May 2017 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Welcome to a packed springtime T Monthly, your one-stop shop for all the amazing events and opportunities happening for the full diversity of Scotland’s trans community. There is so much to see and do! I’d like to draw your attention first, to our forthcoming trans and non-binary confidence workshop, ‘Tricky Conversations’. We will be building resources and strategies together to address and explore ways to respond to questions and conversations, sometimes between friends and family and other times with strangers. Find your voice in a safe space and the way you would like to express yourself in those tricky moments. Book a free place via: www.tinyurl.com/trickychat T times in both Glasgow and Edinburgh are super busy, and it’s wonderful to see people connect and build new and nurture old friendships. This month we enjoyed a creative writing session, preparing some amazing pieces to share at this year’s Edinburgh Pride Breakfast. Come and hear poems, songs and inspirational moments as we pull together as a community, in solidarity. Take your pick of a range of social events coming up, from a photography workshop to a community discussion on being LGBTQI at school through the decades, Pride activities and a safe space to find out about adoption! Click to download our full April-June 2017 programme Check out our group listings and community news too, which this month is chock-a-block, including a Transport Charter Survey to support raising awareness of hate crime & incidents - http://bit.ly/2oJsEG3 and trans friendly football in Glasgow! Just email me for details! E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104 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 & NON-BINARY SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 6th May, 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.
Words for Ourselves Saturday 2-4pm, 6th May, (within T time Glasgow) LGBT Health, 2 Queen’s Crescent, G4 9AS - Free Try your hand at creative writing with poet Elaine Gallagher, who’ll lead exercises to bring out creativity, and explore themes of identity, acceptance and resilience for trans people. No need for
experience, and no pressure to read your work, the workshop will be aimed at writing for selfexpression and well-being. And if you’re booking a place for Our Voice Our Selves confidence workshop (Sunday 4 th June) please bring along your £10 deposit to T time!
Trans and Non-binary community Q&A information evening with NHS Gender Services Thursday 6-8pm, 11th May, Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street, Woodlands, Glasgow, G3 6DS Got a question for David Gerber from Sandyford Gender Clinic or Biddy Ramsay from NHS Speech and Language Therapy? Come along to this evening hosted by LGBT Health & Wellbeing – a great chance to hear what is happening and put your questions to gender services staff! Please give us your questions so we can collate them by topic before the event. You can choose whether to ask the question yourself on the night, or have it asked for you, anonymously if you wish. Book your place and give us your questions: www.tinyurl.com/jbtup32 You can tell us your question/s when you book, or email them to katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk. Please book if you can as it helps us with numbers and planning – thanks. Free event, wheelchair accessible venue, refreshments provided, parking available around the venue. Hope to see you there!
Creative team planning meeting Tuesday 6-8pm, May 16th, 12 Queen's Crescent, Glasgow G4 9AS Come and help us plan our exciting programme for the next quarter, based on feedback from the community. Please let Katrina know in advance if you’d like to attend - T: 0141 271 2330 E: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 20th May, 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. Don’t forget, there will be no T time Edinburgh on June 17th - however Pride Breakfast runs from 9.30am -12noon on Saturday 17th June and all T timers are welcome! Details below. For further information contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104
Pride Crafts Saturday 2-4pm, 20th May, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free Come and join us to make placards and flags to wave and hold at Pride Edinburgh on June 17th this year! All welcome, even if you can’t make it along to the march… we will happily carry your placard for you!
T time Glasgow – Drums Bash Music Jam Saturday 1-4pm, June 3rd, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free Drummer Julie Clarke will host a fun and invigorating drumming workshop – have a bash! We’ll also host a jam, so feel free to bring along your instruments and songs to this one.
Our Voice, Our Selves Sunday 1-5pm, 4th June, Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE. Wheelchair accessible venue. £10 returnable deposit. Places are strictly limited, so booking is essential: http://tinyurl.com/ourvoiceourselves
Voice coach Susan Worsfold will guide us through this creative approach to developing our voices. Relaxation exercises will help to release our breath, body and voice and link this to energised use of creative text, building confidence in the way we use our voice and see ourselves. All trans and non-binary people welcome. T: 0141 271 2330 E: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk
Tricky Conversations (Edinburgh) Confidence Workshop Saturday 6.30-8.30pm, 10th June, Lifecare Centre (Dean Club Room), 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB Book online: http://tinyurl.com/trickychat Come together with other trans and non-binary folks to build up your resources and confidence for responding to tricky conversations. Explore ways to respond to family, friends and people you don’t know when confronted with difficult, inappropriate conversations. Contact Jules for more information via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.
