T Monthly May 2016

May 2016 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland.

Welcome to the May edition of our trans-specific e-bulletin, packed full of event updates, information and news stories from around Scotland.

Wherever you’re based, we hope you find something useful to read or share.

In this month’s edition we’re delighted to bring you full a summary report of the recent NHS Lothian Gender Services Information Session, including a full the Q&A notes provided by NGICNS. A wide variety of questions were answered by clinic staff which also led to useful discussions so we hope the report will provide a good insight into the services provided in Lothian but also the direction in which the service is developing.

Katrina Mitchell, who leads on our Trans Support Programme in Glasgow, tells me the ‘Sing Sing Sing’ workshop went excellently in Glasgow last month which is wonderful to hear. For those who enjoy music and performing, we have a number of events coming up that might spark your interest. Look out for details of Pride Breakfast and the LGBT Summer Fete in coming bulletins, both of which provide opportunities for performers to showcase their talent to a friendly supportive audience.

For something a little more personal, you can read all about our Sex, Relationships and Intimacy confidence workshop on Saturday 28th May in Edinburgh. This will be a closed session and places are limited at this unique opportunity, so find out more and don’t forget to book if interested.

If ‘Make-up Tips’ would be useful for you, don’t miss out on T time Glasgow this month, coming up next weekend, as Rachel Urquhart leads a fun and inclusive workshop within the session. Trans Community news this month includes details of a live music event featuring Canadian transgender singer-songwriter Rae Spoon, and a new Gender Identity Clinic podcast!

Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans people through T Monthly, you can contact me via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or by calling 0131 523 1104, I’ll be happy to help.

TRANSGENDER SUPPORT PROGRAMMES Edinburgh and Glasgow Support for trans and non-binary people LGBT Health and Wellbeing offers support through our Transgender Support Programmes (TSP) in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. We welcome trans female/feminine, trans male/masculine, genderqueer, 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 Edinburgh and Glasgow can access (TSP) (although all events are delivered in Edinburgh and Glasgow).

For more information about 1:1 support and social group opportunities, contact: Jules Stapleton Barnes, Development Worker, Edinburgh E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104 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/

NHS Lothian Gender Services Information Session Summary Report Last month we hosted an information session for anyone 16yrs+ who self-identifies as having trans* and/or non-binary gender identities and who wanted to learn more about the gender services offered by the NHS Lothian Gender Clinic. We have produced a summary report of the session, held at Chalmers last month.

I hope our reflections serve as a useful reminder of the topics and progress discussed. The full Q&A notes have been provided by the National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland (NGICNS) and can be accessed via the link in our report.

We’d like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the agenda for the event and are grateful to all the panel members who provided helpful responses to the questions submitted.

If you have any further comments or questions regarding the event, or the topics discussed, please don’t hesitate to contact me via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or by calling 0131 523 1104.

Click here to read our summary report of the event which includes a link to the full Q&A notes from the session.

Volunteers wanted for the Trans Support Programme (Glasgow) The Glasgow Trans Support Programme needs volunteers to help with planning and running our exciting and expanding programme of events! If you're interested, please get in touch with Katrina Mitchell on katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk for more information.

LGBT Health and Wellbeing News Development Worker –Transgender Support Programme Individual Support (Edinburgh) Salary: £24,293 – £26,895 pro-rata (Part Time – 6 hours per week) The post holder will contribute to the development and delivery the organisation’s Lothian Transgender Support Programme, which delivers a holistic programme of support to transgender people. This post will lead on the provision of one-to-one support to individuals as well as offering tailored support and information to health and social care services working with transgender people including training sessions.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with the Development Worker (Group Support) who will lead on providing group activities and the delivery of a regular programme of courses and events. An application pack can be downloaded via the links below: Application pack letter Application form Job description and person specification Diversity monitoring form Organisational chart Terms and conditions For further information, contact Annette via annette@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1107 Closing date: 10th May 2016 at 9am Interviews: 18th May 2016

Raffle prizes wanted for the LGBT Summer Fete!

We’re busy planning another summer fete bonanza for you, with games, competitions, special guests and lots of cake. We also know how much you love the raffle… so we’re looking for as much help as possible to create a bundle of fabulous raffle prizes this year.

Do you have any unused, unwanted left-over gifts that you’re not using? If you have any good quality, unused items that you’d like to donate, please feel welcome to drop them off at our Centre on Howe Street anytime between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

If you own a business and would be able to donate a prize, we’d love to hear from you via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0131 523 1104.

