iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 8h

There's only one week to go until Joy For All, our LGBTQIA+, Accessible, Autumn Makers Market - we can't wait to see you there! We're so excited to be back, in an exciting new venue - Portobello Town Hall - with over 30 stalls from local LGBTQIA+ artists, makers and community organisations!

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

This week we visited The Rainbow Project in Belfast as part of our ongoing work to end conversion practices. We had a constructive meeting in Stormont with Eóin Tennyson, a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland, who introduced a members bill there on ending conversion practices.

Two people standing in front of a vibrant stained glass window. The window says "PRIDE" at the top, and it is coloured in bright rainbow colours. The window is covered in different symbols of LGBTQI+ activism.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

We're in Dublin for ILGA-Europe’s annual conference, designed around the theme Resist and Rise. We're really looking forward to a packed few days meeting and learning from changemakers across Europe and Central Asia!

A projector screen which says "ILGA-EUROPE" "Resist and Rise" "Dublin, Ireland - 2026"

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The Young Women's Movement want to hear from young women and non-binary people, aged 16–30, about their thoughts and experiences of digital violence and its impact in their Status of Young Women in Scotland research survey. Survey closes on the 12th October. youngwomenscot.org/opportunitie...

A hand is holding a megaphone with zigzag lines to indicate loud sound. It says: "Share your views" "Status of young women in Scotland - Digital Violence and its real-life impact."

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

We do not understand how they can describe the law in the way they have without seeing it as a creating a significant and urgent risk to trans children and young people.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

However, as we say several times in our response, they also have a role in highlighting to the UK Government that the current legal framework requires treating trans children and young people in ways that will put them at risk of violence and abuse and clearly impact on their human rights.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

We are already seeing these impacts at schools across Scotland, England and Wales, and fear that this guidance will only make this worse, as it focuses almost entirely on when trans pupils can be excluded and treated differently, and never explains how they can be included and affirmed at school.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

As with the EHRC’s Code of Practice, we are very concerned that following this guidance will lead to significant impacts for trans pupils, including on their mental and physical health and their ability to attend school, focus on their learning, and mix with other students.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Last week we responded to the EHRC’s consultation on their draft technical guidance for schools, which had been updated following the Supreme Court judgment on the meaning of “sex” in the Equality Act. Read our full response on our website: www.scottishtrans.org/our-response...

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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

TransActual partnered with @scottishtrans.bsky.social and @transsolidarity.bsky.social to bring messages from this month’s Mass Lobby for Trans Equality to the Labour conference in Liverpool, and to ask the party: what now for our standing on LGBTQ+ rights?

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Our next Trans Community Organisers Forum is coming up! Join us on 14th October at 6pm - Online 🏳️‍⚧️ This forum is for trans and non-binary organisers across Scotland - Despite the challenges, your efforts are helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community. www.outsavvy.com/event/39877/...

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

There's less than two weeks to go until Joy for All - our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market! 😈 Devilish Fashion - Maja transforms forgotten garments into wearable art & bold accessories, each one of a kind. Maja drives to cut down textile waste & teach people to love their clothes again.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

LGBTI+ Black & People of Colour have always been part of Scotland’s story – Black history is Scottish history, and it is LGBTI+ history too. This Black History Month, we are celebrating the incredible groups and spaces run by and for LGBTI+ BPoC across Scotland.

The background has diagonal stripes in the colours of a rainbow pride flag, with black and brown stripes. It says "We've always been here" "Black History Month 2026" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are at the bottom.

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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Can you help us reach more people than ever before? Respond to our Trans Lives Survey today, and share on your social media, so we can get a full picture of the experiences and views of trans people in the UK. form.typeform.com/to/BRppksJ3

A pink and blue graphic with a black and white cartoon of some people on the bottom.

Text reads: TransActual is launching its biggest survey for the trans community yet!

TRANS LIVES SURVEY

2026

We want to hear about your experiences as a trans person living in the UK.