Glasgow Transition Support Course Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July 2017 | 10.30am - 5pm Booking is open! Anyone who self-identifies as having trans and/or non-binary gender identities is welcome to participate in this free, 2-day non-residential course in Glasgow. The course will provide safe and supportive opportunities to learn more about your options and rights, meet and connect with other trans people, share your experiences and take part in confidence building workshops. We recognise that everyone’s journey is different - 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. The course takes place in Glasgow but is open to anyone, wherever you are based. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. If the cost of travelling to and from the venue is a barrier, please contact us as we may be able to help towards travel costs. Lunch and refreshments provided both days. Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/transitioncourse Contact: T: 0141 271 2330 E: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
Making a Connection: Photography Workshop Saturday 12-4pm, 13th May, ‘A Sense of Some Place’, Walpole Hall (next to St Mary’s Cathedral), Palmerston Place, EH12 5AW Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTphotoworkshop *Wheelchair accessible* In this often distant and dizzying digital age, do you want to find a real connection with others? Join community and photography enthusiasts alike for a fun and creative day using photography to explore how we make a social connection to others. Meet new people, learn more about the people in your community and maybe learn a few skills along the way. No experience necessary but please bring a camera or phone that can take pictures if you have one. We will have a small number of cameras to lend to people on the day so please use the booking form to indicate that you need one. We hope to print the pictures at the venue and for those who would like to, there will be the opportunity to take part in the ‘Making a Connection’ exhibition at Edinburgh’s Pride Breakfast Event.
Community Discussion: Another Brick in the Wall Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm, 16th May LGBT Youth Scotland, 40 Commercial Street, EH6 6JD Booking preferred: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTQIatschool What was it like having LGBTQI feelings at school? We’re bring together intergenerational community members of 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.
LGBTQI Adoption Event (Rainbow Families Project) Wednesday 6-8.30pm, 7th June, VENUE HAS CHANGED & TBC Venue will be wheelchair accessible and please let us know if BSL is required. Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/LGBTQIadoption Thinking about adopting? Or perhaps you would appreciate the opportunity to connect with other LGBTQI adopters? In partnership with Scottish Adoption, we’re inviting you to find out more and ask questions about what’s involved in the adoption process or for those already involved, explore what support and information you need on your ongoing journey. We are particularly keen to create a supportive environment to explore specific issues relating to the full diversity of identities within our community. With the opportunity to hear from LGBTQI adoptive parents, we also hope to create a safe space for you to share your own experiences and explore issues unique to your situation. Come for all or whichever part of the event feels relevant: • 6-7.30pm - Find out about adoption in Scotland and how agencies like Scottish Adoption can support you • 7.30-9pm - Hear LGBTQI adoptive parents share their stories and connect with others
Pride Breakfast 2017 Saturday 9.30am-12noon, 17th June, Serenity Café, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, EH8 8PJ Cost: £5 waged, £2.50 unwaged (pay on day, booking via: www.tinyurl.com/pridebreakfast2017) It’s the only place to start your Edinburgh Pride weekend! Tuck in to a delicious breakfast buffet of cakes and continental (hot and cold) treats while you enjoy live music and performances and feel good vibes at this safe and inclusive family-friendly gathering ahead of the start of the march (just down the road!). Book a place for you and others via (pay on day): www.tinyurl.com/pridebreakfast2017
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 6th May, 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 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. 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 28th May, 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 6th May 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 meets 1st Sunday of the month RELAUNCH! 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 28th May 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! Non-
Binary 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 Seahorses is a community swimming group for Trans identifying people in Glasgow. Seahorses takes place at 3-4pm at Whitehill pool in Glasgow on the last Sunday of each month. The group is currently open to people aged 16+ but we are working on opening it up to younger members. Contact: https://www.facebook.com/Seahorsesglasgow
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 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: 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, 29th April (Edinburgh), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE 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
Trans and Non-binary community Q&A information evening with NHS Gender Services THURSDAY 11TH MAY 2017, 6-8PM, THE ALBANY CENTRE, 44 ASHLEY STREET, WOODLANDS, GLASGOW G3 6DS Got a question for David Gerber from Sandyford Gender Clinic or Biddy Ramsay from NHS Speech and Language Therapy? Come along to this evening hosted by LGBT Health & Wellbeing – a great chance to hear what’s happening and put your questions to gender services staff! Please give us your questions so we can collate them by topic before the event. You can choose whether to ask the question yourself on the night, or have it asked for you, anonymously if you wish. Book your place and give us your questions: www.tinyurl.com/jbtup32 You can tell us your question/s when you book, or email them to katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk. Please book if you can as it helps us with numbers and planning – thanks. Free event, wheelchair accessible venue, refreshments provided, parking available around the venue. Hope to see you there!
