November 2016 ~ Transgender Day of Remembrance is Nov 20
th
News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland A warm hello to you, from all of us here at T Monthly HQ. In this month’s bulletin, we feature both regular and one-off social events, a Make-up confidence workshop, an invitation to join us for the launch of a new Rainbow Families Project and news from a variety of trans organisations and community groups. We are also marking Transgender Day of Remembrance in both Glasgow and Edinburgh and you can read about how to get involved. The International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) has been marked worldwide every year since 1998. On and around the 20th November, thousands memorialise the people who have been killed that year because of their perceived transgender identity. We hosted our annual memorial within T time Glasgow on 5th November and will host another memorial at T time Edinburgh on the 19th. Community members are invited to contribute by reading poems, playing music or simply sharing their thoughts, so contact jules@lgbthealth.org.uk to let us know you’d like to take part. As an update on last month, we now have a wonderful selection of photographs from our LTSP photoshoot, which we will use in various publicity in the coming months. We would like to extend thanks to our photographer Linda MacPherson who was both supportive and fun to work with on the night and of course our wonderful participants, pictured here! In addition to the photoshoot, we also wanted to reflect on a lovely event in Fife last month, the launch of our first ever trans group in Dunfermline! Read on for details of an inclusive Make-up workshop for all genders in Edinburgh this month, and the forth-coming Transition Support Course in January. There’s lots happening over in Glasgow too, including a new transfriendly football group! Don’t forget to get in touch if you have news or an activity to promote. Back next month! 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 Lothian and Glasgow 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. We also deliver some social events for trans people in Fife. 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: James Knight, Development Worker, Lothian E: james@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 For information on social events in Fife, contact: Diane Florence, Development Worker, Fife E: diane@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 07508 608699 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
Transition Support Course Edinburgh – Registration open Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January, 10.30am-5pm, St Margaret’s House, Floor B1, West Wing, 151 London Rd, EH7 6AE (Wheelchair accessible) Anyone who self-identifies as having trans* and/or non-binary gender identities are welcome to participate in this free, 2-day non-residential course in Edinburgh. 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 will be facilitated by Jules Stapleton Barnes and staff from the Lothian Transgender Support Programme, with support from our Mental Health Development Worker, Alison Wren. Lunch and refreshments will be provided both days. The course takes place in Edinburgh 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 Jules, as we may be able to help towards travel costs. If you have taken part in one of our Transition Support Courses before, you will automatically be added to our reserve list, as we are prioritising people who have not taken part before. Jules will be in touch in the early New Year to confirm whether a place is available for you. How to register for the course You can complete a registration form via www.tinyurl.com/transsupportcourse2017 The deadline for registration is January 8th but places are limited so register your interest early to avoid disappointment, as it may not be possible to offer everybody a place. Jules will contact you after receipt of the registration form and confirm whether a space is available for you in due course. You are also very welcome to phone first to discuss. Contact Jules via: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0131 523 1104 for more information. Here is what a participant said about last year’s course:
“Thank you so much for facilitating such a wonderfully open, inclusive and informative weekend. It certainly reinforced what I knew, filled in all the gaps and increased my confidence in going out and coming out no end” Message from NHS Lothian Gender Identity Clinic (Chalmers) Just a reminder that the Gender Clinic’s number is 0131 536 1570. We normally answer the phone between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. If it goes to voicemail leave your name and number and we’ll call you back. We are not able to take enquiries by email. Appointments are given to you either when we see you in clinic or are sent out several weeks in advance. If you do not want letters going to your home address, call us and we will sort out another way for you to find out about your appointments.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing News Annual Service Evaluation - WIN £40 Waterstones vouchers Dear T Monthly reader, we want to know what you think about LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s programme of services, events, courses and community groups. Please take the time to give us your comments and feedback by completing this anonymous and confidential survey:
www.bit.ly/LGBTsurvey2016 Closing Wednesday 21st December Thank you very much on behalf of our Transgender Support Services!