It's quick, anonymous, and will help us campaign for our community!

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We were in Liverpool yesterday with our friends from @transsolidarity.bsky.social and @transactualuk.bsky.social ahead of Andy Burnham's first conference speech, urging him to fix our broken laws and prevent further rollbacks for trans people.

A van with a large digital screen on the side, The display has a pink background and it says "Farewell to Britain's standing on LGBTQ+ rights" with the Trans Solidarity Alliance, Scottish Trans and TransActual logos.

A van with a large digital screen on the side. On the left side of the display it has a pink background and it says "Farewell to Britain's standing on LGBTQ+ rights" in colourful font. On the right there is text that says "Dear Andy, Please stand up for trans people - you have the power to make the UK safe, kind and equal for everyone. Anise" "Messages left for Andy Burnham at this month's Mass Lobby for Trans Equality.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

📢 We're so excited to have these wonderful stallholders at Joy for All - our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market! 🐸 Chronicrafts is an Edinburgh based queer disabled crafter who makes a range of items all geared towards spreading a bit of joy and positivity when and where they can.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

📢 Announcing our next group of wonderful stallholders for Joy for All - our accessible, LGBT+, autumn makers market! 💎 Altar.ed Forms - Zoe is a multimedia artist and new jeweller making art prints and one-of-a-kind trinkets, talismans and sacred objects.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Code of Practice came into effect nearly two months ago, but we’ve recently seen some encouraging developments and displays of solidarity from organisations who agree that that is an unacceptable way for our community to be treated.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

We're off to Belfast to participate in the East-West forum bringing together LGBTQIA+ organisations from across Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland #EastWestLGBTQIAForum

View from a plane window, you can see part of the plane's wing in the foreground and you can see belfast outstretched below.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

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...

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

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

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

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.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🏳️‍⚧️ 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

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🌊 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!

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

💘 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!

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🧚 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.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

📢 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.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

📢 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.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

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...

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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

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

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

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.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

📢 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.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

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 ⬇️

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

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.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

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

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

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

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

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.

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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

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/

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

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.

scottishtrans.org

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 […]

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

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...

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

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!

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

“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

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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

TransActual is launching the Trans Lives Survey 2026. It's quick, anonymous and will help us campaign for our community! Take the survey here: form.typeform.com/to/BRppksJ3 #TransLives #TransSurvey #Trans

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Three reasons why Scotland needs its own Conversion Practices Bill. In part two of "Why are we waiting for a Scottish Conversion Practices Bill", policy manager Christopher explains why Scotland needs to act and end conversion practices for good.

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Why are we waiting for a Scottish Conversion Practices Bill? Part 1. Conversion practices are acts which deliberately try to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations officially comes into effect today. See our full statement with @transsolidarity.bsky.social and @transactualuk.bsky.social on our website here: www.scottishtrans.org/ehrcs-code-o...

Graphic which reads "The Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) Code of Practice officially comes into effect today. A joint message from Scottish Trans, Trans+ Solidarity Alliance & TransActual." next to an arrow pointing to the right which says "read more"

Graphic which reads "If services across Britain all operate in the way it describes going forward, it will cause serious and significant harm to trans people. We will not be able to access safe, appropriate services that reflect the reality of our lives and that meet our needs."

Graphic which reads "To find out more, see the joint statement on our websites."

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has written an op-ed about growing hostility towards LGBTI+ people in countries including the UK, calling on governments to "double down on the simple promise that human rights belong to everyone". Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

coe.int

Attacks on LGBTI people are the warning sign of a wider backlash against democracy - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int

Strasbourg 3 August 2026

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Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Scotland is now the only part of the UK that has not published a draft bill to end conversion practices.

Graphic map of the UK on a dark purple background showing Scotland colored in white and filled with pink question marks, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are colored solid pink. Text beside the map reads: "Scotland is the only part of the UK without draft legislation to end conversion practices." Includes logos for Equality Network and Scottish Trans in the bottom right corner.

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