Scotland
Thursday the 13the March 2014 saw the first Scottish Tran-Justice Conference held in Edinburgh. After the Keynote speech by the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, there were workshops on:
(A) Addressing Sex by Fraud Prosecution Concerns
(B) Launch of the Scottish Prison Service -Trans People in Custody Policy & Training Film. You can view the Policy here:
SPS_Gender_Identity_and_Gender_Reassignment_Policy_2014
(C) Challenging Discrimination in Provision of Services
(D) Challenging Employment Discrimination
(E) Reporting Transphobic Hate Crime

Scotland - Clydebank  - 02/03/14
Clydebank LGBT  Social Group
It is with heartfelt news that we have to announce the closure of this group. Thanks go to Fiona-Marie and Tanya for keeping it going so long.

Scotland - Glasgow  - added 02/02/2014
New Venue for T-Time -Glasgow
Venue: The Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street, Glasgow G3 6DS.
T-Tme is an informal monthly social gathering for all transgender people, their partners, family and friends. The drop-in takes place 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month. Drop in for tea, coffee and a chat in a friendly, relaxed, welcoming environment. Changing facilities are available.
For further details contact: Jules at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 1st Mar 2014 - 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Scotland - Edinburgh - Added 04/08/2013
New National LGBT Helpline
They have a dedicated team of volunteers who will answer calls from LGBT people, their relatives & friends. They will cover calls on Sexuality, Gender Identity, Relationships, LGBT Law & Hate Crime.
The number is - 0300 123 2523
The line is open - Tuesday & Wednesday - Noon to 9.00pm.

Scotland - Clydebank 
Clydebank LGBT Social Group - Launch Event
This free event, which brought an end to LGBT history month, was well attended. Thank-you to all who did.
For further information about the group contact:
clydebanklgbt@yahoo.co.uk or call/text: Fiona 07974489520 or Tanya 07598387586

Scotland - Glasgow 
Rape Crisis Centre - Glasgow
Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre have recently updated their website to include information specifically addressed to LGBT people. Please note that it includes a clarification that they are a service that is inclusive of all transgender people. Below is a link to the relevant page on their website.
http://www.rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk/index.php?id=210

Scotland - Glasgow 
Crosslynx Transgender Helpline
It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that the Strathclyde Gay & Lesbian Switchboard (SGLS) is winding down and will cease business at the end of 2012.
As the Crosslynx Transgender Helpline is affiliated to the SGLS and is located at the same place, they too, will be unfortunately be calling it a day. However, you can still contact them via e-mail at: carol_cross32@yahoo.co.uk 

Scotland - Glasgow - TYG: Trans Youth Glasgow - Every second Monday night
TYG is a new group, which has been up and running for a few months, for young people aged 13 - 26 who identify as transgender. It runs on the second and fourth Monday of each month. 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 Michael Richardson at Michael.Richardson@lgbtyouth.org.uk

Scotland - Glasgow 
3rd Party Reporting Launch
On Thursday 27/09/12 the re-launch of the newly branded 3rd Party Reporting Scheme took place in the Glasgow City Chambers.

If you believe you have been targeted because of your Transgender identity or because of your Sexual orientation, Race, Religion, or Disability or witness something you believe is motivated by prejudice like this, please consider reporting it to the police.

If you don't want to to contact the police directly you can get in touch through a Third Party Reporting Centre. You can view a PDF copy of a leaflet that includes information and details of these by clicking here: Hate Crime Leaflet March 2012

For further information visit: www.saferglasgow.com

Scotland/UK 
Trans Mental Health Study 2012
The results of this recently conducted study by the ScottishTransgender Alliance and others has now been published.
You can view a PDF copy of this by clicking here: Trans Mental Health Study

Glasgow 
Transition Support Service
Through the auspices of the LGBT Centre of Heath & Wellbeing and the Scottish Transgender Alliance a course of Life Skills will commence initially in Glasgow, to those considering or undergoing transition/gender reassignment and will serve as a useful starting point in considering issues involved in transition. Topics covered will include Self Confidence, Assertiveness, Coping Skills and Transition Options. The course will run over 10 weeks, starting at the end of September. To book or find out more contact: rose@lgbthealth.org.uk

