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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network
@lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
7.2K followers 92 following 1K posts
The Equality Network is a leading Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights charity
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Take part in LGBT Youth Scotland's Life In Scotland research project - open until the 5th October!

They're looking to hear from LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-25 about their experiences and their ideas for change, to improve LGBT+ lives in Scotland

Find out more here: lgbtyouth.org.uk/life-in-scot...
'Want to help shape the future for LGBTQ+ people in Scotland? 13-25? LGBTQ+? Take the survey now!' At the bottom is the LGBT Youth Scotland logo, and 'Life in Scotland for LGBTQ+ Young People'
September 23, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
scottishtrans.bsky.social
We were pleased to contribute to this briefing and have the opportunity to speak with the Special Rapporteur about some of the specific ways that trans people in Scotland experience poverty, and how this impacts so many aspects of our lives. You can find our contribution on p.13/14
justfairuk.bsky.social Just Fair @justfairuk.bsky.social · 1d
Poverty is a human rights issue.

We’ve submitted a briefing from UK civil society to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty, highlighting how poverty affects people’s rights to housing, food, healthcare, education, social security and decent work.

📄 justfair.org.uk/wp-content/u...
September 23, 2026 at 3:11 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Every year we mark Bi Visibility day on the 23rd of September, to celebrate the wonderful diversity of the bi+ community, and challenge the stigma and erasure that bi+ people can face both within, and outwith, the LGBTQI+ community.
Graphic with a pink to blue gradient background. In the centre there is a picture of a button badge, it has a black background and says "BISEXUAL PRIDE!" on top of two overlapping pink and blue triangles. Below it says "Happy Bi Visibility day!". The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are at the bottom.
September 23, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Reposted by Equality Network
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
🏳️‍⚧️ Resisting Transphobia Edinburgh - As well as zines on fighting transphobia, our projects include participation in Pride events & ongoing outreach efforts. We aim to raise awareness & foster unity within the trans community & beyond. Join us in creating a better, safer & brighter world for everyone
Graphic with a pale green background. There are drawings of colourful leaves dotted across the page. In a purple box in the top center it says "Resisting Transphobia in Edinburgh". Underneath there is a picture of a trans flag with "Resisting Transphobia in Edinburgh" spray painted in the center. At the bottom there is a purple banner. On the left of the banner is the Joy for All logo. On the right of the banner it says "17th Oct - 11am-3pm Portobello Town Hall EH15 1AF". Below is the Equality Network logo.
September 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
🌊 Aliston Designs - Amy Liston, the artist and owner of alistondesigns, aims to make original art as accessible as possible by painting her seascapes and scenes onto functional everyday items such as jewellery, book bags and magnets as well as printing and producing it all in house!
In a purple box in the top left corner it says "Aliston Designs". Underneath there is a picture of a selection of hand painted pouches and bookmarks with natural landscapes on them. At the bottom there is a purple banner. On the left of the banner is the Joy for All logo. On the right of the banner it says "17th Oct - 11am-3pm Portobello Town Hall EH15 1AF". Below is the Equality Network logo.
September 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
💘 Whimsy Tattoo - Welcome to Whimsy Tattoo! I am a Scottish artist who loves all things whimsical and beautiful. I use sparkles and lots of colour to make dreamy pieces inspired by nature, girlhood and nostalgia, with the hope of creating art that will bring some magic and beauty into your space!
In a purple box in the top right corner it says "Whimsy Tattoo". Underneath there is a picture of a handmade incense stick holder, it is covered in blue and white swirls, and has a large pink bow with gems studded all over it in the centre. At the bottom there is a purple banner. On the left of the banner is the Joy for All logo. On the right of the banner it says "17th Oct - 11am-3pm Portobello Town Hall EH15 1AF". Below is the Equality Network logo.
September 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
🧚 Anastacia Illustrations - Anastacia is an illustrator who sells on the day portrait sketches, as well as illustrated prints, stickers, and zines/books. Her work is inspired by horror and fantasy, often combined with sapphic and feminist narratives.
Graphic with a pale green background. There are drawings of colourful leaves dotted across the page. In a purple box in the top left corner it says "Anastacia MacDonald". Underneath there is a hand drawn portrait of a person with long wavy hair, it says "portraits" above them. On the right at the top there is an illustration of a cat in a carved pumpkin that says "you're the pick of the patch". Below there is a hand holding a print of two fairies having a conversation in a coffee shop. At the bottom there is a purple banner. On the left of the banner is the Joy for All logo. On the right of the banner it says "17th Oct - 11am-3pm Portobello Town Hall EH15 1AF". Below is the Equality Network logo.
September 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
📢 Announcing our next group of wonderful stallholders for Joy for All - our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market!