Vote for Continued funding for LGBT Support Programme in Fife “Our project will respond to what LGBT people in Fife told us that they need and want. We want to create a stronger sense of an LGBT community in Fife, by building the confidence and social networks of individuals. We aim to make a positive impact on this often overlooked minority.” Funding from Aviva Community Fund would enable us to continue delivering a service in Fife for a further 6 months. We are currently offering monthly social groups, individual support and have a monthly LGBT ebulletin that helps to connect people and provides information. We are a community development organisation that puts the community at the core of its work. One of the ways that we do this is by recruiting and developing local volunteers, as well as by responding to the ideas and requests of the community to deliver our events and services. For more information about our planned project and to support us by using your vote, please follow this link https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-2942 Voting ends 12pm on 18th November
Do you know that we offer a Counselling Service? Life can feel tough for many of us from time to time and talking with someone who is trained to listen and support can really help. We offer a confidential counselling service with appointments both during the day and in the evening from Monday to Friday. Counselling can help with a whole range of issues, including: - relationship difficulties - gender or sexual identity issues - self-confidence and self-esteem - abuse - depression and anxiety - isolation If you think that counselling might be right for you, the first thing to do is complete and send us a referral form using the link on our website or give us a call on 0131 523 1100. You will then be invited to an initial appointment during which you can find out more about the service as well as talk about the issues with which you’re needing support. Once you begin seeing your counsellor, you will have 11 weekly sessions of 50 minutes.
How much does it cost? Private counselling in Edinburgh costs around £45 per session. Our service is supported by donations so although you will never be turned away if you are unable to pay, we ask all of our clients to make a donation at each session according to their ability to do so. All donations come directly into the counselling service and we are members of the Gift Aid scheme. For more information email claire@lgbthealth.org.uk
TRANS SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 19th November, 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
Transgender Day of Remembrance Saturday 2.15-3.30pm, 19th November (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE Join us to mark this annual day of remembrance where we remember and celebrate the lives of trans people who have died or been killed in 2016, due to prejudice and hate. It will be a sombre occasion but we will also focus on the power and strength of our community and the support, safety and joy we can bring into each other’s lives. You are invited to bring along a poem or song to share if you would like to, please just email Jules ahead of the event so we know to include it in the programme. Contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.
Make Up and Feel Great! Confidence Workshop Saturday 1-4pm, 26th November, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE Book online: www.tinyurl.com/makeupgreat Join us for an inclusive afternoon of fun and exploration as make-up expert Molly Sheridan provides guidance and advice on using make-up and feeling great about your appearance, however you identify. Molly will be facilitating a safe and supporting session with makeup demonstration and some tricks of the trade! Scar make-up session at 2pm within the workshop There will also be an information session and demonstration on how best to use make-up to cover scarring, with NHS Lothian, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Merrick Pope. Feel free to bring your own make up to learn more about your own products. There will also be time for questions. Book online: www.tinyurl.com/makeupgreat or contact Jules for details.
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 3rd December, 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.
Bake-Off Competition and Demo Saturday 1-4pm, 3rd December (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS Join in a fun and tasty optional session for cake lovers! For more info and to take part in the competition, contact katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
LGBT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk Brexit and Beyond: Our Future, Our Rights Thursday 6.30-9.30pm, 10th November, Broughton St Mary’s, 12 Bellevue Crescent, EH3 6NE Free, fully accessible, BSL provided. Book online: www.tinyurl.com/brexitbeyondLGBT Special guest speaker: Mike Russell, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Join us in a safe space to reflect on how ‘Brexit’ and the current political climate is impacting you. Are you worried about your rights as an LGBT person? Are you concerned about your future in a post-EU Britain? Come along to a supportive and welcoming event to share your thoughts and hear from guest speaker Minister, Mike Russell, and the Equality Network about the positive steps that Scotland continues to take, towards equality. Please book you place via: www.tinyurl.com/brexitbeyondLGBT Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/245655672499373/
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 3rd December 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. Social Group and Peer-Peer Support 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 1st October 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 activities, contact by phone: 01224 543695 or email: grampian.tfolk@gmail.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 2nd 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 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 when and where they are 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 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
Let’s Talk About Trans 15th, 17th, 22nd November 2016 Join us in a safe space to explore together the support needs for trans people in Ayrshire. The Ayrshire LGBT+ Development Group are holding a series of conversation cafes across Ayrshire to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance 2016. 15th November, 4-5.30pm, Kilmarkock Campus 17th November, 4-5.30pm, Kilwinning Campus 22nd November, 4-5.30pm, Ayr Campus We welcome trans people, their friends and family and those who support the trans community. Book your place now - www.talktrans.eventbrite.co.uk Enquiries to: equalities@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or Tel: 07833 693127