LGBT Inclusive Mental Health Services | New Guide A drive to improve mental health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people has begun with the launch of a new guide by the Mental Welfare Commission. The guide, which was co-produced with LGBT Health and Wellbeing, has been launched in a bid to increase awareness of LGBT rights amongst mental health professionals, and help health and social care services to deliver more personcentred care and support. It aims to address inequalities in the support and treatment of LGBT people across Scotland’s mental health services, and features a number of recommendations for making services more accessible and LGBT-friendly. Copies will be sent out to all psychiatric wards in Scotland, as well as primary care and community services. Dr Gary Morrison, Executive Director (Medical) at the Mental Welfare Commission said: “We are excited to announce the publication of our new guide on LGBT inclusion in mental health services. “LGBT people experience higher rates of mental disorder and are much more likely to think about suicide or self-harming. They are also more likely to have negative experiences when accessing mental health services.
“We hope that by producing this guidance we can help eliminate discrimination against LGBT people in mental health services, and equip health and social care professionals with the information they need to provide the best possible care and support.” Maruska Greenwood, Chief Executive at LGBT Health and Wellbeing, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Commission on this guide. Through our work with LGBT people we know the tremendous positive difference it makes to individuals to be able to engage with service providers who do not make assumptions, judge or stigmatise them because of their minority sexual orientation or gender identity. We hope this guide will reach new audiences with the important message that acceptance and inclusion are key to supporting LGBT people experiencing poor mental health.” Catherine Somerville, Campaigns, Policy and Research Manager at Stonewall Scotland, also supported the launch of the guide: “It is really positive to see the Mental Welfare Commission putting in place this much needed guidance to support mental health professionals to better meet the needs of their LGBT patients. Our research suggests that half of mental health workers, including counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists do not recognise the relevance of sexual orientation to someone’s health needs (Unhealthy Attitudes, 2015). This guidance is an important step forward to make sure that LGBT people can access mental health services with confidence.” The document is available here.
New Trans-Friendly Football team based in Glasgow! Find out more, get involved and visit them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlasgowTFFC/
Police Scotland 2026 - We need your help by May 8th As you may be aware, Police Scotland has recently published its draft strategy for how policing in Scotland will look like in 10 years' time. The strategy identifies ways to develop the range of policing services and increase the operational capacity of policing to focus on prevention and protection in the public, private and virtual space. It sets out how Police Scotland can become a flexible and adaptable workforce to address new and changing demands and to improve outcomes for people, communities and places. The strategy identifies the huge potential for new technology and new approaches to contribute to improved outcomes but recognises that these are not decisions for policing to take in isolation. It is very important that we get the views and opinions of the people that we work with i.e. you and the communities that we serve. We need your input to shape our policing service and make it fit for purpose in the future. If you could oblige, and read our draft strategy document at http://www.scotland.police.uk/aboutus/policing-2026/ and then tell us your views and opinions on the online survey https://consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/2026/ we would be extremely grateful.
Support LGBT Equality in Your Community With this year’s council elections less than two months away, now is the time to think about what we can do in our communities. We know that often the things that make a difference in LGBT people’s lives are what happens on their doorstep – the attitudes of their neighbours, how safe they feel on their street, being able to feel safe and included in their community. That’s why we’ve developed ‘Your Voice Matters’, a brand new guide for supporting LGBT equality in your community. If you want your area to be a more inclusive place, this guide is the perfect place to start, including what councils can do on the big issues affecting LGBT people and how you can ask your candidates and representatives to take action. Please share this resource with your supporters and followers, and encourage them to make themselves heard. You can help make communities across Scotland safer and more inclusive. For details, visit www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/scottish-local-governmentelections-2017. We’re hoping that this toolkit will help LGBT people and their Allies all across Scotland to make their voices heard – please do share it as widely as you can.