Join us at 11am – 3.30pm on Saturday 17th October at Portobello Town Hall, 147-149 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1AF.
September 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
📢 Our next stallholder announcements for Joy for All - our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market!

🧶 St. Arktos - St. Arktos is a small crochet business, created in 2024 and ran by Abbiey Auterra, and wife, Hattie Auterra. Everything is handmade by Abbiey, from home decor to hair accessories.
At the top, in the centre, there is a purple box that says "St Arktos". Underneath there is a picture of a market stall covered in crochet items like keychains and earrings. There is a pile of crocheted pumpkins with smiling faces. At the bottom there is a purple banner. On the left of the banner is the Joy for All logo. On the right of the banner it says "17th Oct - 11am-3pm Portobello Town Hall EH15 1AF". Below is the Equality Network logo.
September 18, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Reposted by Equality Network
scottishtrans.bsky.social
Are you on the Sandyford waiting list? Do you live in Forth Valley? We’re getting ready to send our letter to your health board, so if you haven’t signed it already this is your last chance!

www.scottishtrans.org/cantkeepwait...
A map of Scotland with the forth valley health board highlighted. It says "Are you on the Sandyford waiting list? Do you live in Forth Valley? Sign our letter to your health board to tell them: We can't keep waiting! scottishtrans.org/wecantkeepwaiting" The Scottish Trans logo is in the bottom right.
September 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Reposted by Equality Network
transactualuk.bsky.social
It’s Bi+ Awareness Week!
We stand in solidarity with our Bi+ siblings, team members and supporters!
An image of two bi flags waving on poles. Text reads: Bi+ awareness week
September 16, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Reposted by Equality Network
scottishtrans.bsky.social
As of May 2026, Police Scotland now ask every person who reports or witnesses a crime for data about their “sex” and their “trans status”.

These questions are voluntary - you are not legally required to disclose your sex or your trans status to the police when reporting or witnessing a crime.
Graphic with a pink to blue gradient background. It says "When reporting or witnessing a crime, you’ll be asked for: - your “sex” (defined as your sex as assigned at birth) - your “trans status” (whether you are trans or not) You are not legally required to disclose either." The Scottish Trans logo is at the bottom.
September 15, 2026 at 12:22 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
📢 Our first stallholder announcements for Joy for All - our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market!

🐸 Apollo Fea Creative - Apollo is an Edinburgh based crochet and textile artist who focuses on bringing whimsy and joy into all that they make.
Graphic with a pale green background. There are drawings of colourful leaves dotted across the page. In a purple box in the top right corner it says "Apollo Fea Creative". On the left there is a picture of a person with short blonde hair and long pointy elf ears. There is a crocheted mushroom hat on the back. On the right there are pictures of little crocheted frogs wearing miniature hats. At the bottom there is a purple banner. On the left of the banner is the Joy for All logo. On the right of the banner it says "17th Oct - 11am-3pm Portobello Town Hall EH15 1AF". Below is the Equality Network logo.
September 14, 2026 at 2:13 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Scottish Trans Manager Vic gave evidence this morning at the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee on several issues, including conversion practices, outlining our issues with the UK government's draft bill and why we think Scotland should bring forward its own legislation.

Part 1 ⬇️
September 10, 2026 at 3:04 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Joy for All is back for 2026!

Our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market, Joy for All, takes place in just over a month, and we're so excited to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🎃

It takes place at 11am – 3.30pm on Saturday 17th October at Portobello Town Hall, 147-149 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1AF.
Graphic with a pale green background. In the top left, there is a white bubble that says "17th Oct - 11am-3:30pm". The Equality Network logo is in the top right. Below it says 'Joy for All' in bold font on top of a rainbow. It then says 'LGBT+ Accessible Autumn Makers Market.' In the bottom right there is a drawing of a purple leaf, behind a mushroom in the trans pride flag colours and a smiling carved pumpkin. In the bottom left it says "Try some crafts, meet new people and shop stalls from local artists and LGBT+ orgs!" At the bottom in a purple banner it says: 'Portobello Town Hall - EH15 1AF'
September 9, 2026 at 1:46 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
In the National today, Kaukab Stewart, ex-Minister for Equalities, who worked on the Ending Conversion Practices Bill for Scotland, shares her dismay & asks - why are we still waiting for Westminster when Scotland can & should act now to end abusive conversion practices?