Scottish Trans Health Conference - register online now The Scottish Transgender Alliance are pleased to invite you to our national conference, on Monday 14th November, exploring how to improve transgender equality within health services across Scotland. This conference will bring together trans people, their families and health service providers to increase understanding of the current health inequalities experienced by trans people and explore ways to improve how mainstream health services and gender identity clinics treat trans women, non-binary people and trans men. Come and share your views, experiences and ideas through interactive consultation workshops about trans inclusion within GP services, mental health services and sexual health services. Explore the key findings of our recent survey of trans people's experiences at Gender Identity Clinics. Take part in an activism workshop creating campaigning resources to push for NHS improvements and develop your skills in assisting trans people to uphold their rights. Within the conference, there will also be trans awareness training workshops specifically for health service providers. These will enable service providers to keep up to date with changes in trans terminology, explore the latest research findings about trans people's experiences of health inequalities and increase their understanding of how to implement trans equality best practice in direct service provision and service development, diversity monitoring and equality impact assessments. Conference Agenda
10:00 - 10:30 = Arrival & Coffee 10:30 - 10:45 = Opening Speeches 10:45 - 11:45 = Workshop Session 1 11:45 - 12:00 = Coffee Break 12:00 - 13:00 = Workshop Session 2 13:00 - 14:00 = Buffet Lunch 14:00 - 15:00 = Workshop Session 3 15:00 - 15:15 = Coffee Break 15:15 - 16:15 = Plenary Session 16:15 - 16:30 = Evaluation & Close As places are limited, you must register in advance at http://scottishtranshealth2016.eventbrite.co.uk Assistance with travel expenses is available for trans people on low incomes. For more details contact: James Morton, Scottish Transgender Alliance Manager Office: 0131 467 6039
Trans-friendly Football A new Trans-Friendly Football Club will begin training early in 2017, with coaching support and the use of Glasgow Life facilities. As a first step on this journey, we are issuing an open invitation for anyone – especially those in the trans-community – to join a 6-week fashion and kit-making course. Help to design a kit for the gender-neutral football team, including a team badge and accessories. Explore your creativity in a safe and welcoming environment, and help build a safe space for transgender people to get involved in sport and fitness. The weekly sessions run from 6 – 7.30pm on: Wed 9 Nov | Wed 16 Nov | Wed 23 Nov | Mon 28 Nov | Mon 5 Dec | Wed 14 Dec Venue: Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8AP This course is designed for adults.
Queer Tango Inclusive Tango classes for LGBTQI people Wednesdays 12 noon-1pm and/or 1-2pm; 7-8pm and/or 8-9pm, Epworth Halls, Methodist Church, Nicholson Square (5 minutes from the University of Edinburgh George Square campus) Want to know more? A participant described how Louise teaches tango: "Louise’s philosophy of tango is that it is about awareness and connection. To tango well, you have to be able to pay attention. Some people have called tango ‘walking with attitude’, but she thinks it is ‘walking with awareness’ – of yourself, of the other person, of everybody else in the room, of the music. In the world and in life in general, people are often looking for different ways to connect really well with other people. As human beings, we thrive with connection, and tango is a fabulous way of being connected." Find out more at http://www.qte.dance/ and/or join the Queer tango Edinburgh Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/285415031797624/.
LGBT authors event at Book Week We are having an event as part of Book Week Scotland in partnership with LGBT History Month on the 26th November at the Studio at the Festival Theatre. We'll be joined by Val McDermid, Louise Welsh, Zoe Strachan, Allan Radcliffe and Ryan Vance for some readings from their work and then an "in conversation" with Val and Louise followed by a short drinks reception and a chance to meet the authors as well as this year's LGBT History Month Cultural Commissions artists. It is set to be a great night and any profits go back into supporting LGBT Youth Scotland's services. Info and ticket link is here - http://www.lgbthistory.org.uk/whats-on/the-library-is-open-valmcdermid-louise-welsh-zoe-strachan-allan-radcliffe-and-ryan-vance/
Are you a trans-identified or experienced applicant, student or staff member? The University of Strathclyde is undertaking a research project to better understand the barriers and challenges faced by trans applicants and those considering going to college and university as well as students and staff within further and higher education in Scotland. We are seeking trans-identified or experienced applicants, students and staff members within Scottish colleges and universities to take part in the research. We want to learn about the barriers you have faced and the support needs trans applicants, students and staff have within Scottish colleges and universities. We would also like to hear from those who have considered or are currently considering applying to college or university. We would be very grateful if you could spend 10 minutes completing our online survey: https://strath.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AZY9XrsYrbRsKV For more information, please see our website: https://tiny.cc/trans-edu
NEW! Seahorses Swimming Plus 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. Facebook - Seahorses Swimming. The new Seahorses Plus is a new swimming club under the Seahorses umbrella. It is a club for all LGBTQIA+ identifying people and supportive friends and will be specifically trans and non-binary welcoming to be a “stepping stone” for members of the original Seahorses club. Initially Seahorses Plus will meet on a Thursday every 2-3 weeks at The Gorbals and cost £3 per session. Both groups are open to people aged 16 and over. Facebook- seahorsesplusswimming Twitter @seahorsesGLA.
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/