Many thanks to you in advance!

Meet Jean Monaghan, Social Programme Development Worker (LGBT Age) Glasgow and Edinburgh "I joined the organisation recently in March 2016. My role is to develop and deliver social events that the community members have requested for the LGBT Age project. It’s really important to me that trans people feel included in all the events we organise. I will also be helping and supporting community groups across Glasgow which may include trans-specific groups. I have worked within the LGBT community in Glasgow for over 13 years. I believe that everyone should be treated equally and fairly regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. I am very passionate about supporting LGBTQI equality,

and to help empowers others to become active members within the LGBTQI community. I look forward to meeting with you all at the social events."

Counselling Service Anyone who is LGBT, questioning their gender identity and/or sexual orientation is welcome to self-refer to our counselling service. Our service is free although we welcome donations. You can currently access up to 11 counselling sessions. We offer day time and evening sessions Monday to Friday. Once we receive your referral form you will be invited for an initial assessment and then allocated with a counsellor. Contact counselling@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1100 to ask for a Referral Form or make a referral over the phone.

LGBT Helpline Scotland (http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/helpline) provides specialist support and information for all transgender people and their families, friends and supporters. Whether you need some time to explore your gender, or if would like to discuss your relationships, transitioning options, discrimination you’re experiencing, feelings of isolation or anything at all, we are here for you. The helpline is a trans* aware service and we make no assumptions about your gender or the gender of others in your life. We are open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12-9pm and can be reached by phone on 0300 123 2523 or by email at helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk

EVENTS COMING UP T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 7th May, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free An informal social gathering open to all transgender people and supporters. Come along for tea / coffee and a chat plus an optional event or activity in a friendly and relaxed environment.

An optional event runs alongside each T time, reflecting participants’ interests and requests. To discuss T time Glasgow or find out more, please contact Katrina via katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0141 271 2330. March T time is ‘family friendly’. (Please note the 3rd T time of each quarter is ‘family friendly’ in Glasgow, ‘family friendly’ means that under 16’s are welcome if accompanied by an adult).

Make-up Tips Saturday 2-3.30pm, 7th May (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS This month, our optional event will be Make Up Tips with Rachel Urquhart, who'll give a talk and demonstration including preparing skin (skincare routine with a facial demo) and skin nutrition chat; makeup demo - eyes, brow care, contouring, lips; tricks of the trade (highlighting, camouflage etc.); and a Q&A. For more information contact Katrina at katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.

T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 21st May, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE 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

Gender Norms Saturday 2-3.30pm, 21st May (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE Blending in or standing out? At our discussion this month we’re looking at gender expression and our individual experiences of being out and about in society.

Sex, Relationships and Intimacy Saturday 1-5pm, 28th May, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE (Change of venue and time to what was previously advertised) Book online: www.tinyurl.com/sexandintimacy Sex, relationships and intimacy can be hard to talk about. They also have a profound impact on our confidence and wellbeing. This workshop will give you the opportunity to find confidence in discussing the issues that matter to you in a safe and supportive way. We will explore sexual and emotional health, provide free information and sexual supplies to take away.

Joining Jules and Lawrence will be Mental Health Development Worker Alison Wren, to deliver a unique event for trans and non-binary people. If you would like to attend, please complete a booking form. We will ask you to share what you hope to gain from attending, so that we can ensure the workshop is as relevant as possible for those who attend.

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 7th May Please note: There is no meeting in June.

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 Transmen Scotland have a new social meet up for transmen (including non-binary folks who identify as trans masculine). The group has just held the AGM and will be providing details soon of 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.

Group contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.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 7th May Please note: There is no meeting in June.

Support group aimed at transsexual women at any stage of transition, women who are transgender and live as women full-time or part-time or for those who are questioning their gender identity. The group meets 1st Saturday of each month 7.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE. We look forward to meeting you and prefer you to email us the first time you want to visit. This helps with security and helps us get ready to welcome you.

Group contact: info@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk

Grampian T folk Meet in Aberdeen last Wednesday of the month from 6-9pm and last Saturday of the month for an all-day drop-in A support group for all under the trans umbrella. This thriving group now has over 60 members!

