Post by Ayla on Mar 27, 2016 7:51:53 GMT 8
www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/increase-in-transgender-people-seeking-support-1.930735
More and more young people who identify as transgender are seeking support in Dundee.
Local and national charities acknowledge there has been an increase in trans people “coming out” and looking for advice and guidance.
Dave Close, director of Christian youth work organisation Hot Chocolate Trust, said while he is confident more local youngsters are feeling confident enough to confide in friends and family, more can still be done to help them.
Mr Close and his colleagues work with a varied community of young people across the city offering professional and personal support.
He said: “We are pleased that there are a number of transgender or non-binary young people who are part of Hot Chocolate. There’s more than we’ve been aware of in the past.
“There are lots of reasons for that as each young person’s story is different. It could be something to do with general media and cultural shifts.
“These are deep and sensitive issues and can leave people very vulnerable – even in the LGBT community trans people can be marginalised.
“Our priority is always the safety and thriving of each person and there’s still a long way to go before everyone feels safe in society.”
Charis Robertson, from the charity, echoed calls for tolerance and revealed she has been made aware of members of Dundee’s LGBT community being targeted.
“There’s instances of horrible name calling and people being assaulted in the street,” she said. “There’s still a lot of phobias.”
Scottish Transgender Alliance manager James Morton added: “Over the last few years, public awareness of transgender equality has improved significantly and as a result more and more trans people have felt confident enough to transition and to come out to friends, family and service providers.
“Although transphobic discrimination is gradually reducing, it can still be very stressful and challenging to be a trans person in Scotland so access to emotional and practical support can make a huge difference.
“We provide training to charities and public services across Scotland so they are best able to help and include trans people.”
The Hot Chocolate Trust meets around 150 young people aged between 12 and 21 on a fortnightly basis.
Working from its Nethergate base, the charity hosts weekly drop-in sessions where people can seek advice and support.
Find out more at www.hotchocolate.org.uk.
More and more young people who identify as transgender are seeking support in Dundee.
Local and national charities acknowledge there has been an increase in trans people “coming out” and looking for advice and guidance.
Dave Close, director of Christian youth work organisation Hot Chocolate Trust, said while he is confident more local youngsters are feeling confident enough to confide in friends and family, more can still be done to help them.
Mr Close and his colleagues work with a varied community of young people across the city offering professional and personal support.
He said: “We are pleased that there are a number of transgender or non-binary young people who are part of Hot Chocolate. There’s more than we’ve been aware of in the past.
“There are lots of reasons for that as each young person’s story is different. It could be something to do with general media and cultural shifts.
“These are deep and sensitive issues and can leave people very vulnerable – even in the LGBT community trans people can be marginalised.
“Our priority is always the safety and thriving of each person and there’s still a long way to go before everyone feels safe in society.”
Charis Robertson, from the charity, echoed calls for tolerance and revealed she has been made aware of members of Dundee’s LGBT community being targeted.
“There’s instances of horrible name calling and people being assaulted in the street,” she said. “There’s still a lot of phobias.”
Scottish Transgender Alliance manager James Morton added: “Over the last few years, public awareness of transgender equality has improved significantly and as a result more and more trans people have felt confident enough to transition and to come out to friends, family and service providers.
“Although transphobic discrimination is gradually reducing, it can still be very stressful and challenging to be a trans person in Scotland so access to emotional and practical support can make a huge difference.
“We provide training to charities and public services across Scotland so they are best able to help and include trans people.”
The Hot Chocolate Trust meets around 150 young people aged between 12 and 21 on a fortnightly basis.
Working from its Nethergate base, the charity hosts weekly drop-in sessions where people can seek advice and support.
Find out more at www.hotchocolate.org.uk.
Couldn't resist a little jab Foxglove been thinking about my 73rd B-day coming up along with how my mortality is hitting me in the face as former associates are dropping like flys. But you are so right, it's good to see the pendulum swinging in favor of these kids!