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Heather Paterson

@heatherpaterson.co.uk
176K followers 24K following 3.3K posts

Head of Partnerships and Development @consortium.lgbt‬ | Chair @proudchangemakers.bsky.social | LGBTQ+ Columnist Exposed Magazine Proud queer 🏳️‍🌈 Trans ally 🏳️‍⚧️ Intersectional feminist ✊ Anti-fascist #LGBWithTheT www.heatherpaterson.co.uk

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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 30/09/2026
🧵 The UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, @iesogi.bsky.social, is seeking input for his upcoming report on the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse people deprived of liberty.
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A photo of hands holding different LGBT flags. Below is the text: "Call for inputs on the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse people deprived of liberty." Deadline: 10 November 2026." The ILGA World logo is in the top right-hand corner
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 30/09/2026
Ed. Dept. Officially Kills Biden Rule That Added LGBTQ+ Protections to Title IX
edweek.org
Ed. Dept. Officially Kills Biden Rule That Added LGBTQ+ Protections to Title IX
The Education Department reinstates 2020 Title IX regulations effectively in place since early 2025.
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 27/09/2026
How the anti-gender movement spread across Europe The Hate Review reveals how the anti-gender movement has taken root and evolved in Europe over the last 25 years, it traces how far the anti-gender movement has spread through society and how deeply it has reached into laws and institutions.
forbidden-colours.com
The Hate Review
How the anti-gender movement spread across Europe
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 26/09/2026
NHS Wales apologises for withdrawal of trans healthcare, admits "urgent review" still hasn't begun
wearequeeraf.com
NHS Wales apologises for withdrawal of trans healthcare, admits "urgent review" still hasn't begun
NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee apologises for "distress" caused by a withdrawal of care but admits its "urgent review" had still not begun nearly a month after hundreds were denied care
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 26/09/2026
Mapping the UK Gender-Critical Network: GB News, the Free Speech Union and Christian Concern
medium.com
Mapping the UK Gender-Critical Network: GB News, the Free Speech Union and Christian Concern
From Tufton Street to Old Queen Street and the dirty ally of media.
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 26/09/2026
First Council of Europe Strategy for equal rights of LGBTI people adopted, new report on anti-LGBTI hate speech released
coe.int
First Council of Europe Strategy for equal rights of LGBTI people adopted, new report on anti-LGBTI hate speech released
<p>The 2027-32 strategy sets a common direction for ensuring that LGBTI people fully enjoy their human rights</p>
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 25/09/2026
Inside the protests that threaten to derail Burnham’s first Labour conference this weekend
metro.co.uk
Inside the protests that threaten to derail Labour conference this weekend
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Caroline Litman @alicemydaughter.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
UK government is calling for evidence on puberty suppressing hormones for children and young people with gender incongruence. It’s asking: what research has emerged since 2023. How has the evidence base changed? What makes the evidence hard to generate, evaluate and use in clinical/policy decisions?
post.parliament.uk
Puberty-suppressing hormones for children and young people accessing gender identity services
How has evidence on puberty suppressing hormones for children and young people with gender incongruence evolved since 2023, and what challenges affect its interpretation and use?
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 24/09/2026
Was a pleasure to host the conversation with @rebeccajanemorgan.bsky.social this evening about this history of trans activism in Britain for Festival of Debate - Thankyou Rebecca for highlighting stories and histories that are lesser known and some of the lessons that we can learn to apply today
Photo of Heather and Rebecca on stage at event
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 22/09/2026
Lib Dems vote to scrap EHRC trans guidance as party brands it ‘discriminatory and unworkable’
thepinknews.com
Lib Dems Reject EHRC Trans Guidance Amid Controversy
Lib Dem conference delegates backed a trans rights motion rejecting EHRC guidance, with Ed Davey saying he supported rewriting the code.
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Festival of Debate 2026 @festofdebate.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This Wednesday we'll be exploring the hidden history of trans activism in Britain with @rebeccajanemorgan.bsky.social. In a moment defined by psuedoscience, moral panic and political backlash, Rebecca's book offers clarity, context, and hope. Chaired by @heatherpaterson.co.uk #Sheffield Tickets ⤵️
festivalofdebate.com
Festival of Debate presents: Deviants and Trailblazers - A History of Trans Activism in Britain
