News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people, across Scotland. Welcome to our first autumnal edition of T Monthly, bringing together a new season of news and reflections, and things to look forward to in the months ahead. We have enjoyed engaging with lots of interesting organisations and people this past month, to help bring you a varied programme of activities. Our thanks to SQIFF for the film screenings and all those at T time this month, who shared their passion for Cosplay!
We design our programmes around the feedback and suggestions offered by the community, so if you feel you haven’t had a chance to share what you’re interested in, why not send Katrina and I your thoughts via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk let us know what would be helpful and of interest to you in the coming year ahead. State whether Edinburgh or Glasgow would be easier to travel to and we’ll do our best to incorporate your ideas!
At T times you can look forward to clothes pop-ups, karaoke, reflexology and an afternoon exploring trans-themed books. A trans and gender queer friendly free yoga group starts this month, and don’t miss out on our confidence event in Edinburgh on October 11th, when we meet Sarah and Susan from Odyssey Boutique and enjoy an informal Q&A and guidance on finding the right bra. October is also home to the Black History Month and so we’ve been enjoying reading about 16 Extraordinary Black Trans Leaders featuring among others, Tiq Milan (pictured). Also this month it’s the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the Scottish Storytelling Festival, both of which feature LGBT families events. Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans, including non-binary people through T Monthly, you can contact me via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or by calling 0131 523 1104, I’ll be happy to help The submission deadline for the next edition is 20th October.
Support for trans people, including non-binary people, in Lothian & Glasgow LGBT Health and Wellbeing offers a range of support through our Transgender Support Programmes (TSP) in both Lothian and Glasgow. We welcome trans female/feminine, trans male/masculine genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary identities as well as intersex people, people who cross dress and those who are exploring their gender identity. Anyone who lives in and out with Lothian and Glasgow can access (TSP) although all events are delivered in Edinburgh and Glasgow. For information about social opportunities and workshops in Edinburgh, contact: Jules Stapleton Barnes, Development Worker, Lothian E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104 For information about 1:1 support in Edinburgh, contact: Annette Rae, Trans Support Programme, Lothian E: annette@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1100 (if answer-phone is on, please leave a message as they are checked regularly) For information about 1:1 support, workshops and social opportunities in Glasgow, contact: Katrina Mitchell, Development Worker, Glasgow E: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0141 271 2330 You can also find useful information online: http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/transition-support/
EVENTS COMING UP FOR TRANS PEOPLE, INCLUDING NON-BINARY PEOPLE
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 7th 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.
I Found it in Books Saturday 2pm, 7th October, (within T time Glasgow, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free Come and browse a wealth of trans-related books, and bring along your favourites to share with others. We’ll also be hosting our quarterly Clothes Pop-up!
Boutique Visit and Bra-fitting Guidance (Edinburgh) Confidence workshop Wednesday 6-8pm, 11th October, Odyssey Boutique, 39-41 William Street, EH3 7LW Book online: http://tinyurl.com/boutiquevisit Visit a local Edinburgh boutique to meet bra-fitting expert Sarah Connelly in a safe and supportive space. Learn more about bra fitting, what to expect and what feels useful for you to know. Ask
questions and enjoy chatting to others. For trans people, including those who identify as non-binary. Contact Jules for more information via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.
GTSP Creative Planning Meeting Tuesday 6-8pm, 17th October, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS Come along and help us shape the programme for the next quarter for the Glasgow Trans Support Programme. We read through all the feedback and suggestions from the community and go from there – if you’d like to come to this, please let Katrina know in advance - katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330.
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 21st 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
Clothes Pop-up & Reflexology Saturday 2-3.30pm, 21st October, optional event within T time, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free Join in and see if there are clothes you would wear or share! Reflexologist Jan Home also joins us to provide some short reflexology sessions to individuals. We’ll be taking sign-ups from the start of T time, so if interested, we recommend you arrive early (doors open 1pm).