Read here: archive.ph/bkPmb
"Scotland had the better bill. Scotland had the power, the mandate. Scotland had survivors’ trust. That trust has now been broken, not just for the ones who, at great risks to themselves, gave their stories but also the ones looking on and the wider community." Kaukab Stewart in the National
September 9, 2026 at 11:11 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Last week, the Scottish Government announced the new Programme for Government.

You can read our statement on our website here: www.equality-network.org/pfg2026/
Graphic with a blue to purple gradient background. There is a white outline map of Scotland in the bottom right. It says: "Last week’s Programme for Government didn’t promise much for LGBTQIA+ people – but there’s plenty to work with." LGBTQIA+ people still face inequality and discrimination in a wide range of areas - not just those specifically related to our identities. We’ll be pushing hard to have our communities’ needs recognised across Scottish Government work for the next five years – including in cost of living measures and health improvements. LGBTQIA+ people don’t lead single issue lives. We welcome announcements on tackling racism, misogyny, and violence against women and girls, and improving community cohesion. Read our full statement on the Programme for Government at our website: equality-network.org/PfG2026
September 7, 2026 at 3:42 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Today the Scottish Government announced the Programme for Government (PfG) 2026 – 2031, which includes their legislative and policy plans for this session of the Scottish Parliament.
Graphic with a blue to purple gradient background. It says "Initial Statement on the Programme for Government". The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are at the bottom.
September 1, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
transactualuk.bsky.social
With the increasing rise in transphobia and trans antagonism, it can be hard to know whether a therapist practices in a way that respects and affirms your identity and experience.

That’s why TACTT have developed a new trans affirming therapist checklist!
A set of prompts and questions for anyone looking to understand if their therapist is trans-affirming. The image is in two columns - red flags and green flags. The resource is created by “therapists against conversion therapy and transphobia” and at the bottom is the TACTT website: www.therapistsagainsttransphobia.org. The image text reads: Heading: Is my therapist Trans Affirming? Full alt text can be found here: https://therapistsagainsttransphobia.org/2026/08/26/new-resource-trans-affirming-therapist-checklist/
August 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
scottishtrans.bsky.social
If you live in Forth Valley (or any other health board that refers to Sandyford), head to www.scottishtrans.org/cantkeepwait... to find out more about the campaign, and tell your health board: We can't keep waiting.
We Can't Keep Waiting - Scottish Trans
Fill in the survey below to add your name to our letters to Scottish health boards. As we are just currently writing to health boards […]
www.scottishtrans.org
August 31, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Reposted by Equality Network
scottishtrans.bsky.social
Are you on the Sandyford waiting list? Do you live in Forth Valley? We’re getting ready to send our letter to your health board, so if you haven’t signed it already this is your last chance!

www.scottishtrans.org/cantkeepwait...
A map of Scotland with the forth valley health board highlighted. It says "Are you on the Sandyford waiting list? Do you live in Forth Valley? Sign our letter to your health board to tell them: We can't keep waiting! scottishtrans.org/wecantkeepwaiting" The Scottish Trans logo is in the bottom right.
August 31, 2026 at 1:30 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Joy for All is back for 2026!

We invite you to apply for a stall at our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market, Joy for All. It takes place at 11am – 3.30pm on Saturday 17th October at Portobello Town Hall, 147-149 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1AF.

Apply here: forms.gle/CiMhrgbLEX9e...
Graphic with a pale green background. At the top it says 'Joy for All' in bold font on top of a rainbow. Below there is the Equality Network logo and it says 'LGBT+ Accessible Autumn Makers Market.' 'Stall applications open! To apply for a stall, email: mel@equality-network.org Applications are open until 18th September. There is no charge to have a stall at this event.' At the bottom in a purple banner it says: '17th October 11am-3:30pm Portobello Town Hall - EH15 1AF'
August 28, 2026 at 9:05 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
LGBT Youth Scotland's Life in Scotland survey is running until the 5th October!

If you are aged 13-25, identify as LGBTQ+, and live in Scotland, share your views and experiences about what life in Scotland is like today!

lgbtyouth.org.uk/life-in-scot...
What is life in Scotland like for LGBTQ+ young people? Research opportunity: National community action research project from LGBT Youth Scotland, led by a group of young LGBTQ+ peer researchers. It's time to be heard!
August 24, 2026 at 11:06 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
“Being pushed towards conversion practices harmed my sense of self and acceptability, and my family relationships.”

Conversion practices are harmful acts which deliberately try to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 🧵
“Being pushed towards conversion practices harmed my sense of self and acceptability, and my family relationships.” Quote from a Survivor of Conversion Practices
August 20, 2026 at 9:01 AM