report here. Glasgow’s report will also be available shortly on the website. For those looking to boost confidence this month, you can enjoy a trans and non-binary specific Yoga session in March. Have a go at beginner’s yoga in a safe setting where the instructor is aware of the issues trans and non-binary folk may experience, connecting with their bodies. It informs the way the session is led and provides a unique opportunity to give it a try. There are only a few places left so hurry and book while you can! T times in Edinburgh and Glasgow are a fab way to meet new people and make new connections. It can be hard to turn up to something for the first time, but we understand and do our best to help you feel comfortable. Come and drop in to one of our monthly groups to find out! There are other social opportunities in Fife and across Scotland, plus an exciting training opportunity from the Scottish Trans Alliance, themed around their Equal Recognition Campaign. It’s all enclosed, so click, read and enjoy. March on! 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.
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. 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 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 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 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.
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 18th March, 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
Film Screening (Surgery info session being re-scheduled) Saturday 2-4pm, 18th March (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free Come and relax with a film screening, snacks and good company. Film to be announced via Facebook and on website by Tuesday 14th March.
Fife T time + Saturday 2-4.30pm, 25th March, The Session Room, The Old Kirk, Kirk Wynd, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1EH – Free Join us for our last T time+ social group that was part of a year long pilot project in Fife. Help us in planning for a follow-on Fife trans community group. What will we call this? Where and how often should we meet? Come and be part of planning for something new.
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 1st April, 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.
Gender Norms - Blending in or Standing Out? Saturday 2-4pm, 1st April, (within T time Glasgow) LGBT Health, 2 Queen’s Crescent, G4 9AS - Free Join us for some lively discussion with Chrissy, Emma and Andrew. Plus our quarterly clothes swap - bring along clean, good quality clothes you no longer need and take home something more *you* instead!
LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBTQI Community Discussion: Another Brick in the Wall (an intergenerational event!) Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm, 16th May, LGBT Youth Scotland, 40 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6JD. Book online: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTQIatschool *Wheelchair accessible* *For anyone aged 13+* What was it like having LGBTQI feelings at school? We’re bring together community members all ages to explore the progress being made to make schools and educational settings inclusive for LGBTQI people and asking, how far have we come? What has changed? Hear our guest speakers share their experiences of teaching and coming out at school, with plenty of opportunity to share your own stories. In partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and Beyond Gender. Book online: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTQIatschool
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 1st April, 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, 11th March, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 12 Queen's Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS 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. During our event on March 11th we will be hosting a Q&A and show and tell session. We shall be answering as best we can, any questions you may have about transitioning, ranging from medical to social queries. In another room there will be confidential show and tell session. You are welcome to share your stories and any surgery results you may wish to, in a supportive setting. There will be tea's coffee, water and light refreshments available. 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 March, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Me and T Scotland is a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are transgender or exploring their gender, and provides an opportunity to meet other people who may have similar experiences, questions or concerns. Group contact: me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com Also read more about the group here: http://meandtscotland.wordpress.com/
TRANS GROUPS MEETING ACROSS SCOTLAND: support - social - youth - spiritual Beyond Gender Tuesday evenings from 7–9pm Tuesday evenings 7–9pm Group for transgender, non binary and intersex people and their friends aged 13–25. We provide opportunities for young people aged 13 – 25 and their peers to meet, have fun and access appropriate information, support and learning opportunities, as well as providing opportunities for people to participate in local and national decision making. And have fun in a safe space where they can be themselves. Contact: gemma.moncrieff@lgbtyouth.org.uk or visit https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/edinburgh
InfiniT (Beyond Gender Unders) Fortnightly Mondays, 5.30-7.30pm A new group for transgender, non-binary, intersex and questioning young people aged 11-16. A space for people to meet, have fun and to let us know if they need support at school. Contact E: ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 5553940 W: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/edinburgh
Central Scotland Transgender Group This has been very successful since it started and is now focused on providing a public venue for those of who are finding your confidence and, with the other groups, seeks to provide another step in your journey. We are open to ALL in the Trans Community, both male and female, with the usual proviso that we all dress smartly and behave appropriately, as befits a public venue. Contact Sarah: sarah_m_whyte@yahoo.co.uk
Dundee Trans Collective Dundee Trans Collective is a newly founded group for trans people in the Dundee area. We have a Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1446765165613427), and anyone who is transgender and/or non-binary and/or intersex, who is questioning their gender identity or who wants to learn how to be a better ally to the trans community is welcome to join, wherever they live. We're hoping to set up some offline meet ups and events in Dundee in the near future as well. We also have an email address for anyone that isn't comfortable joining the Facebook group and would prefer to ask questions or get in touch more privately. Contact: transandintersexdundee@gmail.com
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 1st April 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
Me and T Monthly 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 26th March 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 1st Monday of the month, 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) Contact: ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555 3940
TransparenTsees (Tayside) We are delighted to give details of Transparentsees Tayside. They meet at 6.15-8.15pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month at Mindspace, 18-20 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EH. Contact: transparentsees@gmail.com
Trans Men Scotland Social Next event Saturday 3-5pm, 11th March (Glasgow), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 12 Queen's Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS 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
RESTYLE 2.0 Fashion Show - Featured at T time Edinburgh in February! The Welcoming Association and The Shrub are joining forces to celebrate a year of creative environmental activities. With an evening of sustainable fashion, fabulous food and live music, we will be honouring the amazing work of both projects' participants and volunteers. The two Edinburgh-based charities run projects that raise awareness about climate change, empowering people to learn and share creative skills that have a positive impact on our environment. The focus of the night will be an upcycled fashion show in which we will showcase highlight the beautiful work done by participants in our workshops. An afterparty with food, drinks, live music and DJs will follow the show. This is a free event and booking is recommended, as spaces are limited. For more information get in touch with Victoria (0131 346 8577) or email info@thewelcoming.org
Life in Scotland Survey needs your input! Win £50 voucher Trans or non-binary? 13-25? Live in Scotland? LGBT Youth Scotland would love to hear from you! Complete their anonymous survey and tell them what life is like for you. As well as getting your voice heard, you’ll have the chance to win a £50 voucher. Please share the survey with friends and help LGBT Youth Scotland spread the word. We are asking LGBTI young people about their experiences of community, education, health, safety and identity. Complete the survey here - www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LifeinScotland2017
Scottish Trans Alliance unveils new brand We launched our new brand at the Equality Network Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh last night, 28 February 2017. The launch of the new brand coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Equality Network and the 10th anniversary of the Equality Network establishing the Scottish Trans Alliance.
Our new Scottish Trans brand identity has been created in parallel with the new Equality Network brand, to help promote our position as Scotland’s centre of expertise on trans issues. Equality Network's new voice icon:
The Equality Network’s role is to achieve real and lasting change for LGBTI equality in Scotland, by working together with diverse LGBTI people across Scotland. At the core of our identity is therefore a new iconic mark. It is a symbol that represents thousands of voices - being heard, being included, and demanding change. It’s the voice of community, change and equality. The voice icon is an integral part of the brand, appearing in all our materials and campaigns. The new Equality Network logo retains a human element, but its clear and simple design is a move away from the previous complex logo. Tim Hopkins, Director of Equality Network, said: “We are pleased to unveil the new Equality Network brand identity. Our new brand reflects our position as a go-to organisation for LGBTI equality in Scotland—active, confident and inclusive.” Tim continued: “We have chosen a new tagline that clearly sums up what the Equality Network does: “Creating change together“. We are all about getting real change for LGBTI equality in Scotland, by empowering LGBTI people across Scotland and working in partnership.”