As we continue to stay home in a bid to ease the pressure on the NHS, we have pulled together some top trans-friendly resources which are keeping the community going. This list is not exhaustive but we hope it will be a useful tool in the weeks to come. A huge thank you to all those who take the time and effort to make life that little bit easier for the trans community – we salute you!
VIRTUAL MEETUPS
Spectra
Meetups have gone online for the time being. SPECTRA have two options: a bi weekly group for non-binary people which takes place every other Wednesday from 17:30 to 19:30. A trans group for trans, non-binary and gender questioning people. This group runs every Friday, from 17:30 to 19:30.
What the Trans on Discord
Drop the What the Trans team an email on: discord@whatthetrans.com and they will email you a link to their “brand-spanking new loneliness busting Discord server!”
USEFUL APPS
Christella VoiceUp App
Award winning app developer Speechtools specialises in enabling clinicians to deliver remote healthcare to patients. They have developed the Christella VoiceUp App for voice feminisation together with speech therapist Christella Antoni. Available on both Apple and Android.
PODCASTS
What the Trans
UK-based weekly transgender news podcast “set up to counter the never-ending anti-trans nonsense erupting all over the United Kingdom”. The podcast focuses on debunking fake news and reporting on the trans and non-binary community – with a little light hearted entertainment thrown in for good measure. To find out more visit: https://whatthetrans.com/
The GenderGP Podcast
Dr Helen Webberley and Marianne Oakes discuss some of the issues affecting the trans and non binary community in the world today, together with a range of guests including authors, influencers and healthcare professionals. Available for download from your favourite podcast provider, as well as directly here
HARDSHIPS FUNDS
London Bi Pandas
The London Bi Pandas’ Covid-19 Hardship Fund has been set up to help marginalised LGBTQIA+ folks living in London. The fund is an honours based system with an upper limit of £150. If you would like to apply or donate to the fund.
FURTHER READING
Trans Health UK
UK trans healthcare information for the coronavirus/COVID-19 period. Set up and kept up to date by the community. Takes a practical look at some of the questions that Trans and Non-binary people may have during this time.
HELPLINES
Mindline Trans+
A confidential emotional and mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid and Non-binary, as well as family members and friends.
https://bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-counselling/mindline-transplus/
The LGBT Foundation
National charity offering advice, support and information to the LGBT community.
Switchboard – the LGBT+ helpline
As well as continuing to run its helpline, Switchboard has put together a pack to help members of the LGBT+ community to feel supported, comforted and less alone during these uncertain times. The pack includes tips to help manage anxiety, suggestions on what to do when you’re feeling low, some grounding exercises and a wellness toolbox.
Download The Pack
Mermaids
While physical meetups have been postponed for the time being, the Mermaids helpline, webchat, email support and text support services are operating as normal.
MERMAIDS
At the start of April, Mermaids hosted its first ever Digifest2020 – The day consisted of a series of interactive online events for trans youth and their families. It was hosted by celebrity guests including Munroe Bergdorf, Duncan James, Lorraine Kelly, and John Barrowman – to name but a few. The event raised in excess of £14,000 for the charity.
We’d love to hear from you…
Who have we missed? If you have any resources that you would like to flag let us know and we will give them a shout out on social media.
Our counsellors can talk to you about any aspect of your gender