Non-Binary Night Wednesday 6-8pm, 1st November, Project Café, 134 Renfrew Street, G3 6ST All non-binary and genderqueer people are welcome to this relaxed social where you can meet new folk and hatch some plans!
Equal Recognition Saturday 1-4pm, 4th November (within T time Glasgow), 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free Welcoming Vic Valentine from (Scottish Transgender Alliance) and Simon Stockwell (Scottish Government) to discuss reforms to the Gender Recognition Act. We'll also have a space for Trans Day of Remembrance.
Transition Support Course (Edinburgh) 2018 registration now open! Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th January, 10.30am-5pm 2018 St Margaret’s House, Floor B1, 151 London Rd, EH7 6AE (Wheelchair accessible) Booking essential: http://tinyurl.com/transsupportcourse2018 or contact Jules to request a registration form. Free, 2-day non-residential course for anyone who self-identifies as having trans, including nonbinary gender identities. The course will provide safe and supportive opportunities to learn more about your options and rights, meet and connect with others, 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. Who is facilitating the course? The course will be facilitated by Jules Stapleton Barnes and Matson Lawrence from the Lothian Transgender Support Programme, with support from our Mental Health Development Worker, Alison Wren and James Morton from the Scottish Trans Alliance. I don’t live in Edinburgh, can I still take part? Yes. The course takes place in Edinburgh but is open to anyone, wherever you are based. We also deliver the course in Glasgow annually. If the course is heavily subscribed, we may have to prioritise people who live nearest to Lothian. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. I’ve done the course before, can I take part again? If you have taken part in one of our Transition Support Courses before and you register again, 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 early January 2018 to confirm whether a place is available for you. To register, please complete a registration form by January 5th - please note, Jules will confirm receipt of your registration by email. Paper copies of the form (and in larger font) are available upon request. For more information: E: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1104
LGBTQI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS COMING UP - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
Talking about Rainbow Families Saturday 1-4pm, 28th October, The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PR Booking essential: https://rainbowfamiliestalk.eventbrite.co.uk Join us in a safe and creative space to work through helpful strategies and approaches for dealing with the sometimes difficult conversations and questions that follow talking to children and other family members about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) identities. As part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival full programme available here https://www.mhfestival.com/events/edinburgh-lothian/90-talking-aboutrainbow-families
LGBTQ Yoga (New for Edinburgh) Saturdays weekly 6-7pm, 7th October - 25th November Santosa Yoga Studio, 21 Albert St, Edinburgh, EH7 5LH New free community yoga group for LGBTQ people (16+) Trans and gender queer friendly Led by experienced Edinburgh Community Yoga teacher, Amy Hughes. Group Contact: amy@atha-yoga.co.uk Booking preferred. Equipment provided. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LGBTQYogaEdinburgh/
Rainbow Spoon 2nd Thursday of every month in 2017, 6.30-8.30pm Project Café, 134 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G3 6ST Friendly, welcoming meetup run by and for the community members, inclusive of all identities. A space for folks to meet new people, feel safe, have a cuppa and have fun. Come and find out about local events/services. Optional activity each month.
LGBTQ Yoga (Glasgow) Tuesday 11.30am - 12.30pm, 17th October Season Yoga Studio, Craig House, 64 Darnley Street, Pollokshields, G41 2SE Open to all identities and bodies - led by yoga instructor Allison. Contact: ian@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0141 271 2330
Women’s Open Mic Wednesday 18th October, 7-9.30pm Project Café, 134 Renfrew Street, G3 6ST A relaxed evening of performances at our open mic night. Come and show off your talents - sing us a song, tell us a story, or simply enjoy the performers. For anyone who primarily identifies as a woman.