UK 
Terence Higgins Trust (THT)
The organisation has just released the following booklets:
Sexual Health - HIV and Wellbeing - a guide for transwomen - which can be seen by clicking       Here
Sexual Health - HIV and Wellbeing - a guide for transmen - which can be seen by clicking       Here

Scotland 
NHS Scotland
The other day NHS Scotland published their Gender Reassignment Protocol, which you can see using the link below.
Gender Reassigment Protocol PDF

Glasgow
Scottish Transgender Alliance (STA) 
The STA have sub-contracted the remaining 2 years of the delivery of the Transition Support Service (TSS) to the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing and they are delighted that Rose Marshall will soon be starting as the full-time TSS Development Worker. Together with Jules Barnes, Rose will be launching and facilitating T-Time Glasgow (a brand new informal onthly social gathering open to all transgender people and their supporters) on Saturday July 7th, 1-4pm at Terence Higgins Trust, 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow G2 4HF. Thereafter it will run on the 1st Saturday of each month, 1-4pm with optionalevents running alongside. For further details on T-Time Glasgow or about other parts of the Transition Support Service, contact Jules at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104

Glasgow
Crosslynx Transgender Group. 
It is with sadness we have to report that the Crosslynx Transgender Group meetings are unfortunately NOT being held meantime. This time it is due to the owners of the venue not being able to cover the costs. Hopefully, the group can find alternative premises soon.

Glasgow
West of Scotland LGBT Forum.
They have produced their findings, with the help of Equality Network & the Scottish Transgender Alliance, from a consultation with Transgender people, held in Glasgow on the 29th Nov 2011.
You can view it on their Website: www.woslgbt.org.uk

Global
Updated World Professional Association for Transgender Health -  Standards of Care Online
Website: www.wpath.org

Scotland - West Dunbartonshire
Clyde Valley LGBT Group
New LGBT Group for West Dunbartonshire. The group can be contacted by:
Mobile: Sandra on 07519474797
E-Mail: clydevalleylgbt@yahoo.co.uk

Scotland - Scone
Caledonian Counties Trans Group
New group has started up in Perthshire - for details contact:
fionaofperth@btinternet.com

Scotland 
The Law Society of Scotland
The Glasgow Herald reported in their 27th Aug 2010 issue that The Law Society of Scotland is considering setting up a new affiliated group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. The move follows a survey suggesting one in 25 of all society members are transsexual. A study reported in this months edition of the online journal Scottish Legal News showed that 3-4% of all members consider themselves to be gay, lesbian or bisexual - while 4% of members were transsexuals. You can read the full article here:
http://www.journalonline.co.uk/News/1008581.aspx

UK 
GIRES transphobic crime reporting service
The GIRES service is a confidential remote reporting service, providing anonymous summarised reports. GIRES intend to use those reports to inform the Home Office, the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and local authorities about the frequency and type of crime trans people are experiencing.
The majority of police services in Scotland have remote reporting services for hate crime.
www.tcrime.net

Scotland - Glasgow 
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
They have recently launched their Transgender Policy, which can be seen here:
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Transgender Policy PDF


UK
Press for Change - (PFC)
Press for Change have introduced a new website for all those who are Transgender called Transequality  - the web address is www.transequality.co.uk

Glasgow - Scotland
Glasgow: West of Scotland LGBT Forum
This is an umbrella organisation which brings together groups and individuals representing LGBT people in the West of Scotland to provide opportunities for networking, information exchange, co-operation, co-ordination, and in appropriate cases collective representation and action.
They have a new website up and running now, it is: www.woslgbt.org.uk

UK
NHS gender reassignment surgery rates triple • 
Noticed in the Pink News - Posted April 21, 2010 - 15:05 
The number of gender reassignment surgeries carried yearly on the NHS has tripled since 2000, figures show.
In 2000, 54 surgeries were carried out, compared with 143 in 2009, the Daily Telegraph reports. However, the true number of transgender people is estimated to be far higher, as many do not wish to undergo painful or complex surgery, or are unable to access it.
The average age for trans women to undergo surgery is 42 and only one NHS operation has been carried out on a person under 21 in the last nine years.
Gender reassignment surgery costs around £10,000 on the NHS. It became a right on the NHS in 1999 but trans campaigners argue that trans people are still subject to a postcode lottery, as health trusts vary in what they deem to be essential treatment.

