October 2016 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Vibrant colours, crispy leaves and foggy mornings, the smell of wood fires and apples clinging to cobwebs and railings…we salute you autumn! The new season brings a feast of activities and opportunities for trans people all over Scotland and we’re here to tell you all about it. Welcome to October’s T Monthly! Before we give you a taster of what is to come, here is last month at a glance… Katrina and the team (not Waves!) hosted the very first Glasgow Trans Support Course last weekend, and met a wonderful group of people all exploring their journey of transition. Over in Edinburgh we focused on building knowledge and confidence around Employability Skills, and very much enjoyed the input of Barnados, who were looking to engage specifically with the trans community and provide details and contacts for a broad range of volunteering opportunities. If you’re interested in hearing more about volunteering with Barnados, contact amy.campbell@barnardos.org.uk Looking ahead to Glasgow in October, there’s a social outing on 9th October to Tramway to see The Adam World Choir, a Creative Team meeting, open to any trans and non-binary people who would like to have a say in planning future activities for GTSP, and of course T time on the 1st October to look forward to. In Edinburgh, we’ll be busy with a photoshoot to create some amazing new images for our LTSP and organisational publicity, so we look forward to sharing these with you. We also have Specialist Nurse, David Parker from NHS Lothian GIC visiting T time on Saturday 15th October, to explain all about his role and answer questions. Over in Fife there is a bustling programme of trans-inclusive events unfurling, including Let Us Eat Cake to Celebrate on Saturday 29th October. You can read more about the monthly line-up by scrolling below. Finally, huge congratulations to Annie Wallace who plays Sally St Claire, Head Teacher at Hollyoaks High. Annie is the first transgender character played by a transgender person in a British Soap, who won the 2016 Celebrity of the Year Award at the National Diversity Awards. Enjoy more of this and all the news and updates below 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 Transition Support Course Edinburgh – Registration now open Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January, 10.30am-5pm, St Margaret’s House, Floor B1, 151 London Rd, EH7 6AE (Wheelchair accessible) We are now accepting bookings for the 2017 Transition Support Course in Edinburgh. Anyone who selfidentifies as having trans* and/or non-binary gender identities are welcome to participate in this free, 2-day non-residential course. 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 places are limited, 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’s 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”
Last call for participants of our publicity photoshoot! We have three participants already but are keen to hear from one or two more people to help contribute to some welcoming, inclusive publicity for our Trans Support Programmes and organisational publicity. We will be using these images online and in printed materials. The photoshoot is happening in Edinburgh on the evening of Wednesday 12th October and if you’d like to find out more about what’s involved, please contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or on 0131 523 1104 by Friday 7th October. We’ll be providing snacks and a chance to get to know other participants, before creating a fun, safe, supportive and relaxed atmosphere for picture-taking with a professional photographer. You will also have the opportunity to choose the pictures you like the most. If you are thinking of volunteering, please be aware that the images we create at the session will be widely publicised and associated with trans and LGBT work, for an indefinite period of time.
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
LGBT Health and Wellbeing News 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
Congratulations to Annie Wallace! Many congratulations to Scottish Actor Annie Wallace who won 2016 Celebrity of the Year Award at the National Diversity Awards. Annie who plays Sally St Claire, Head Teacher at Hollyoaks High is the first transgender character played by a transgender person in a British Soap! http://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/anniewallace/ (include link) Annie has had a busy year so far, and in addition to her most recent award, she was placed at No.17 on the Rainbow List, published by The Independent on Sunday, nominated for Best Soap Newcomer for the TV Choice Awards and No.39 on the Pride Power List, published by Out News Global. She is also a finalist for ”Cultural Icon" in Scotlands own Icon Awards http://iconawards.co.uk/the-icon-awards-2016-finalists/ (insert link) If all that and her acting doesn't keep her busy enough she continues to raise trans-visibility in the media and public arena and is ALWAYS involved LGBT and Trans activism! We'll have an "exclusive interview" coming up with Annie soon, so if you have any questions you'd like to ask her let me know. Contact me via: diane@lgbthealth.org.uk
TRANS SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 1st October, 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.
Allies Afternoon Saturday 1-4pm, 1st October (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS Trans, non-binary and intersex people are invited to bring along their partner, family member or close friend to experience T time and take part in a safe and supportive discussion around issues affecting them as allies. We will also have an Intersex information display to mark Intersex Awareness Day. For more info, contact katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
Social outing to National Theatre of Scotland presents The Adam World Choir | Sunday 7.30pm, 9th October, Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow G41 2PE Booking preferred | Contact Katrina *wheelchair accessible* katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk | 0141 271 2330 This concert will celebrate the diversity of trans and non-binary experiences and share stories, with live performances from Adam World Choir members, including some friends of the Glasgow Trans Support Programme! There will also be artworks, films, an exhibition and more, as part of a promenade installation taking audience members around Tramway and The Hidden Gardens. If you would like to attend with friends from the Glasgow Trans Support Programme, meet us in the Tramway foyer from 7.30pm for the event, which will begin at 8.30pm. Please purchase your own ticket in advance from http://tinyurl.com/ztkodle or by calling the Tramway box office: 0845 330 3501. All transgender, non-binary and intersex people and allies are welcome to join our social outing to this public event. The Tramway is wheelchair accessible, and the performance is in English with English subtitles and BSL. More information about the performance: http://tinyurl.com/ztkodle £9 / £6.