Grampian Tfolk have started a summer series of bike rides. For more information about the group or getting involved in the summer activities, contact by phone: 01224 543695 or email: grampian.tfolk @gmail.com

Non-Binary Scotland Meeting every second Friday from 6pm-9pm 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

Sandyford Transwomen Support Group A peer support group for transwomen who reside in Glasgow and the West of Scotland and beyond. Although we are affiliated to Sandyford and hold our Wednesday meetings there, we are a separate entity. Our meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6.00pm to 7.45pm and 3rd Saturday of each month from Noon to 2.00pm (Not within Sandyford).

E-mail: sandyfordtranswomen@yahoo.co.uk

Seahorses Swimming Club A new swimming club for the transgender community continues this month Glasgow. The club meets on the last Sunday of each month. The club is only open to those who identify as transgender or non-binary. At this stage, the club is open to those aged 16 and over.

It will take place from 3pm until 4pm at Whitehill Pool, Dennistoun. The pool is close to Alexandra Parade train station and quite close to Duke Street station too both of which are just a few minutes from Queen Street Station. The club committee will be at the seated area inside the main entrance and to the right, from 230pm. There is a charge of £5 for the session to begin with. We may be able to bring this cost down as the club develops depending on our numbers. There is a registration form to complete, as well as our code of conduct and safe space rules which you'll need to check out before getting into the pool, so we suggest that you come along in good time.

The club committee and LEAP Sports have been doing training with staff at Whitehill Pool and will continue to do some training sessions as the next couple of month’s progress, in order to make the sessions run as well as possible. 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 2nd Floor at Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB so please contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details.

Contact: tranparentsees@gmail.com if interested in coming along!

TransparenTsees (East) A New TransparenTsees East aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting monthly on a Monday. 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555 3940

Trans Men Scotland Social Transmen Scotland have a new social meet up for transmen (including non-binary folks who identify as trans masculine) coming soon. The group will be free of charge and for ages 16+ only.

Dates, times and venues to be confirmed. Watch this space for updates! For more info contact us at 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 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

LGBTQIA exhibition on the Royal Mile Proud City: celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual people living and working in Edinburgh The People’s Story Museum, Canongate Tolbooth, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BN. New exhibition open to the public: 30 April- 29 October 2016 Proud City is a new exhibition open to the public at People’s Story Museum from 30th April until October. The exhibition showcases some of the city’s collections exploring LGBTQIA+ history alongside contemporary items telling the stories of people living and working in Edinburgh today.

Canadian Transgender Singer-songwriter performs in Edinburgh Rae Spoon + Jesus & His Judgemental Father + The Watch Thieves Saturday 7.30pm, 21st May, Augustine United Church The music of Canadian transgender singer-songwriter RAE SPOON spans across genres from Electronica to country and folk. The documentary My Prairie Home tells the story of them growing up queer in the Canadian Prairies with Pentecostal parents. On May 21st they perform in the intimate setting of Augustine united Church, Edinburgh, along with by Leeds' queer pop punks JESUS & HIS JUDGEMENTAL FATHER and locals THE WATCH THIEVES. Tickets: £6 from walktheplankdiy.bigcartel.com

“What’s the point in living, in a body I don’t want” - How the NHS Treats Trans People Podcast Here is a link to a British Medical Journal podcast about gender identity clinics. This is the iTunes version, if you need another version you can get it through the BMJ website. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bmj-podcast/id283916558?mt=2&i=366638819

The Laramie Project Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jun, 7.30pm (2 hrs 15) Scottish Storytelling Centre , Netherbow Theatre This show is based on a true story. It is October 1998; Matthew Sheppard is savagely beaten and left to die overlooking the town of Laramie, Wyoming. Two locals are accused of the crime. This play documents the town's response to the attack whilst exploring themes of hope, love, hate and sexuality. In this production by Edinburgh Acting School, the actors work as an ensemble to take on this sad event and shed some light on what really happened that fateful night and how attitudes have changed since.

Tickets: Full Price - £8.00 , Concession £6.00. For tickets and more information visit http://www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre/centre-events/5027/the-laramie-project

National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland The NGICNS annual meeting took place in January. There was a review of the activities of the network since its establishment a year ago. The steering group meets every 3 months and the

minutes can be downloaded from the NGICNS website. At the annual meeting there was a suggestion to inform people on the contact list when new content is added to the website. If you would like to receive updates and details of upcoming events to attend you can request this via the contact form on the NGICNS website. Just fill in your details and ask to be added to the contact list.

Useful trans community links and resources The Scottish Transgender Alliance works to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. Click here to access a wealth of links and resources for the trans community. http://www.scottishtrans.org/resources/