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based at 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 7th October, 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 Masculine Scotland Social meet-ups for trans men and non-binary folks who identify as trans-masculine. Events are free and for aged 16+ only. To stay up to date with the group’s events and members, visit www.facebook.com/transmasculinescotland. For more information and to let us know you would like to come along, contact the group. Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com Next event: TMS Social meet-up: 28th October, 3-5pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE
Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 22nd October, 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 7th 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 meets 1st Sunday of the month Laugh, share experiences, have fun and meet other transgender folk for activities, to understand and to learn. Get in touch for full details! Group contact: mail@fourpillars.org.uk
Me and T Scotland 4th Sunday of the month 2-4pm, next meeting 22nd October 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. For further information regarding meetings or other support available in the Perth area, please email Katherine at: kate4851@hotmail.com
TG Times monthly on a Sunday, Dumfries
This is an adult social group that welcomes any person who is adult and identifies as Transgender, including those who are questioning their identity or are cross-dressing. Please note that partners and supporters of Trans people are now welcome at the groups. The group meets one Sunday of each month between 12-3pm at the Birkhill Hotel, Dumfries. For more info contact D&G LGBT Centre on 01387 255 058. For information on time and venue please contact the D&G LGBT Centre on: 01387 255 058 or email dandg@lgbtyouth.org.uk Also to keep up to date on what’s happening at the D&G LGBT center checkout our website www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk or add us on Facebook: Dumfries LGBT Centre.
Transgender Fife 1st Saturday of the month, 2-4.30pm Transgender Fife - new community group in Fife for adults (16 years plus). (Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline) Next Meeting: 7th October (Kirkcaldy) We welcome all trans people including those who are nonbinary. Intersex people are also welcome. We meet on the 1st Saturday of the month in alternate venues in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline for friendship, sharing information and creating future ideas for group events. You are welcome to bring along an ally/supporter on your first visit. New members are asked to contact us in advance at transgenderfife@outlook.com.
TransparenTsees (West)– group for parents of trans people 1st Thursday of the month, 6-8pm The aim of the group, which has been set up by parents, is to provide a confidential, safe place for parents to meet, discuss issues and ask questions of one another. You may just have found out that your child, whether young or grown-up, is trans*, or you may still be grappling with the issues after many years of knowing – the group is for all parents. Meetings will be held regularly at 2 nd Floor at Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details.
TransparenTsees (East) TransparenTsees East is aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting 1st Monday of the month, 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) Contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com
TransparenTsees (Tayside) We are delighted to give details of Transparentsees Tayside. They meet at 6.15-8.15pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month at Mindspace, 18-20 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EH. Contact: transparentsees@gmail.com
Trans Masculine Scotland Next TMS Social meet-up: 28th October, 3-5pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE Social meet-ups for trans men and non-binary folks who identify as trans-masculine. Events are free and for aged 16+ only. To stay up to date with the group’s events and members, visit www.facebook.com/transmasculinescotland. For more information and to let us know you would like to come along, contact the group. Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com
Trans Youth D&G Monthly on a Saturday, 88B High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BJ, Trans Youth D&G: our youth group for young people 12-26 who identify under the Transgender umbrella and their supportive friends meets one Saturday of each month from 1-4pm at the LGBT Centre, Dumfries. These dates activity dependant so please get in touch for more info. 1:1 support sessions for young people and or parents: are also available upon request for young trans people who may need support around their identity as are 121 support sessions for parents/ carers of young trans people who may need support in supporting around trans identities. Parents group: We are currently setting up a parents group for parents of trans young people in D&G so please get in touch for more info on this. The contact for young people and parents in D&G is julieann.karayilan@lgbtyouth.org.uk or call our centre and ask for Julie Ann – 01387 255 058.