GTSP Creative Team Tuesday 6-8pm, 11th October, LGBT Health, 12 Queen’s Crescent, G4 9AS Do you want to have a say in the events and workshops the GTSP puts on? Come along to our planning meet up and help develop the community’s suggestions into a vibrant agenda! Open to trans, non-binary and intersex people. Please let Katrina know if you’re planning to come along. katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk | 0141 271 2330
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 15th October, 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
Visit from David Parker, NHS Lothian GIC Saturday 2-3.30pm, 15th October (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE
David Parker is the Specialist Nurse for the NHS Lothian Gender Identity Clinic and often meets patients for their 1st appointment with the clinic. Come along to a safe and supportive setting where you can meet David, ask questions and hear more about his role in supporting people who access the Lothian GIC.
Let us Eat Cake to Celebrate - new Fife trans social group! Saturday 2-4.30pm, 29th October, Going Forth (SAMH) First House, Woodmill Road, Dunfermline, KY11 4S We are excited to welcome you to our first ever Fife Trans Social Group. A great opportunity to meet new people and make friends in a safe, informal and relaxed environment. We’ll have a wee afternoon tea and will put our thinking caps on to name the group! Loads of time to chat and find out what we’ll be up to in the coming months.
T time Glasgow - Trans Remembrance Memorial Saturday 1-4pm, 5th November, LGBT Health, 12 Queen’s Crescent, G4 9AS An informal monthly social gathering open to all transgender, non-binary and intersex people, and their friends, families and supporters. Optional activity: Trans Day of Remembrance – Join us as we mark this annual memorial Day for those across the world who have been killed because of hate and prejudice. You are invited to share a reading, poem or song, as part of a short reflective ceremony. Please contact Katrina if you would like to read something. For more information contact Katrina at katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
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 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. Molly will be facilitating a safe and supporting session with makeup demonstration and some tricks of the trade! Feel free to bring your own make up to learn more about your own products. There’ll also be time for questions. Book online: www.tinyurl.com/makeupgreat or contact Jules for details.
LGBT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk Belly Dancing Community Group starting October 14th in Edinburgh Weekly on Fridays 6.30-8pm, 14th October - 9th December, Walpole Hall, 27 Chester St, EH3 7EN (via Palmerston Place). Booking preferred. Book via - www.tinyurl.com/lgbtbellydancing Learn basic belly dance movements in this new trans inclusive free & friendly group for the queer community. Explore and celebrate self-expression and musicality through movement with experienced leaders, Aino and Helga.
Join Park Run - Fife event Saturday 9-11am, 15th October, Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy Have you ever wanted to get fit or run a 5K? Would it make it easier to run with others? Park run is free. Join us for an optional coffee and chat after the run. Contact Annette if you’d like to find out more or get involved, via annette@lgbthealth.org.uk or by calling 0131 523 1100.
Dog Walk and Café visit Sunday 10am-12noon, 23rd October, Main car park, Pittencrieff Park (The Glen), Dunfermline, KY12 7SH Join us for an autumn stroll with your furry friend. If you don’t have a dog, why not join us anyway either on the walk or just meet up at the café for a blether. Contact Diane for more details via diane@lgbthealth.org.uk or by calling 07508 608 699.
LGBT Roller Disco Saturday 1.30-4.30pm, 29th October *Booking preferred to ensure skate availability* Meadowbank Sports Centre, Sports Hall 1, London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 6AE Cost: £4 adults and £2 children. Fully accessible and family friendly Roller Disco is back and you’re all invited! All welcome for an afternoon of skates, music and LGBT community fun. Enjoy a unique roller experience with experienced instructors on hand at this family friendly event. Skates, protective equipment and some refreshments will be provided. Book online: www.tinyurl.com/LGBTrollerdisco
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based at 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 1st 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. 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 non-binary 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. *Trans Men Scotland also currently provide 1:1 support via the dedicated email contact below.* Social Group and Peer-Peer Support contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com 1:1 Support contact: transmenscotland@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 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
Seahorses Swimming Club The Seahorses Trans and Non-Binary Swimming group continues to meet on the last Sunday every month from 3-4pm at Whitehill Pool in Denistoun in the east end of Glasgow, £3 per session. For more information contact the group via the Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Seahorsesglasgow
Swans of Scotland – North of Scotland Self-supporting help group for all trans folk in the North of Scotland. Find out more and come along and have a chat, ask questions, be yourself. Contact: www.spanglefish.com/swansofscotland
TG Times monthly on a Sunday, Dumfries This is an adult social group that welcomes any person who is adult and identifies as Transgender, including those who are questioning their identity or are cross-dressing. Please note that partners and supporters of Trans people are now welcome at the groups. The group meets one Sunday of each month between 12-3pm at the Birkhill Hotel, Dumfries. For more info contact D&G LGBT Centre on 01387 255 058. For information on time and venue please contact the D&G LGBT Centre on: 01387 255 058 or email dandg@lgbtyouth.org.uk Also to keep up to date on what’s happening at the D&G LGBT center checkout our website www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk or add us on Facebook: Dumfries LGBT Centre.
