News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people across Scotland. Welcome to October’s edition of T Monthly, a useful round up of events, news and opportunities for trans people across Scotland.
Black History Month 2018 October is Black History Month and an opportunity to shine a light on inspiring individuals like the two black, trans gospel / soul singers called Jackie Shane and Wilmer 'Little Axe' Broadnax. Read our Black History Month section below, to hear what they are worth knowing about! At the QTIPOC Community Discussion in September, among the wide variety of experiences and viewpoints shared on the night, we began to explore the lived experiences of queer, trans and intersex people of colour in Scotland today. We’ll be including the full event report in T Monthly soon, including some of the memorable contributions from the inspiring panel.
Meet trans community group leaders at the LGBTQmunity Celebration Join us on Saturday 13th October at the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh to indulge in an afternoon of LGBTQIA+ solidarity and community spirit. We are filling up the gallery spaces with information stalls, craft activities, live music and entertainment, photo-booth, glitter station, face painting games and a quality raffle, plus much, much more. It’s a chance to bring together the many groups and individuals who help to build our sense of community here in Edinburgh, and who promote inclusion, equality and participation in inspiring ways. If you’ve been considering attending one of the trans community-led groups, it’s a great opportunity to find out more and have a chat with the group representatives. All ages welcome, doors open at 1pm and suggested entry donation is £3. Visit the Facebook event for full details. Looking ahead to other October events, there’ll be a T time discussion about Surgery and a career options and skills development session in Glasgow this month, whilst David Parker, Specialist Nurse from the Lothian GIC answers your questions, in a trans community space, at T time Edinburgh. Don’t forget to tell us about any community activities or campaigns that you’re organising, and make sure we have any news items you’d like to share, by contacting me via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. Read on for all of this month’s information! Jules If you’d like to promote your own activities, group or events for trans people, 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 September edition is 26th 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: Sylvia Cohen, Trans Support Programme, Lothian E: sylvia@lgbthealth.org.uk T: 0131 523 1100 (if answer-phone is on, please leave a message as this is 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 and resources online: http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/transition-support/
Come and work for us! Vacancy: Sessional Worker (LGBT Age, Edinburgh) Sessional hourly rate: £8.90 (you will be expected to work approximately 6 hours per month, plus additional hours as arranged in advance. Must be available to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends) Location: Edinburgh We seek to recruit a committed and enthusiastic sessional worker to support the delivery of our Age Social Programme in Edinburgh. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will support the Age Development Worker in delivering some events, and leading on others. Applicants should have experience of delivering inclusive social events, working as part of a team and working with marginalised groups. Join us if you are passionate about the issues faced by older LGBT people. Application deadline: Monday 29th October, 9am Interviews: Tuesday 6th November Application pack: Application pack letter Application form Job description Diversity monitoring form
Events coming up for trans people, including non-binary & genderqueer people
T time Glasgow Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 6th 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.
What is surgery like? Saturday 1-4pm, 6th October (within T time Glasgow) 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free A safe place to share experiences and ask questions about transition-related surgery. If you’ve had any surgeries in the last three years and might be up for sharing your experiences, please get in touch with Katrina in advance - thanks. katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk
Non-Binary Night Wednesday 7-9pm, 10th October, Waterstones Bookshop, Argyle Street, 174-176 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8BT Free A friendly and welcoming inclusive social space for non-binary and genderqueer people - have a coffee, meet new folk and hatch some plans. Tonight – chilled social with the option to play board games or just chat.
T and Jam Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 18th October, 12 Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow G4 9AS, Free (3rd Thursday of the month) Come play some music – people of all abilities welcome, and if you have an instrument, bring it along and join the jam!
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 20th 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
Q&A with David Parker Saturday 2-3.30pm, 20th October, (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE - Free Specialist Nurse, David Parker, from the Lothian GIC will answer your questions. Ask the questions yourself on the day or submit via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk and a volunteer or staff member will ask on your behalf (anonymously).
We Can Work it Out Saturday 1-4pm, 20th October, Skills Development Scotland, Ground Floor, Lomond House, G2 1DY – Free Skills Development Scotland will facilitate this session - come and chat about your career options in a safe space – fine-tune your application and interview techniques, think about transferring your skills, find out about transitioning at work, volunteering and lots more.
Voice Training for trans women and non-binary people Saturday 1-4pm, 3rd November (within T time Glasgow) 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS - Free Sara has been researching and practicing feminising voice techniques which she’ll share with participants in what should be a really enjoyable skills share session. We’ll also have a quiet reflective space for Trans Day of Remembrance.