TYG: Trans Youth Glasgow For young trans people or those exploring, aged 13-26 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 NEWS & EVENTS ACROSS SCOTLAND Please get in touch if you would like to promote a not-for-profit event, activity, group or campaign you are involved with, for the transgender community anywhere across Scotland - jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
BiTastic! is going to be Fantastic Saturday 11:00am – 5:30pm, 28 October, Highland Conference Centre at the Newton Hotel, Inverness Road, Nairn, IV12 4RX BiTastic! is an annual Scottish event for and by bisexual and trans people and our allies. This year the Equality Network and Scottish Trans Alliance are partnering with Stonewall Scotland to bring the event to the north of Scotland. Visit: http://bitastic.org/take-part/
Mindline Trans+: Transgender Helpline rolled out nationally after successful local pilot After a successful six month pilot of a Transgender Helpline locally in South West England, Mindline Trans+ will now be available nationally. Read more here!
Our Tribe Socials and Questionaire Our Tribe is the LGBTQI and friends ministry at Augustine United Church in conjunction with Metropolitan Community Churches. You are invited to the new Our Tribe socials which will be held on the 1st Sunday of each month at 2.30 - 4.30pm at Starbucks, Middle Meadow Walk, Edinburgh. The dates are 1st October, 5th November, 3rd December and 7th January. We are reviewing all the Our Tribe events at the moment so there will be no Saturday Our Tribe events during this time. We want your feedback! Our Tribe is conducting a review and consultation this autumn and we want your thoughts and comments. Please complete this short questionnaire which you can find at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WMZS6W9 Thank you for your time. For further information, contact Maxwell Reay, Associate Minister, Augustine United Church on revmaxwell.auc@gmail.com
Four Pillars: New leaflet and support details for Trans people in Grampian
We have been working away quietly in the background and are very pleased to announce all the new services and groups now available through Four Pillars. Grampian T-Folk: We have teamed up with Grampian T-folk to bring a new social group for the trans community. Where people can meet others, share and learn. Grampian T-folk also offer support via online services for more details please email mail@fourpillarsuk.org TransParent: A new support group for parents of transgender individuals. No matter how old your 'child' is coming out as trans has an effect on parents, in both good and bad ways. The group meet every month to share stories, learn how to support their loved ones and grow together. Get questions answered by those that have/are going through the same thing. We have also been updating our website (slowly) please take a look to find out more about the above groups or any other services we offer across Grampian -
PREVIEW: BEYOND THE BINARY Stories from Trans and non-binary people Wed 18th October, 7pm (2 hours) | Bonar Hall, Park Place, Dundee £3, concession £2 The National Theatre of Scotland’s Adam World Choir is a digital community of transgender and non-binary people around the globe. Together with the Mental Health Foundation and Freight Books, they are creating a new book of first-person accounts by transgender and non-binary people worldwide. These are fascinating, moving, sometimes harrowing tales, stories about survival, stories about hope, joy and endurance and finding a place to call home. As a result of stigma, prejudice and violence, many trans people live with poor mental health, and suicide rates are high. The book aims to increase understanding and acceptance, and empower others to share their own stories. Join us for an exclusive preview of the book at this event, presented in partnership with the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. https://literarydundee.co.uk/festival/preview-beyond-the-binary
Trans Filmmaking Course 2017 10am - 4pm over 2 weekends (4 day long course) October: Sat 21, Sun 22, Sat 28 & Sun 29 Glasgow Scottish Trans Alliance and SQIFF (Scottish Queer International Film Festival) are pleased to be offering an intensive filmmaking course for trans, non-binary, and intersex people over two weekends in October 2017. The course is free, open to anyone who is aged 18+ and who self-identifies as trans, non-binary, questioning their gender, and/or intersex. The course is suitable for beginners as well as those with a modest level of filmmaking experience. Over the weekends of 21st/22nd and 28th/29th October (10am-4pm each day) at a venue in central Glasgow, the group will produce a short film, which will be screened in early 2018. Course content will include story development, writing scripts, creating storyboards, and shooting and editing a short film. Participants must be available for the full duration of the course. Lunch will be provided every day and travel expenses will be provided. We will do our best to accommodate any other access needs participants have. Please let us know about these when applying.
