Transgender Awareness Week

November 13th-19th is Transgender Awareness Week

“Transgender people are people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were thought to be at birth. ‘Trans’ is often used as shorthand for transgender”

-National Center for Transgender Equality

During Trans Awareness Week, the trans community and its allies highlight the difficulties faced by trans people around the world, as well as lifting up and celebrating those fighting for progress and raising awareness. Trans Awareness Week is celebrated around the world each year, and is held in the lead up to Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November, when we remember trans people lost to global transphobic violence.

We want to take this opportunity to welcome and celebrate our trans members old and new, if anyone would like to say anything or share any of their experiences with us this week please feel free to do so (message me if you would like to be anonymous)

What We Are Doing:

All of our events are covered by our code of conduct https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/who/code-of-conduct/ this includes not tolerating any kind of discrimination or making others uncomfortable for being themselves.

In Discord we encourage adding pronouns to your name or profile, and at our in person events we have name badges with space for pronouns. No matter your identity we encourage everyone who feels comfortable to do so to normalise this practice and ensure everyone is being addressed properly.

Our events are inclusive to all, additionally we are proud to continue offering a safe and friendly space for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people to get together and have fun at our regular LGBTQIA+ games night and social at The Core Skate Hereford. The next event is on December 9th.

Local Support:

Rally Training offer regular support groups at The Living Room Cafe on Commercial Road, for LGBTQ+ Youth (16-25s) and for the families and carers of trans and gender diverse young people https://www.rallytrainingandsupport.org/support (note that youth group does not advertise when it takes place due to safeguarding, contact them if you would like to attend).

National Helplines For Trans People:

LGBT Switchboard – Switchboard is an LGBT+ helpline – a place for calm words when you need them most. They’re here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits and conversations are 100% confidential. Call 0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm daily).

MindLine Trans+ – a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary. Phone number 0300 330 5468.

Galop – If you’ve experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse, GALOP is there for you. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system. LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 – Conversion Therapy Helpline 0800 130 3335 – LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline 020 7704 2040

Papyrus – the national charity for prevention of young suicide. They run HOPELineUK which is a National Confidential Helpline. Phone: 0800 068 41 41 / Text: 0778 620 9697 / email: pat@papyrus.org.uk (Mon-Fri 10am-10pm / Weekends & Bank Holidays 2-10pm).

Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) – advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales. Phone number 0808 800 0082.