Practical Skills Day: Presentation & Expression Saturday 24th November, 11am - 4pm, Lifecare Centre (The Gallery), 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB Whether presenting as masculine, feminine, non-binary or gender fluid or in the process of changing between them, we may have to think about we express ourselves. Come to a day of practical peer support where we can share ideas and learn from each other, led by community members but based on your experiences and ideas. Booking essential: www.tinyurl.com/transpeersupport
Headucation Sunday November 25th November 1.30 - 4.30pm, Stables Studio, Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow G41 2PE Free Inclusive barber Gabe Jordan will host a relaxed, fun afternoon including what to expect from a visit to the barbers, an introduction to shaving at home, a look at hair and skin products and (limited) speed cuts! There will be plenty of time to discuss and share ideas, and just relax and socialise. Booking preferred https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4j_73rPXuzZVrMpvzP6hAvq0cREu7yYAZmJRKo9IC3weGg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Transition Support Course 2019 (Edinburgh) Free, 2-day non-residential course for anyone who self-identifies as having trans, including non-binary 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. 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. Registration link: www.tinyurl.com/transsupportcourse2019 Deadline: 5th January. Who is facilitating the course? The course will be facilitated by LGBT Health staff from the Trans Support Programmes 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? LTSP is funded by NHS Lothian. Although we welcome people who live outwith Lothian, we do need to prioritise Lothian residents. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. For Lothian based attendees, if travel costs are a barrier to attending, then please get in touch as we can help. 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.
LGBTQI LGBT Health and Wellbeing event highlights coming up - find out What’s On via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBTQmunity Celebration Saturday 1-5pm, 13th October, The Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF Cost: Free - Suggested donation £3. Wheelchair accessible. Family-friendly. LGBT Health hosts another colourful, family-friendly afternoon to bring together LGBTQI+ communities and our allies. Information stalls, freebies, crafts, activities, live entertainment, quality raffle and a chance to celebrate Black History Month. Enjoy over 22 community information stalls, freebies, African inspired mask-making, crafts, games, activities, live musical entertainment, photobooth, glitter station, pay-as-you-can-afford barber, massage, face-painting, quality raffle and a chance to celebrate Black History Month. Here’s the line-up so far: LIVE MUSIC: - Delightful Squalor (Cera Impala Music & Lake Montgomery) - The Phoenix Choir - Edinburgh - Pawel & Sylvain FEATURED ACTIVITIES: - African Inspired Mask-making with Fadzai Mwakutuya - 10 min massage tasters with Feder - Pay-what-you-can-afford short hair cuts with Barber Gabriel - Upcycled World - upcycling activity - Kids-zone with One Red Elephant - Photo-booth and Glitter station - Face-painting from Fantoosh ACCESS: - Wheelchair accessible building - Wheelchair accessible lift (event over two floors) - Gender neutral toilets - Food and drink available Share the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/492164514553379/
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based in Edinburgh & Glasgow supported by LGBT Health Non-Binary Edinburgh (next meeting 5th October) 1st Friday of the month 6.30-8.30pm, Leith Community Education Centre, (Links Room) 12A Newkirkgate, Edinburgh EH6 6AD We provide a safe space for non-binary identifying people, to come together and meet other NB people, share experiences, support one-another and have the opportunity to learn more about themselves. We welcome all non-binary people, including those who are genderqueer, gender non-conforming and questioning a non-binary identity. We aim to create a safe space, where non-binary identities and ideas can be fully accepted. If you
would like to attend for the first time, please get in touch so we know to expect you. Please also get in touch to join the mailing list. Group contact: nonbinaryedinburgh@gmail.com
Edinburgh Trans Women 1st Saturday of the month 7.30-9.30pm, next meeting 6th October, 9 Howe Street, EH3 6TE
HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY EDINBURGH TRANS WOMEN! 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. For future meeting dates for the diary: Email/check Facebook for details! Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com
TRANS GROUPS MEETING ACROSS THE REST OF 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. Visit https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/groups-andsupport/find-local-youth-groups/beyond-gender/
InfiniT Every Monday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm A youth group for people aged 13-16 who identify as transgender or are questioning or exploring their gender identity. Key youth worker: Julia Vidania If you would like to join this group please visit contact us via this page on the website: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/groups-and-support/find-local-youth-groups/infinit/ Make sure your email is correct or we can't get back to you! We will be in touch within 1 week. If you would just like to chat to someone about anything else, click here.
