September 2016 News, events and support opportunities for transgender people across Scotland Welcome to September’s trans-specific e-bulletin, keeping you informed and up to date with all of this month’s news and opportunities. The cities are slowing to a calmer pace as we say a fond farewell to the festivities of August once again. I was so happy to hear that despite the rain, Glasgow Pride went ahead with all the joy, determination and flamboyancy you’d expect. Our team had a lovely time hosting Pride Breakfast ahead of the march, which featured an array of amazing performers from the west of Scotland. We’re very grateful for their time, talent and energy so a huge thank you to Heather Laughland, Charly Houston, Bandara – Miss TGirl UK, Sarah Fanet, Emma, Syd Beg and DIVE! Looking onwards to this month, we have a discussion about being trans and bisexual at T time Edinburgh, with a Bi Visibility Event on Friday 23rd to follow. I’m happy to announce details of an Employability Skills workshop planned for the 22nd September, for any trans or non-binary person looking to boost their confidence for job searching, applications and the world of work. Finally, there is still time to book for the first Trans Support Course to take place in Glasgow on the 24th and 25th September. This is a fantastic opportunity and includes a wealth of support and information to support you on your journey. Book now for this free two-day, nonresidential course via this link - http://bit.ly/Glasgow_Transition_Course Read all the details for this and all our events, workshops and group listings for the rest of the month. Be sure to help me keep T Monthly fresh up to date, by sending any not-for-profit listings or community news my way! I am off to blast Earth Wind and Fire from the office speakers… have a great September! 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 Glasgow – BOOK NOW 24th and 25th September, 11am-5pm, Lipton House, 170 Crown Street, Glasgow G5 9XD (Wheelchair accessible) Booking essential. You can complete a registration form here: http://bit.ly/Glasgow_Transition_Course Anyone who self-identifies as having trans and/or non-binary gender identities is welcome to participate in this free, 2-day non-residential course in Glasgow. The course will provide safe and supportive opportunities to learn more about your options and rights, meet and connect with other trans people, share your experiences and take part in confidence building workshops. We recognise that everyone’s journey is different - the course is not designed to tell you how to transition, but rather to give you space and time to think about your identity, how to keep yourself well and to equip you with information about your options. The course takes place in Glasgow but is open to anyone, wherever you are based. Please note participants will need to make their own way to and from the venue. If the cost of travelling to and from the venue is a barrier, please contact us as we may be able to help towards travel costs. Lunch and refreshments provided both days. Places are limited so register your interest early to avoid disappointment. We will contact you after receipt of the registration form, to confirm whether a space is available, or you are welcome to phone first to discuss. Contact Katrina via: katrina@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0141 271 2330 for more information.
*Volunteers needed for Trans Support Programme photoshoot!* We’ve already had some interest and we’re looking for a few more volunteers to help contribute to some welcoming, inclusive publicity for our Trans Support Programmes, that we can use online and in printed materials. We want our service publicity to reflect the diverse trans community we meet here in Scotland and would like to invite a number of trans people to take part in a social afternoon and photoshoot, to help create some friendly and authentic images. We’ll be providing a lunch and chance to get to know other participants, before creating a fun, safe, supportive and relaxed atmosphere for picture-taking. If you’re thinking of volunteering, please be aware that the images we create at the session will be widely publicised and associated with trans work, for an indefinite period of time. If you would like to help us and are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104.
Support for trans and non-binary people LGBT Health and Wellbeing offers 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: 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 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. For more information email claire@lgbthealth.org.uk
TRANS SPECIFIC EVENTS COMING UP T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 17th September, 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
‘Trans & Bi’ Celebration for Bi Visibility Day Saturday 2-3.30pm, 17th September (within T time Edinburgh) 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE To mark this year’s Bi Visibility Day on September 23rd
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 8.30pm, 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. All transgender, non-binary and intersex people 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. (£9 / £6) More information about the performance: http://tinyurl.com/ztkodle
LGBT EVENTS COMING UP Queer Bi Night Friday 7-10pm, 23rd September, Serenity Café, 8 Jackson’s Entry, The Tun, 111 Holyrood Road, EH8 8PJ. Booking preferred. Cost: Free, suggested donation £2 Book via - www.tinyurl.com/queerbinight Come and celebration bisexuality and non-monosexual identities at this queer and fabulous evening of live entertainment and social fun. Live music from Lou McLean, Jules, Lewis Mullen, poetry performance from Janette Ayachi and a quiz with tantalising prizes... a vegan snack shack, information and support and the opportunity to socialise with others in an inclusive setting. Come along if you are bi, queer or an ally! Venue access: wheelchair accessible from Serenity Space entrance (not the cafe entrance), gender neutral toilets and one accessible loo.
Please let us know your access needs on the booking form, so we can make the event as pleasant and stress-free as possible for you!