Leading the course are Asten Holmes-Elliott and Kate Burton. Asten is a filmmaker, illustrator, painter, and photographer. They wrote and directed award-winning short film James Dean - about a trans kid coming out to their family - and were a recipient of LGBT History Month Scotland’s Cultural Commission, for which they created The Queer Window Project, a series of drawings and photographs documenting queer communities. Kate is a filmmaker and film tutor. She has made various short dramas and documentaries with her latest film BB screening in the 2015 Glasgow Short Film Festival. Kate has taught filmmaking for over six years and has worked, often alongside Asten, to create short films with community groups such as Project Ability, Glasgow Youth Film Festival, and GMAC. If you have any questions regarding the course or would like to know more before deciding to register, please call SQIFF Coordinator Helen on 07735 273 245 or email them at helen@sqiff.org. This is the third year this course has been run. The short films produced by the participants of the previous two courses can be viewed online: 2016 - The Delivery 2015 - Deep Breath
Simply Trans A new online support group for trans people covering the UK and Ireland Complete privacy and hidden from search bots All are indeed welcome to join. However, the focus of the forum is for individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned or are perhaps at a very early questioning stage where transition might be a possibility some time in the future. Non-binary and significant others are also welcome. All new memberships will require approval. (Simply to screen out haters and spam) Finally we are very friendly and non-cliquey! If you have any further questions feel free to ask! Visit the forum: http://tforum.forumotion.com/login Contact: tforum@mail.com
Take Part in a New Participatory Arts Project Ever made a remark about the weather to someone you don’t know? Along with millions of other people, I’ve done this countless times. It’s disarmingly friendly, especially if it prompts a smile and sparks a connection, even for a micro-moment. Maybe neither of us is such a stranger after all? Could that kind of chance connection be created deliberately? I had the idea of working with self-identified trans (or non-binary) volunteers like me to do just that: connect. My name is Lyndsay and I am a trans woman and I created a café type event, with a view to inviting people to have a chat with us, over a cuppa, one to one, face to face. Do you enjoy chatting to people over a cuppa? What do you enjoy talking about? (It does not have to be trans issues; previous volunteer participants liked topics as diverse as jazz, beer and fashion!)
We’re looking for people who would like to join us in a workshop where we will meet, talk to each other and come up with our conversation menus. There’s no pressure to speak about anything you would rather not and you can state what’s ‘off the menu’ for you, so people can avoid that. There will be free tea, coffee and snacks! Those that want to, will then take part in a Tea with Trans event at Dundee Literary Festival, supported by the Mental Health Foundation and the Adam World Choir, where members of the public will come and have a cup of tea and a chat. The workshop: drop in between and 4 - 8pm, Tuesday 17th October The event: 7pm, Wednesday October 18th in Bonar Hall at University of Dundee. If you’d like to know more please get in touch with me on Lyndsay@theatremaker.co.uk http://www.adamworldchoir.net/teawithtransdundee.html
Typecast Productions: Ganymede Precasting Notice Starting in October, we will be looking for our lead actor for our first production, the title character of Ganymede. The play is an adaptation of Shakespeare's As You Like It, which specifically follows Rosalind transitioning to become Ganymede, and unlike the original, he doesn't "go back" at the end. We want to bring onboard someone who can bring a degree of personal experience to the role. This will require presenting as female for part of the play, as such we are looking for a transmasculine (or afab non-binary) actor who is willing and able to do so. It's a lot to ask, which is why we are casting so early. The successful applicant will have a say in finalising the script and be a part of the audition panel, which hopefully will help with setting up a manageable comfort zone for the final performance piece. Initially we would like to invite anyone who feels they might fit the brief to contact us by private message to arrange a first meeting during October to discuss the project, your own acting experience, and the particular challenges associated with this role. A more formal group Callback will take place early in November, to be confirmed depending on how many people show interest. Support the project: patreon.com/typecastprod