Central Scotland Transgender Group - under new management
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. Contact the group: dunblane.socialgroup@gmail.com
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
TransParent (Grampian) 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: http://4pillarsuk.org/groups/transparent.html
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
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�, so please visit us there to find out more.
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 - community group in Fife for adults (16+). (Venues alternate between Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline) Website: www.transgenderfife.com Facebook: https://bit.ly/2I2T40M Next Meeting: please email for details! 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 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 Meets every Monday 7 - 9pm 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 every Monday at LGBT Youth Scotland in Glasgow. The group aims to support and empower young people as they take part in workshops on transgender issues – including coming out, health and legal issues – sharing their own knowledge, skills and experience and learning from each other. For more info contact: info@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
Women of Colour Reading Group Wednesday 8-10pm, October 3rd, at Lighthouse Books, 43-45 W Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DB The book we are reading is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. It's for WOC only and there will be snacks and wine!
This month is the 50th Birthday of Metropolitan Community Churches "Our Tribe" is the LGBTQI ministry at Augustine United Church. It is a joint ministry with the worldwide denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches. All LGBTQI folks are welcome friends, family and allies. This month is the 50th Birthday of Metropolitan Community Churches To celebrate the 50thAnniversary of the founding Metropolitan Community Churches in 1968 by Rev Elder Troy Perry we have invited Rev Dr Axel Schwaigert to visit Augustine United Church on Sunday 14thOctober 2018. Rev Dr Axel Schwaigert will preach at the 11 am service and in the afternoon will facilitate the Our Tribe gathering called “If God is Love, is God my Love, too?” If God is Love, is God my Love, too? Sunday 14thOctober 2 – 5.30pm (Doors open at 1.30pm for tea and coffee) Often biblical texts and concepts have been used to exclude and hurt LGBTQI+ people. Yet the story of Jesus, is a Gospel of Love and Compassion. Therefore, we need to read and re-think the Biblical texts. Does the Bible really say what we think it says or have been told? In this workshop we will look at various biblical texts and consider them in their cultural and historical context. We will also reflect on what the texts mean for the LGBTQI+ community today as we continue to strive for justice and combat oppression. The Rev. Dr. Axel Schwaigert received his Diploma in Evangelisch Theologie (Diploma in Protestant Theology) from the School of Theological Studies at Tubingen (Germany) and studied inter-religious dialogue at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He began his pastoral training in 1998 at MCC Bournemouth. In 2000 he launched the new Salz der Erde MCC Stuttgart during Gay Pride. After 10 years of building this new congregation in surroundings not familiar with independent churches, Axel went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. In his secular life, Axel works as a funeral director. He loves singing, dancing, and acting on stage in musicals, which he sometimes performs at a community theatre of the US Forces in Stuttgart. Join us for this exciting FREE workshop exploring what it means to be LGBTQI+ and Christian.
For further information contact Rev Maxwell Reay on 07957 543359 or maxwell.reay@augustine.org.uk To book a place contact Rachel Fitzgerald on 0131 220 1677 or administrator@augustine.org.uk by 10 October 2018. Thank you to those of you who have already been in touch to reserve space, you’re on the list!
Dear haters… You’re going to hate this, but we’ve had enough. Yours, Scotland
Find out more about Police Scotland and the Scottish Government’s new Hate Crime campaign, with crucial information on how to recognise and report a hate crime https://onescotland.org/campaigns/hate-crime-campaign/
LGBTI Liaison Officers Tackling all forms of Hate Crime remains an absolute priority for Police Scotland. Every incident has a significant impact on the victim, their family and wider communities. More than 90 officers have been trained in conjunction with Equality Network, Scotland’s national LGBTI equality charity to help prevent hate crimes.
Victims of LGBT Hate Crime have all sorts of reasons for being reticent to approach us. Making ourselves more approachable may be a simple as offering to meet people in plain clothes, at a neutral venue etc. LGBT liaison Officers can be contacted by phoning 101 and will have an understanding of LGBTI issues after receiving training. The caller can then make an appointment with one of the officers who can meet in plain clothes and at a neutral venue which is most suitable to the caller. Any issues can then be discussed in relation to hate crimes, or incidents where the person has perceived a crime to have been committed. If required, arrangements can be made to meet with an officer at LGBT Health & Wellbeing’s Howe Street Office within office hours and I can be personally contacted by people in Edinburgh through LGBT Health & Wellbeing if required.