March 2018 News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people, across Scotland. Well I think we would all agree this is no ordinary March… For many, and particularly those who are disabled, ill and/or older, it has been a challenging week tackling the weather conditions and I hope you are getting the support you need to stay safe and comfortable. The LGBT Helpline Scotland is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-9pm on 0300 123 2523 should you need information or a friendly chat. Along with the wait for the snow to thaw, we also reflect this month on the hard work and efforts of those supporting the GRA Consultation and the journey towards Trans equality. March is a time to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, as well as host Scotland’s first ever Trans Pride. Read all about Trans Pride Scotland in our news section! If you’re looking to meet new people, get connected and start new ventures this month, read on, click around and delve in.
Trans Running Join trans running captain for Glasgow Frontrunners, Charlotte McCarroll on Saturday 10th March at this one-off event. She'll be talking about getting into running, introducing you to the GFR club and taking people for a wee running taster, which will be tailored to the participants.
Stepping out for your first Pride March? We’re really excited for Trans Pride on Saturday March 31st, however if you’re feeling nervous about joining the march, unsure about where to go and who to go with, why not join us beforehand for warm drinks and encouragement at the Serenity Café! It’s family and ally-friendly, so all are welcome!
For Trans parents… If you’re a trans (including non-binary) parent or young children in, or near Edinburgh, come and share your thoughts and experiences of inclusion and equality in primary education.
Last remaining spaces for Self-Acceptance Workshop Happening this Saturday 10th March in Edinburgh in an accessible venue with gender-neutral toilets. Click here for more information. Check out all our events, news and group info within. Happy marching! 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 23rd March.
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.
New Non-Binary Community Group starts spring 2018 LGBT Health has been supporting two fantastic community members in their endeavor to start a brand new monthly Edinburgh-based social support group for anyone who is non-binary, exploring or questioning a non-binary gender identity. Two successful lead-up events have generated lots of interest and energy in this new, accessible group to help non-binary people find friendship and support. The group will run on the 1st Friday of every month. Non-Binary Edinburgh begins on April 6th, 6.45-8.45pm, Leith Community Education Centre, (Kinnaird Room) 12A Newkirkgate, Edinburgh EH6 6AD Group contact: nonbinaryedinburgh@gmail.com Map / How to find LCEC: http://www.leithcommunitycentre.org.uk/contact-us/
April - June 2018 events programme coming soon! Find out what’s on this quarter, with LGBTQI events, workshops and groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow - www.lgbthealth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/January-March-2018-ProgrammeWeb.pdf
EVENTS COMING UP FOR TRANS INCLUDING NON-BINARY, PEOPLE Trans Running! Saturday 10am-12 noon, 10th March, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS – Free Charlotte McCarroll is the trans running captain for Glasgow Frontrunners. At this one-off event, she'll be talking about getting into running, introducing you to the GFR club and what they do, and taking people for a wee running taster, which will be tailored to the participants. Sometimes joining a sports or leisure group can be daunting, especially if you are trans. Get into fitness gently with a friendly and sociable group that will never judge you for who you are. The Glasgow Frontrunners are a LGBTI+ friendly group and are particularly welcoming of trans and non-binary people who want to come along and run. We cater for all abilities, from the person just leaving their couch for the first time to the former runner out of touch and even help you chase that personal best in a marathon. Don't be shy, come and make friends and get fitter! Remember to wear clothing or bring clothing that is comfy and warm, and trainers that are comfortable to run in. Booking preferred - https://lgbthealthwellbeing.typeform.com/to/X1682n
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 17th 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
Trans Pride Crafts Saturday 2-3.30pm, (within T time) 17th March, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE Join us to help create affirming placards for you or others to carry at Scotland’s first Trans Pride March later this month.
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 7th 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.
Burrell Collection Saturday 1-4pm, 7th April (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS Come and meet curators from Glasgow Museums who will chat about an exciting opportunity to include transgender lives and histories within the new Burrell Collection museum, set to re-open in 2020. There will also be the chance to handle artefacts from the museum including objects from Ancient Egypt, China and much more!
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/
LGBT Swimming (including the rescheduled Party in the Pool) Saturday 17th (family-friendly) and 31st March (16+), 4-6pm Glenogle Swim Centre, Glenogle Rd, EH3 5JB In partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, we continue our exclusive sessions for LGBT swimmers and their friends. Steam and sauna rooms will also be available and we’re hosting the re-scheduled family-friendly ‘Party in the Pool’ on Saturday 17th March. Booking for Party in the Pool, 17th March: www.tinyurl.com/LGBTpoolparty
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 nearing or in primary level education, to share experiences, information & support. It will be an informal supportive chance to raise concerns and make connections to make change. We will also be joined by Graeme Ross from LGBT Youth Scotland. Book: www.tinyurl.com/primaryLGBT Contact: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based in Edinburgh & Glasgow Non-Binary Edinburgh - NEW GROUP! 1st Friday of the month 6.45-8.45pm, Leith Community Education Centre, (Kinnaird Room on the 6th April and Links Room thereafter) 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 nonbinary people, including those who are genderqueer, gender non-conforming and questioning a non-binary identity. We aim to create a safe space, where non-binary identities and ideas can be fully accepted. If you would like to attend for the first time, please get in touch so we know to expect you. Please also get in touch to join the mailing list. Contact: nonbinaryedinburgh@gmail.com
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 7th April, 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: 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 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 - 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 6th April, 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 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/
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.
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
Trans Pride Scotland 2018 Stay up to date via the website https://www.transpridescotland.org/copy-of-edinburgh-2018 Trans Pride Scotland is hosting Scotland’s first ever Trans Pride event in Edinburgh this year. It's taking place on Trans Day of Visibility - Saturday 31st March 2018! We will be marching proudly down the Royal Mile and converging on the John McIntyre Conference Centre for an afternoon of workshops, speakers and socialising! Why don't you come and join us? Open to trans people and their allies. Please register as attending to receive full information updates by email. Trans Pride Scotland is about trans people being visible and speaking out. Please ensure any banners you bring for the march are hand-made and not professionally printed in order to ensure everyone has a equal voice. While you are welcome to march representing voluntary sector community groups, please do not march representing commercial businesses, political parties or public sector bodies. More information can be found on our website -www.transpridescotland.org
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 11th March 2018 at Augustine United Church Coming Out In the Wilderness Sunday 11th March, 3.30pm, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL. The next Our Tribe meeting will explore the theme Coming Out in the Wilderness. Traditionally, Lent is a time where we look at how we can be more authentically ourselves. By reflecting on the experience of Jesus in the wilderness through words, music and reflection, we will consider how we can use the wilderness experiences within our own lives and the life of the world to bring about positive change and healing. The celebration of communion open to all will, as always, be part of this time together. 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. The building is wheelchair accessible. There is a loop system. Changing Space is available. We look forward to welcoming you! The Our Tribe Committee