Doors at 7pmAt a time when trans rights are under attack across Britain and beyond, Deviants and Tra…
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 21/09/2026
Three men stabbed outside Liverpool LGBT+ nightclub in late-night attack with knifeman still on the run Police are urgently appealing for information after three men were stabbed outside a nightclub in Liverpool city centre, with a manhunt for the suspect underway
mirror.co.uk
Three men stabbed outside LGBT+ nightclub with knifeman still on the run
Police are urgently appealing for information after three men were stabbed outside a nightclub in Liverpool city centre, with a manhunt for the suspect underway
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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
We’re asking our supporters across the UK to write to the Chief Commissioner of NHS Wales ahead of Tuesday, to demand that surgery is reinstated immediately while the investigation goes ahead, and to issue a formal apology for making such an irresponsible decision.
Text reads: Update on NHS Wales decision to pause gender affirming surgery. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) will meet on Tuesday 22nd September to discuss the unprecedented cancellation of all transition-related surgeries and surgical assessments for adults referred via the Welsh Gender Service (WGS).
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 19/09/2026
I see the anti-migrant protestors have been demonstrating their superior intellect again...
independent.co.uk
Blindness charity targeted by anti-migrant protesters after being mistaken for RNLI
One person accused the blind people’s charity of ‘deliberately overfilling our great country with illegals’
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Festival of Debate 2026 @festofdebate.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We're really excited to welcome @rebeccajanemorgan.bsky.social to Sheffield this Wednesday to discuss the overlooked history of trans activism in Britain 🏳️‍⚧️ She'll be chatting with one of Sheffield's own, the wonderful @heatherpaterson.co.uk. Tickets 👉 tickettailor.com/events/festi...
A poster for an event at the Festival of Debate. It shows the logos of Festival of Debate and Juno Books on a purple background. In the middle of the poster is the cover of the book 'Deviants and Trailblazers – A History of Trans Activism in Britain' by Rebecca Jane Morgan
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Festival of Debate 2026 @festofdebate.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Tickets are just £6, or £10 with a donation to support the festival (free for unwaged / low-waged)
festivalofdebate.com
Festival of Debate presents: Deviants and Trailblazers - A History of Trans Activism in Britain
Doors at 7pmAt a time when trans rights are under attack across Britain and beyond, Deviants and Tra…
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FFLAG - supporting our LGBTQ+ loved ones with Pride @fflaguk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
This week we celebrate and raise awareness of the bisexual community - recognising the experiences, identities and contributions of bisexual people everywhere. Bisexual people belong. Bisexual identities are valid. #BisexualAwarenessWeek #FFLAG #BiVisibility #LGBTQSupport #Pride
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 17/09/2026
Why do authoritarian regimes target the LGBTQ+ community?
dw.com
Why do authoritarian regimes target the LGBTQ+ community?
A recent crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey is symptomatic of a wider rights regression, according to experts. It's worse under authoritarian regimes, but why is it such a popular policy for ...
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 16/09/2026
I just wrote a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social letter: Restore Access to Gender‑Affirming Surgeries in Wales. Write one here: transactual.org.uk/blog/2026/09...
transactual.org.uk
Take Action to Restore Access to Gender‑Affirming Surgeries in Wales – TransActual
The Welsh Gender Service has been instructed to stop referring people for surgery, and people who already had surgery dates booked have had their surgeries cancelled without any warning. This includes people who were already in hospital ready for their operations.
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Proud Changemakers 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @proudchangemakers.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Our latest podcast, in which the controversial subject of football and its relationship to the LGBTQ+ commnuity is discussed, is now live. Go and check it out! ⚽️ 🌈 open.spotify.com/show/4jrA1HZ...
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 16/09/2026
The Global LGBTQ Crisis Is Bigger Than a Funding Cut
instinctmagazine.com
The Global LGBTQ Crisis Is Bigger Than a Funding Cut | Instinct Magazine
For many LGBTQ people, especially those living in countries where discrimination, violence, and criminalization are already realities, support organizations
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"The new EHRC is discriminatory & excludes trans, non-binary & gender diverse people from swathes of public life, including their working lives. The law must be changed. The EHRC guidance is unworkable, is absurd & it is cruel" Maria from the @cwunews.bsky.social at #TUC26