Scotland
From Equality Network (23/03/10)
They are pleased to report that Scotland’s New Hate Crime Law has been in force since, Wednesday March 24^th.
The new law is called the Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act. It will mean that homo/biphobic, transphobic and disability-prejudice crime is properly recognised as hate crime.
This is the first transgender-inclusive hate crime legislation in Europe, and has the most inclusive definition of transgender identity in any European legislation.
From tomorrow, any criminal offence which is partly or wholly motivated by prejudice on grounds of disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, will be dealt with as a hate crime all the way through the system.
The offence could for example be an assault, or vandalism, or verbal threats and abuse which can be charged as breach of the peace, or any other crime. If the person committing the offence uses homo/biphobic, transphobic, or disability-prejudice language, or if there is any other evidence of their prejudiced motive, that makes it a hate crime.
If anyone witnessing a crime thinks it was a hate crime, the police must record it as a hate incident. If there is any evidence of the hate motive, for example prejudiced language was used, it will be charged as a hate crime. If the person charged is found guilty, the hate motive will be taken into account in sentencing – and the court must say publicly what difference the hate motive made to the sentence.
Soon, the Equality Network and Stonewall Scotland will jointly be publishing a booklet about the new law. It will explain in more detail what a hate crime is, where crimes can be reported, and what happens after a crime is reported. We will distribute the booklet throughout the country.

Scotland
 NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde - Equalities in Health
 The NHSGGC Equalities in Health have recently published their Equality Scheme  2010-2013 Making the Difference Together document.

 It can be downloaded from here: www.equalitiesinhealth.org




Scotland
 NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde - Equality Scheme introduction

 What Does it Mean for Me? (PDF)






Scotland
 Sandyford
 An updated Gender Identity Services Information Booklet from Sandyford will  shortly be published.
 Download a PDF copy



UK
Equality and Human Rights Commission
A guidance to help public authorities meet their equality duties and human rights obligations in the provisions of goods, facilities and services for transgender users is now available at www.equalityhumanrights.com/psd It is relevant in Scotland, England and Wales.
This 'how to' guide is for managers and front line staff of all levels and is illustrated with good practice examples. The guidance will help public authorities to be clear on what they are expected to do to comply with the law and provide their trans service users with the goods, facilities and services to which they are entitled to.

Scotland - 
Transgender Quality of Life Survey
Recently, the Scottish Transgender Alliance, did a online survey over 4 weeks on Transgender peoples Quality of Life. They managed to receive 286 usable responses from people ageing from 16 to 78 years. 

Results showed that:
a) Transgender people who have already transitioned were more likely to have a higher Quality of Life than those are are going through transitioning or intending to transition.
b) Those who reported that they experienced harassment or rejection on grounds of gender identity or expression in several areas of their life were more likely to have a low Quality of Life.
c) There was a high level, (over 50%) of transphobic harassment at school due to peoples gender identity or expression.

UK - 
EHRC Trans-Research Review
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has recently launched a new review of evidence that captures the experiences and challenges facing transgender people in Britain. The Trans Research Review (Mitchell and Howarth 2009) highlights that some transgender people experience transphobia including bullying and discriminatory treatment in schools, harassment and physical/sexual assault and rejection from families, work colleagues and friends.The Commission is working to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, promote equality and human rights, and build good relations across all protected equality areas, including for trans people. 

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/fairer-britain/trans-inequalities-reviewed/

Scotland - 
LGBT Youth Transgender Coming Out guide

As part of their Green Light Project, LGBT Youth, have been working very closely with young people at the Beyond Gender group in Edinburgh to develop, design and write a coming out guide for transgender young people. The guide has detailed information on what coming out is, the steps young people have taken when coming out, relationships, transphobia and bullying, how family and friends can support transgender young people, rights and legislation, and definitions of terms in plain English.  To download a copy, please visit:
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/news/trans-guide.htm

UK - 
GIRES Information and Booklet
1 - The new GIRES booklet "Lower surgery for trans women" is on view at:
http://www.gires.org.uk/medtreatment.php#lower-women.