Scottish LGBTQI Voices publication - looking for contributors Everyone has a voice, but not everyone has a platform for others to hear it. Scottish LGBTQI Voices is a not-for-profit creative project which seeks to capture and share voices from people in Scotland who identify as LGBTQI. In gathering these voices in a print and e-book publication scheduled for release early in 2018, everyone who connects with Scottish LGBTQI Voices will have the chance to have their words read equally. Scottish LGBTQI Voices offers an opportunity for people – and their family, friends and colleagues – to share their experiences in one or more of the following topics; Identity, Coming Out Stories, Dating, Sexual Health, Mental Health, Family Relationships, Working Environment, Sport, Disability, Homophobia/Biphobia and/or Transphobia, Religion and Cultural Icons and Heroes. To find out more info and contribute your voice, visit scottishlgbtqivoices.com
I Write, I Rise - Fantastic Writing opportunity for Trans Young People LGBT Youth Scotland are holding a series of writing workshops with Nat Raha. If you are aged 16-26, identify as trans, non-binary, genderfluid or genderqueer and are interested in getting creative or developing new skills then join us for these four fantastic evenings at our Edinburgh Youth Space. Be quick- we only have limited spaces! Register here: https://lgbtyouth.wufoo.eu/forms/i-write-i-rise/
Further Out? Take the Survey - http://www.equality-network.org/furtherout/ The Equality Network has been out and about talking to LGBTI people across the Highlands, Northern and Western Islands of Scotland over the past few weeks, and our Further Out street stalls and events will be continuing, taking place across Argyll, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway,
and the Scottish Borders over the next few weeks. We know all too well there are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in every part of Scotland, and that's why we're keen to hear the views of LGBTI people living outside our biggest cities. Do you live in a rural community? Do you live on one of Scotland's many islands? Do you live in a town or village outside our biggest cities? Do you live in Inverness, Perth or Stirling? Take the Survey Further Out is our biggest conversation yet, and we want you to take part. The information you provide will help us better understand LGBTI life across Scotland and what we can do to make Scotland a more equal place regardless of where people live. Contacting LGBTI people in more rural and island parts of Scotland can be more challenging so please do share this survey with people you know who might take part.
Trans Survivors Switchboard - 01273 204050 Survivors' Network and LGBT Switchboard in Brighton provide a helpline which offers support to trans people including those who are non-binary and questioning who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lifetime. The helpline runs on every Sunday from 1-5pm. Call them on 01273 204050. For more information on the helpline click on the Trans Survivors Switchboard link below: Trans Survivors Switchboard
Drop by our Pop Up Photo Studio Would you like to have a professional portrait of yourself, your family or friends? If so, we would be honoured if you would drop by our pop up studio. The Equality Network and Scottish Trans Alliance are proud of the diversity of the people we engage with and would love to showcase your range, diversity and beauty. We recognise that it is important for people to see themselves reflected in an organisation and to identify with the images it puts out. We are working on creating a diverse collection of pictures to use on our website, in publications and on social media and would like to feature real people such as yourself. Therefore, we are setting up a temporary studio in Edinburgh to capture professional photos of diverse people. We will hold similar events in various locations in Scotland throughout the year. Digital copies of the photos taken will be made available to you, and we will cover your travel and access costs (eg: a BSL interpreter or a PA) as well as tea, coffee and a good selection of cakes and biscuits. Please bring receipts for public transport to claim travel expenses. Should you need to travel by taxi as an access requirement please note this when registering and keep your receipts. The pop up studio will be in place as follows:
Thursday 18 May 2017 , Between 10am and 4pm, Old St Paul’s Church Hall, 39 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DH Come along any time, have some cake and get your picture taken either in a group or on your own, however you like. To sign up to the morning photoshoot (between 10am-12:30pm), please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equality-network-edinburgh-morning-photoshoot-tickets33991914732 To sign up to the afternoon photoshoot (between 1pm-4pm), please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equality-network-edinburgh-afternoon-photoshoot-tickets33992054149 If you have any questions, please email: Mel@equality-network.org
Support for Trans people back in Aberdeen and Grampian area For information on groups and support for Trans (and LGBT+) people in Aberdeen area, please visit - http://4pillarsuk.org/groups.html Grampian T Folk now meets first Sunday of the month! Contact: mail@fourpillars.org for details
Transport Charter survey Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership want to find out more about your experiences with harassment in public spaces around the city, particularly on public transportation, such as on trains, trams, or buses. Your answers us address issues around hate crime and harassment on public transport in Edinburgh, ensuring better access for all. http://bit.ly/2oJsEG3
Unapologetic Self-Portraits: Disabled and D/deaf Artists on Film Watch or listen to Sandra Alland talking about ten brilliant short films by disabled and D/deaf artists and then watch the ten films FREE. This is something Sandra co-curated last year for the awesome Disability Arts Online and their Viewfinder project (with Lisa Mattocks and Sick Festival). All films captioned, some have BSL or audio description. Enjoy the likes of Claire Cunningham, Michael Achtman (with Margo Cargill & Alex Bulmer), Sins Invalid, Shadowlight with Mark Barber, Tourretteshero aka Jess Thom, Candoco Dance Company with Hetain Patel, Kim Noble, Alison Smith, Disabled Avant-Garde (Katherine Araniello and Aaron Williamson), and Drew Goldsmith. Click here: http://viewfinder.online/playlist/unapologetic-self-portraits-disabled-ddeaf-artists-film/