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Kyiv Post @kyivpost.com · 14/09/2026
Kharkiv held its first Pride march on foot since Russia’s full-scale invasion, with around 200 people walking a 500-meter underground route. Participants called for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, stronger hate-crime laws and greater equality. www.kyivpost.com/post/84465
kyivpost.com
Ukraine’s Only Front-Line Pride March Returns Underground in Kharkiv
About 200 activists, allies, service members, and veterans joined the carefully secured march through the metro system of Ukraine’s front-line city.
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 14/09/2026
Turkish police raid gay bars and LGBTQ+ homes in ‘family values’ crackdown
metro.co.uk
Turkish police raid gay bars and LGBTQ+ homes in 'family values' crackdown
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Sheffield Green Party @sheffgreenparty.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Today, we need to address the horrific situation in Turkey where over 50 LGBT+ activists have been arrested. Police have raided organisations and venues, blocking their voices online. This is a direct attack on their freedom to exist. #Solidarity with the Turkish LGBTQIA+ community! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
WE STAND WITH TURKISH LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
ALL OF US IN THIS WORLD DESERVE TO CREATE FAMILIES WE LONG FOR WITH DIGNITY AND SAFETY
Promoted by Eamonn Ward, 73 Eskdale Rd, S6 1SL on behalf of Sheffield Green Party
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Pride in Education @prideineducation.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Join our upcoming free webinar to hear from educators and activists about how you can bring asexual and aromantic inclusion into all areas of education. Friday 25 September, 4PM GMT www.outsavvy.com/event/39139/...
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Festival of Debate 2026 @festofdebate.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
📢 Excited to announce that @heatherpaterson.co.uk will be chairing our next event! On 23 Sept, Heather will be chatting with @rebeccajanemorgan.bsky.social about her new book 'Deviants and Trailblazers', which uncovers a rich history of trans resistance. ➡️ www.tickettailor.com/events/festi...
A graphic showing side-by-side photos of Rebecca Jane Morgan and Heather Paterson. The text reads: Deviants and Trailblazers: A History of Trans Activism in Britain, With Rebecca Jane Morgan, Chaired by Heather Paterson
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 10/09/2026
New report from @outrightintl.bsky.social: US foreign-aid cuts are shutting down health, safety, livelihoods and rights work for LGBTIQ people worldwide.
outrightinternational.org
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Trans+ Solidarity Alliance @transsolidarity.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Thank you so much to the hundreds of trans people and allies who joined today's mass lobby! The queue stretched across both sides of the road outside Parliament, and so many MPs participated in meetings and responded to green cards. Together, we delivered a powerful message for change 🏳️‍⚧️
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 10/09/2026
How the world is becoming less safe for gay travellers
telegraph.co.uk
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 09/09/2026
Gambling harm can affect anyone, but LGBTQ+ people face added barriers to support. Recover with Pride from @lgbtswitchboard.bsky.social offers trauma-informed, identity-affirming coaching, peer support and wellbeing groups. Find out more: www.switchboard.org.uk/service/reco...
You don't have to wait for a crisisRecovery looks different for everyone
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George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
This is about all of us. Never forget that.
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 09/09/2026
Update: This is now the most signed petition on Senedd site petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/24... Keep signing & sharing - I know petitions don't fix everything but we need to use all the tools we have to address this If they can remove healthcare for one group, they could remove it for anyone
petitions.senedd.wales
Petition: Immediately unfreeze gender-affirming surgeries and protect NHS Welsh Gender Service patients.
We call on the Senedd and Welsh Government to direct the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) to: Immediately unfreeze scheduled and approved gender-affirming surgeries for patients who ha...
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 08/09/2026
Cis people love gender-affirming care
vm.tiktok.com
TikTok - Make Your Day
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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 08/09/2026
Consortium CEO Paul Roberts reflects on the challenges facing LGBT+ communities and why engagement, honest conversations, and collective action remain so important. This autumn, we’re choosing practical, collective, and determined hope. Read the full blog here: www.consortium.lgbt/2026/09/08/s...
This image has a photo of an open laptop, notebook and pen as the background. The black and white text reads:

September Leaders Blog: Holding onto hope this autumn

This blog, written by Consortium CEO 
Paul Roberts, reflects on the challenges facing LGBT+ communities and explains why Consortium remains committed to building relationships with government, challenging harmful decisions, and standing alongside members, grantees, and partners to create positive change.

NEW BLOG.

consortium.lgbt/news
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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 04/09/2026
Consortium Members: Want to raise unrestricted income without asking supporters to donate? Join Consortium & Madai on 22 September, 12–1pm for a webinar exploring how charities can generate additional funding through paid surveys and research activities. 1/3
This image has a white background, a purple semi-circle and a dark blue box that has curved edges. The black and white text reads: 
LIVE WEBINAR VIA ZOOM. DISCOVER A NEW WAY TO FUNDRAISE WITH MADAI.

Raise unrestricted income without asking supporters to donate.
Tuesday, 22 September 2026, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

Please note this webinar is for Consortium Members and you will need your Dashboard login to sign up.

If you need any help accessing the Dashboard, please do get in touch with admin@consortium.lgbt.
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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 04/09/2026
We’ll cover how Madai works, a live demo, ways to engage supporters, privacy & supporter experience, and how to get started. 📅 22 September ⏰ 12–1pm 💻 Online via Zoom 2/3
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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 04/09/2026
Sign up via the Consortium Dashboard: consortium.lgbt/madai You’ll need your Dashboard login to register. Need help accessing it? Email admin@consortium.lgbt. 3/3
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Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 05/09/2026
In our view – we don’t speak for the Green Party – it’s incredibly important that there be a political party which is wholeheartedly committed in its support for the dignity of trans people. So we’re helping them defend their ability to provide that: goodlaw.social/q6of
goodlaw.social
Help the Greens protect trans members | Good Law Project
The Greens took action to protect trans people. Now the party is facing legal action – so we’re defending them in court
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 05/09/2026
Trans healthcare is healthcare. This should make us all angry.
medium.com
Trans healthcare is healthcare. This should make us all angry.
I am angry about what is happening to trans people in Wales.
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 05/09/2026
In just two days this petition has surpassed the 10,000 signatures required to be considered for a debate in the Senedd. It is currently the second largest petition on the Senedd Cymru Welsh Government site Keep signing and sharing petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/24...
petitions.senedd.wales
Petition: Immediately unfreeze gender-affirming surgeries and protect NHS Welsh Gender Service patients.
We call on the Senedd and Welsh Government to direct the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) to: Immediately unfreeze scheduled and approved gender-affirming surgeries for patients who ha...
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What The Trans?! 🏳️‍⚧️ @whatthetrans.com · 05/09/2026
🔴 Guiders Against Trans Exclusion protest - a live thread Today, we are here in London to report on the @guidersfortrans.bsky.social protest against Girlguiding's ban on existing trans girls in Girlguiding coming into effect... tomorrow (Sunday 6 September) 🧵 A thread
The "trans knight" outside Embankment tube station
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 04/09/2026
Petition: Immediately unfreeze gender-affirming surgeries and protect NHS Welsh Gender Service patients. Please sign and share
petitions.senedd.wales
Petition: Immediately unfreeze gender-affirming surgeries and protect NHS Welsh Gender Service patients.
We call on the Senedd and Welsh Government to direct the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) to: Immediately unfreeze scheduled and approved gender-affirming surgeries for patients who have already completed assessments. Ensure that any ongoing clinical review is conducted concurrently without disrupting active, established patient care. Publish clear, transparent Terms of Reference and a strict timeline for the independent review of the Welsh Gender Service.
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DIVA Magazine @divamag.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
New mass lobby set to push MPs to scrap EHRC guidance
diva-magazine.com
New mass lobby set to push MPs to scrap EHRC guidance
“They want us to go quietly. Now, more than ever, we need to show up and demand better”
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LGBTQ Nation @lgbtqnation.com · 03/09/2026
Right-wing forces tried to stop these archivists from preserving LGBTQ+ history. They failed. - buff.ly/OBgdnRY
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Trans+ Solidarity Alliance @transsolidarity.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Mass lobby update 🏳️‍⚧️ 6 days to go! Our briefing books for the day have arrived, and we’ve updated our expanded online briefing to help you prepare: www.transsolidarityalliance.com/mass-lobby-2...
Leaflet saying ‘mass lobby for trans equality briefing companion’
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Trans+ Solidarity Alliance @transsolidarity.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
If you can make it on the 9th September and want to join us, you can still sign up now and invite your MP to join you here: www.transsolidarityalliance.com/mass-lobby-2...
transsolidarityalliance.com
Mass Lobby for Trans Equality - 9th September 2026
The law around trans equality is fundamentally broken. Government inaction is hanging trans people and organisations out to dry - with a confusing mess of challenging rules and lawfare.
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 03/09/2026
My column for September's Exposed Magazine 'Fully Booked!' issuu.com/exposed_maga... #LGBTQ #Sheffield #SheffieldIsSuper #SheffEvents #LGBWithTheT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
issuu.com
Exposed Magazine September 2026
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TGEU | Trans Europe and Central Asia @tgeuorg.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
🧵 Joint statement: Bulgaria's Supreme Court backs legal gender recognition Read the full analysis of the ruling on our website: tgeu.org/joint-statem... #TransRights #LegalGenderRecognition #Bulgaria #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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LGBT+ Fund @lgbtfunduk.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
1 week to go! Applications for our new LGBT+ Fund: Get Active Fund will open on 9th September at 12 noon.    The Get Active fund will award a total of £400,000 over 2 years, to UK based LGBT+ sports and physical activity groups.
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