Survey on Trans Equality in West Yorkshire

In addition to focus groups, we have prepared an online survey for trans* people in west Yorkshire.

We would love to hear from you about your experiences using statutory services, such as the NHS, the Police and your Local Authority. If you could take some time to complete this survey, we'd really appreciate it. Please share this far and wide with your networks and anyone who may be interested in the area.

The survey is available online.

Trans mental health study wins GIRES research award

We are delighted to share this announcement from GIRES. Well done to all involved including TBA's own Jay and Maeve.

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Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) - Research Award 2012

The Trustees of GIRES are very pleased to announce that its latest research award has been made to the authors of the Trans Mental Health Study 2012:

• Jay McNeil
• Louis Bailey
• Sonja Ellis
• James Morton
• Maeve Regan

The Study is based on an online survey that generated responses from 889 people who had personal experience of transgender healthcare. The Study may be viewed at:

http://www.gires.org.uk/assets/Medpro-Assets/trans_mh_study.pdf

The publication of the Study coincides with the development of new UK standards of care for gender dysphoria in adults and substantial changes in the commissioning of NHS specialist care for transgender people. The Study factually justifies a major and sustained effort to improve treatment in several of the gender identity clinics and within general practice.

The Study shows that:

• 42 % had waited at least a year to be seen within a gender identity clinic
• 58 % felt that waiting had led to a worsening of their mental health or emotional wellbeing
• 46 % of those seen at a gender identity clinic had experienced difficulties that included administrative errors, restrictive protocols, problematic attitudes and unnecessary questions/tests
• 20 % had wanted to harm themselves in relation to or because of involvement with a gender identity clinic or health service

The Study reinforces the case for offering speedy and benign treatment:

• 85 % were more satisfied with their body since undertaking hormone therapy
• 74 % felt that their mental health had improved as a result of transitioning

Trans Equality in West Yorkshire

A new initiative is underway in West Yorkshire to find ways to provide better services for trans people.

Firstly there are going to be two focus groups taking place in Bradford and Leeds that are aimed at giving all trans people in West Yorkshire a voice. These groups will provide a chance to talk about any issues or experiences they may have had.

We are encouraging anyone who has identified or currently identifies as trans or who has a trans history to take part. We want these groups to reflect the diversity of the local community. We don’t want any voices to be left out which is why it’s so important that people come and join in. This is a chance for real change to be made in services provided to trans people.

There will also be a survey for people to fill out so that an even wider group can be heard.

If you know someone who might be interested, or you are interested in taking part yourself, please email us at transbareall@gmail.com

You Are Loved call for submissions

Hi All,

The You Are Loved project is ready to move in to its next phase and WE NEED YOU!

For this project to work, it needs to be a community resource where you share your stories of resilience and hope. We would love you to send us videos, sound-bites, photos or written words – stories, poems etc, if you’d rather not be on camera – to share with the trans communities. We would ask that you follow a few guidelines in anything you submit to make sure it’s appropriate and fits the ethos of the project. Please also make sure you read our confidentiality and consent statement before you send us anything!

Our aims here are to share stories and experiences with a focus on the positives and to carry the message to people that they are not alone, and that they are loved.

We welcome content from trans people and allies, basically anyone who cares about trans communities! Remember, this project will only work if we all get involved to make it happen. It really does depend on you.

To send us content, complete the form on the You Are Loved website.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Jay & Lee

You Are Loved appears in Gay Star News

We're delighted that the You Are Loved project has been featured in Gay Star News. Please do continue to donate to and share this important fundraiser.

The website is currently being developed, you can see the basic structure at www.youareloved.uk.com and content is being developed already.