TransparenTsees (West)– group for parents of trans people 1st Thursday of the month, 6-8pm The aim of the group, which has been set up by parents, is to provide a confidential, safe place for parents to meet, discuss issues and ask questions of one another. You may just have found out that your child, whether young or grown-up, is trans*, or you may still be grappling with the issues after many years of knowing – the group is for all parents. Meetings will be held regularly at 2 nd Floor at Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details.
TransparenTsees (East) A New TransparenTsees East aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting 1st Monday of the month, 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) Contact: ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555 3940
TransparenTsees (Tayside) We are delighted to give details of Transparentsees Tayside. They meet at 6.15-8.15pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month at Mindspace, 18-20 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EH. Contact: transparentsees@gmail.com
Trans Men Scotland Social Meeting on following dates: 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’re 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.
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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
LGBTI Hate Crime Survey Have your say on LGBTI hate crime in Scotland The Equality Network is conducting a survey to find out more about hate crime against LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) people in Scotland. The survey is open to all LGBTI people in Scotland, regardless of whether you have or haven't experienced or witnessed a hate crime. If you do not identify as LGBTI, but you have witnessed a hate crime motivated by prejudice towards LGBTI people, we also want to hear from you. Take the survey now! All responses will be kept confidential, and used to help inform the work of the Equality Network and the Scottish Transgender Alliance to improve the handling of hate crime. For more information about the survey, or to request it in paper format, please contact our Policy Coordinator Hannah Pearson - hannah@equality-network.org Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
First UK Helpline for trans* and non-binary survivors of sexual violence and abuse Survivors' Network and LGBT Switchboard are launching a new 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 will run every Sunday, 1-5pm. Call us on 01273 204050. We offer non-judgemental emotional support and signposting to other organisations who may also be able to offer support.
We are a confidential service and can be accessed anonymously by phone, web chat, text or email. The service is staffed by trans volunteers. This is the first service of its kind in the UK to offer specialist support for trans survivors. We are sex worker affirmative, LGBT affirmative and are skilled in working with people in vulnerable situations, such as those who are homeless or living with domestic abuse.
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
Tea with Trans – Contributors wanted! Having a chat with someone over a cuppa is an ordinary, simple and pleasant ritual millions of people take part in every day around the globe. What would happen if we could move the world forward one human being with another, face to face, one conversation at a time? Tea with Trans is a chance to do just that – it’s an invitation to people to have a chat with each other for a few minutes, have ‘permission’ to natter away, not just stand and stare from a distance and perhaps satisfy just a little curiosity. Hopefully it’ll inch us all forward, just a little, maybe, not just by being ‘visible’ like in a pride march, or a headline in the media, but individually accessible with our own unique experiences and stories. Lyndsay is looking for local people to be part of this project at the Adam World Choir Event (no singing required!). Audience members can come either on their own or in a pair and there will be a ‘Menu’ of acceptable conversation topics chosen by each participant. Lyndsay will manage the event, making sure everyone is comfortable and happy, and managing the audience members. Everyone taking part will attend a workshop on Saturday 8th October, where we will make sure everyone is comfortable, get to know each other a bit and create some individual ‘menu’ cards of acceptable topics. The public event will be on Sunday 9th October from 8.30pm at Tramway, Glasgow. If you would be interested in having a cup of tea with someone - get in touch with Lyndsay Muir by emailing Lyndsay@theatremaker.co.uk.
Survivors' Network and LGBT Switchboard are launching a new helpline Offering 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 will run every Sunday from 24th July, 1-5pm. Call us on 01273 204050. www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk/content/first-ukhelpline-trans-and-non-binary-survivors-sexual-violence-and-abuse
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. The launch evening will be Thursday 6th October from 7pm at the Gorbals Leisure Centre on Ballater Street. Both groups are open to people aged 16 and over. Facebook- seahorsesplusswimming Twitter @seahorsesGLA.
#SeeingScotland Photo Competition Last Friday the Scottish Parliament launched the #SeeingScotland Instagram competition to find the best photos of life in modern Scotland. Inspired by the Harry Benson : Seeing America exhibition, the competition asks people to share photos of people and their lives on Instagram using #SeeingScotland in the caption and we’d like to encourage trans people to enter and share their photos. The finalists will be selected by Harry Benson himself before going to a public vote on Instagram and Facebook. We want #SeeingScotland to truly reflect the whole of Scotland, with as many people involved and represented as possible, so why not have a go? - You can read more about the rules and prizes and how to enter via on our website.
Trans Pride Scotland planning meeting Sunday 9th October 2-5pm in Dundee, all trans and non-binary people welcome For more information, please contact transpridescotland@gmail.com
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/