News, events and support opportunities for trans people, including non-binary people across Scotland. Welcome to T Monthly for September! As the leaves begin to fall and the summer sun gets busy elsewhere, we’re going to keep you busy and up to date with what’s happening right here. September is home to Bi Visibility Day and Scotland’s one-day BiTastic event on Saturday the 22nd. In the organisers own words, BiTastic is: “a one-day workshop programme for bisexual and transgender people and our allies! Join us in our special Bi Bubble and celebrate Bi Visibility Day with a wide range of workshops and fun activities.” This exciting annual event takes place this year in Stirling and their website offers accessible information on access, code of conduct, the programme and how to get involved! Trans Community Safety - your questions and views heard Also this month, we’re discussing Trans Community Safety with PC Davie Clark at T time in Edinburgh, and we want to hear what you’ve you got to say about it. What are Police Scotland doing well in your area, and what aren’t they doing well enough? What should they do more of? What do you need from Police Scotland to feel safe in your city? Come along on Saturday 15 th September and share your views with PC Clark in a trans community setting, among peers. You can submit questions or comments anonymously ahead of the event via https://tinyurl.com/transsafetycomments Later this month in Glasgow the Non-Binary Night’s continue and T and Jam meet to make more musical mayhem! Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to an event in Edinburgh on Thursday 20th September, for queer, trans and intersex people of colour (QTIPOC) to join in a community discussion about Identity, Chosen Family and Community. If you or somebody you know might appreciate a safe affirming QTIPOC space to meet other QTIPOC, please forward the details. Have a safe and happy month and happy Bi Visibility Day to all our bi community members! 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 24th August.
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/
Lothian Trans Support Programme welcomes Sylvia Cohen! We welcome new team member, Sylvia Cohen, to take on the role of Development Worker for the Lothian Trans Support Programme. Here is a bit about them in their own words: “I’m really honoured and delighted to take up this post in LGBT Health & Wellbeing, to do, what I believe is really important work to support the trans community. In my role, I’m offering one to one support to provide a space for those who need to talk about their gender identity and find resources and practical information. I will also be kicking off some new group activities and events, and I am excited to hear from if you have some ideas for relevant activities or workshops! Some of you may know me already from my presence at the centre in various events, including T time, but most likely from the community group New Beginnings. I have run New Beginnings for about two years, and I can only describe it as a group of incredible, beautiful humans who gather together twice a month to support each other, explore and discuss their LGBTQ+ identities, and to have a good chat. Outside of running the group, before joining LGBT Health & Wellbeing, I’ve worked as a writer for 11 years in a number of tech companies, and an instructor at Carnegie Mellon University prior to that. I am quite excited to take on this position and hope to create a space where you can feel valued, supported and connected to the community and resources you need.” You can reach Sylvia for one to one support and/or information about resources, practical information, events and activities for the trans community @ sylvia@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Events coming up for trans people, including non-binary & genderqueer people
Non-Binary Night Wednesday 7-9pm, 12th September, 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!
T time Edinburgh Saturday 1-4pm, next meeting 15th 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
T and Jam Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, 20th September, 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!
Trans Community Safety - have your say Saturday 2-3.30pm, 15th September (within T time Edinburgh), 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH6 3TE This month, we’re discussing Trans Community Safety with PC Davie Clark and we want to hear what you have to say about it. What are Police Scotland doing well in your area, and what aren’t they doing well enough? What should they do more of? What do you need from Police Scotland to feel safe in your city? Come along and share your views with PC Clark in a trans community setting, among peers. You can submit questions or comments anonymously ahead of the event for somebody else to read out - https://tinyurl.com/transsafetycomments
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 Optional activity: What’s surgery like? A safe place to share experiences and ask questions about transition-related surgery. If you’ve had surgery recently and might be up for participating, please get in touch with Katrina in advance - thanks.
World of Work Employability workshop 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.
LGBTQI LGBT Health and Wellbeing event highlights coming up - full programme via www.lgbthealth.org.uk
QTIPOC Discussion: Identity, Chosen Family and Community Thursday 6.30-9pm, 20th September, 188 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RT. Free A safe and affirming space for queer, trans and intersex people of colour and their allies to share and discuss themes of identity, chosen family and how you find community here in Scotland. Led by guest facilitators, Filmmaker and Photographer Naziha Arebi and Feminist/Trans Rights Campaigner Mridul Wadhwa. Booking essential: www.tinyurl.com/QTPOCEdinburgh
Quiet Power: a workshop for queer women Sunday 1-5pm, 30th September, The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, EH2 2PR Booking essential: www.tinyurl.com/quietqueer An interactive workshop exploring what we mean by power. Creative opportunities to reconnect with your quieter voices to bring about individual and collective change in a safe and meaningful way. Might be of particular interest to LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people with intersectional identities.