You Tube
Make-Up Demonstrations
Loose Women had a guest on called Lauren Luke where she talked about the loads of videos she has on You Tube. She also has her own website. Her videos show you how to put on eye make-up to create certain looks. The videos are worth having a look.
The link is:  http://www.laurenluke.co.uk

Scotland - Dunblane
Central Scotland Transgender Group
Support Group for transgender people.
2nd Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 14th Jun 2014
Website: www.transgenderscotland.org

Scotland - Inverness
Swans of Scotland
Support group for transgender people.
3rd Thursday of each Month.
Next Date: 19th Jun 2014
Website: www.spanglefish.com/swansofscotland

Scotland - Glasgow
Sandyford Transwomen Support Group - Extra Meeting 
3rd Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 21st Jun 2014 - Noon to 2.00pm 
Web: http://sandyfordtranswomen.tripod.com

Scotland - Edinburgh
T-Time
3rd Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 21st Jun 2014
T-Time is an informal monthly social gathering for all transgender people, their partners, family and friends. The drop-in takes place 1-5 pm on the third Saturday of the month. Drop in for tea, coffee and a chat in a friendly, relaxed, welcoming environment.  Changing facilities are available.
The first half of the session, 1-3pm, especially welcomes family and friends, while the second half, 3-5pm, is focussed on trans people themselves.
Venue: LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE. Details from www.lgbthealth.org.uk

Me & T Monthly
Supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are transgender or exploring their gender.
4th Sunday of each Month.
Next Date: 22nd Jun 2014
Telephone Jules Barnes: 0131 523 1104
e-mail: jules@lgbthealth.org.uk

Scotland - Dundee
TransTay
Diversitay LGBT Group’s Transgender Social Group(Formerly Tea with Biscuits) meets in Dundee on the last Thursday of every month. For Trans people, their Significant Others, Friends, Families and Allies.
Last Thursday of each Month
Next Date: 26th Jun 2014 6-8pm.
Contact: Helpline: Mon7-9pm 01382 202620
For details of venue etc. - call or text  07593829362
transtay.support@gmail.com  www.diversitay.org.uk

Scotland - Buchlyvie
Stirling TG Group (Formerly known as the West Lothian TV/TS Group)
Support group for Transgender people.
Last Saturday of each Month
Next Date: 28th Jun 2014
e-mail: gladyspaterson2@yahoo.co.uk

Scotland - Glasgow
Sandyford Transwomen Support Group - Main Meeting.
1st Wednesday of each Month 
Next Date: 2nd Jul 2014 - 6.00pm to 7.45pm
Website: http://sandyfordtranswomen.tripod.com

Scotland - Scone - Perthshire - New
Caledonian Counties Trans Group
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 5th Jul 2014 7.00pm
For details contact: fionaofperth@btinternet.com

Scotland - Dumfries
TG Times
Social and support group for transgender people, those questioning their gender identity or cross-dressing
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 5th Jul 2014 - Noon to 2.00pm
For details telephone: Dumfries (01387) 255058

Scotland - Edinburgh
Edinburgh Transwomen Group
Support group for transwomen.
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 5th Jul 2014 - 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Website: www.edinburghtranswomen.org.uk

Scotland - Glasgow
T-Time -Glasgow
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 5th Jul 2014 - 1.00pm to 4.00pm
T-Tme is an informal monthly social gathering for all transgender people, their partners, family and friends. The drop-in takes place 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month. Drop in for tea, coffee and a chat in a friendly, relaxed, welcoming environment. Changing facilities are available.
For further details contact: Jules at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1104
Venue: The Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street, Glasgow G3 6DS.

Scotland - Dumfries
TG Times
Social and support group for transgender people, those questioning their gender identity or cross-dressing
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 5th Jul 2014 - Noon to 2.00pm
For details telephone: Dumfries (01387) 255058

Scotland - Edinburgh
Edinburgh Transwomen Group
Support group for transwomen.
1st Saturday of each Month.
Next Date: 5th Junl 2014 - 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Website: www.edinburghtranswomen.org.uk