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 Meeting on the following date:
Sunday 3-5pm, 18th September, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS
Trans Men Scotland have a new social meet up for trans men (including nonbinary folks who identify as trans masculine). The group is organising regular meet ups in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The social events will be 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 the summer 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 A new swimming club for the transgender community continues this month Glasgow. The club meets on the last Sunday of each month. The club is only open to those who identify as transgender or non-binary. At this stage, the club is open to those aged 16 and over. It will take place from 3pm until 4pm at Whitehill Pool, Dennistoun. The pool is close to Alexandra Parade train station and quite close to Duke Street station too both of which are just a few minutes from Queen Street Station. The club committee will be at the seated area inside the main entrance and to the right, from 2.30pm. There is a charge of £5 for the session to begin with. We may be able to bring this cost down as the club develops depending on our numbers. There is a registration form to complete, as well as our code of conduct and safe space rules which you'll need to check out before getting into the pool, so we suggest that you come along in good time. The club committee and LEAP Sports have been doing training with staff at Whitehill Pool and will continue to do some training sessions as the next couple of month’s progress, in order to make the sessions run as well as possible. 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 so please contact: TransparenTsees@gmail.com for more details. Contact: tranparentsees@gmail.com if interested in coming along!
TransparenTsees (East) A New TransparenTsees East aimed at supporting families of young transgender, non-binary and children questioning their gender, meeting monthly on a Monday. 6-8pm (Please get in contact if you wish to attend) ann.marriott@lgbtyouth.org.uk Tel: 0131 555 3940
Trans Men Scotland Social Meeting on following dates: •
Sunday 3-5pm, 18th September, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS
Transmen Scotland have a new social meet up 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. Group contact: transmenscotlandsocial@gmail.com
Trans Youth D&G Monthly on a Saturday, 88B High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BJ, Trans Youth D&G: our youth group for young people 12-26 who identify under the Transgender umbrella and their supportive friends meets one Saturday of each month from 1-4pm at the LGBT Centre, Dumfries. These dates activity dependant so please get in touch for more info. 1:1 support sessions for young people and or parents: are also available upon request for young trans people who may need support around their identity as are 121 support sessions for parents/ carers of young trans people who may need support in supporting around trans identities. Parents group: We are currently setting up a parents group for parents of trans young people in D&G so please get in touch for more info on this. The contact for young people and parents in D&G is julieann.karayilan@lgbtyouth.org.uk or call our centre and ask for Julie Ann – 01387 255 058.
TYG: Trans Youth Glasgow For young trans people or those exploring, aged 13-26 TYG: Trans* Youth Glasgow is a group for young people aged 13 - 26 who identify as transgender or want to explore their gender identity. The group meets fortnightly on a Monday evening at LGBT Youth Scotland in Glasgow. The group aims to support and empower young people as they take part in workshops on transgender issues, sharing their own knowledge, skills and experience, learning from each other and making new friends. For more info contact Michael Richardson at Michael.Richardson@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Waverley Care Argyll & Bute We provide one to one support for people living in Argyll & Bute who are trans or exploring their gender identity. Occasional peer support too! Please get in touch with Katrina: katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org or 07760701308.
TRANS COMMUNITY NEWS IN SCOTLAND Please get in touch if you would like to promote a not-for-profit event, activity, group or campaign you are involved with, for the transgender community anywhere across Scotland - jules@lgbthealth.org.uk Experiences at UK NHS Gender Identity Clinics Survey The Scottish Trans Alliance have launched a UK wide survey in respect of patients' experiences at Gender Identity Clinics. This survey is open to anyone who has had an appointment at, or who has been on a waiting list for a UK NHS Gender Identity Clinic during the last three years. GIRES are co-hosting the survey and will be using the responses from the parts of the UK outside of Scotland to inform our work. This will be a useful snapshot of the last three years from a patient's perspective. For more information and to take the survey please visit the GIRES Website at the following link: http://www.gires.org.uk/news-elsewhere/experiences-at-uk-nhs-gender-identity-clinics-survey
Scottish Queer International Film Festival - Full Programme Announced 29th September - 2nd October 2016 SQIFF 2016 is here! We run at venues across Glasgow from Thursday 29 September to Sunday 2 October – check out the full programme of our annual celebration of queer film and media here. From classic queer horror to brand new web series via documentaries on Madonna’s dancers and fierce trans-led political parties in the Philippines, the best short films from around the world and right here in Scotland, workshops and masterclasses with top industry professionals and two massive inclusive parties, SQIFF 2016 is bigger and better than ever. Tickets start from just £4 (free for unemployed and asylum seekers) and all workshops are free. New for SQIFF 2016 – Festival Passes. Come to everything at the festival including our Friday and Saturday night parties for just £40 / £30 conc. click here to get your pass.
Coffee, Cake and Conversation A time for spiritual, pastoral and social connection. Meeting monthly on Tuesdays from 7.30 - 9.00pm and Thursdays from 1.30 - 3.00pm at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL. Everyone Welcome. Next meeting dates: Tuesday 20th and Thursday 22nd September Contact: Maxwell Reay, NHS Chaplain: 0131 537 6734 Rev Fiona Bennett: 07552 162717
NHS Lothian annual review - Rescheduled NHS Lothian was informed on Friday 5 August 2016 the Annual Review has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday 10 October 2016. The Public Session will be held at 2pm at NHS Lothian, Waverley Gate, Meeting Rooms 7 and 8, 2nd Floor, 4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG. NHS Lothian’s website has been updated today to reflect these changes. http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/MediaCentre/PressReleases/2016/Pages/NHSLothianAnnualRe viewRescheduledDate.aspx Apologies for any inconvenience this rescheduled date may cause you.
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/