TRANS COMMUNITY GROUPS - based in Edinburgh & Glasgow supported by LGBT Health Non-Binary Edinburgh (next meeting 3rd August) 1st Friday of the month 6.45-8.45pm, 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 7th July, 9 Howe Street, 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. For future meeting dates for the diary: Email/check Facebook for details! Group contact: transmasculinescotland@gmail.com
Me and T Scotland - Last meeting 23rd September Me and T Scotland has been 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. Both and Amanda and Elizabeth are moving away to pastures new so will not be able to continue the Me and T meetings going forward. LGBT Health is keen however, to continue to provide support for parents, partners and family members of trans people. So if you have experience supporting a friend, family member or partner who is trans, and would like to support others contact Jules to find out more about running a community group like Me and T Scotland. Contact Jules via jules@lgbthealth.org.uk Next and last meeting, 23rd September: ‘Farewell and new connections’ Join Amanda and Elizabeth for a farewell meeting, at the last Me and T for the time being. If you have been along before, or you have thought about going for the first time, why not join them for this special occasion, to celebrate the Me and T community and to give yourself the opportunity to make some new connections. Group contact: me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com Website: http://meandtscotland.wordpress.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
Call for Participants - Speak for Ourselves I am looking for up to ten trans people - male, female, and non-binary, of a variety of ages, all across Scotland - to participate in a film / spoken word show. We will film interviews and edit the films together into themes, in response to which I will write poetry and present the pieces together with the films in a show. The idea of the show is to go beyond the basic questions that everyone asks, to talk about the realities of life as trans people from the inside, and to celebrate it. I don’t intend to whitewash the difficulties, but I’d like to go from there to the successes, communities, and support, and talk about the ways that your lives are better for being yourself. If you are interested and available in September or early October to be interviewed, please message me here or respond to speakforourselves.show@gmail.com
Positive Change Arts Projects Positive Change Arts Projects (PCAP) is a non-profit umbrella organisation for creative projects exploring mental health/wellbeing and representation of LGBTQIA+ folks. We have two projects on the go, both with a number of events coming up that might be of interest to you! 03/09/18 I am... Workshop Room G47, Patterson's Land, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ. This is a wheelchair accessible venue. 18:15 - 19:45. £3 donation on the door. 100% of donations go back into running the workshop! 14/09/18 Positive Change Arts Projects info stand at the EUSA Welcome Week LGBTQ+ Fair Come and meet Kerry and Luca to find out more about our current projects. Teviot Row House, Edinburgh, EH8 9AJ. This is a wheelchair accessible venue. 13:00 - 16:00. This is a FREE event run by EUSA. 22/09/18 I am... Workshop for BiTastic! <Click here for tix! Forth Valley College Stirling Campus, Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE. This is a wheelchair accessible venue. 10:00am - 17:30. This is a ticketed event.
‘I Am’ ebook and book available now Personal Stories from trans and non-binary people from across the world ‘I Am’ is a collection of personal stories of trans and nonbinary people from around the world, members of the Adam World Choir. I Am features an introduction from Jo Clifford and a piece by Adam Kasmiry who played himself in the NTS production of Adam. Ebook and book are available at https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/shop/ Proceeds support Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
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.
BITASTIC BiTastic! is a one-day programme of workshops and fun activities for bisexual and transgender people and our allies! Saturday 22 September 10:00am to 5:30pm, Forth Valley College Stirling Campus, Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE. Tickets: https://www.outsavvy.com/event/1375/bitastic-2018-tickets#page-1 BiTastic! is an annual Scottish event designed by and for bisexual and trans people that will be held at Forth Valley College Stirling Campus on Saturday 22 September 2018, just in time to celebrate Bi Visibility Day on 23rd September. The event provides a unique opportunity for bisexual and trans people and their family and friends to meet each other and talk about the
issues that are important to us. This year the event will be hosted by the Equality Network, Scottish Trans Alliance, Stonewall Scotland and Central Scotland Regional Equality Council (CSREC) with our thanks to Forth Valley College for their support. The programme for the day will cover diverse topics from sex and relationships to mental health, hate crime, climate change and sessions that are focused on just having a little fun with likeminded people. There will also be some workshops focused on the needs of disabled and minority ethnic people who are bisexual and/or trans. Workshops will be facilitated by a variety of community members and voluntary sector organisations. The event will also include staffed information stalls from a range of voluntary sector organisations and community groups that work with LGBTI people. If you would like to book an information stall please go to http://bitastic.org/take-part/. Tickets for the event are limited so book your place now. A full access report is available at http://bitastic.org/access/ and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Please note if you have any access or dietary requirements when booking your ticket.
If God is Love, is God my Love, too? Celebrating the 50th Birthday of Metropolitan Community Churches Sunday 2 - 5.30pm, 14th (Doors open at 1.30pm) Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL 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. What does the Bible really say? Join us for this exciting workshop exploring what it means to be LGBTQI+ and Christian. Guest facilitator Rev Dr Axel Schwaigert. The event is FREE and open to all. You do not need to attend church to come. Further information: Maxwell Reay on 07957 543359 Email: maxwell.reay@augustine.org.uk Booking essential by 30th September Rachel Fitzgerald, Administrator 0131 220 1677 administrator@augustine.org.uk