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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network
@lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
6.8K followers 90 following 540 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
We Can't Keep Waiting takes place this Saturday, 22nd November at the Pyramid at Anderston in Glasgow!

The event is for trans and nonbinary people only - sign up for your ticket here: www.outsavvy.com/event/30917/...
Graphic with a black background. It says "We Can't Keep Waiting - Take Action for trans healthcare!" "The Pyramid at Anderston Glasgow 22nd November 10am-4pm" There are two pink boxes. The first box has the Glasgow Trans Collective logo and says: "Glasgow Trans Collective" "This workshop will be an exploration of how Glasgow Trans Collective started our grassroots organisation, and will encourage participants to consider how they could get involved or start their own groups to fill the gaps in what our community needs." The second box has the U Belong logo. It says: "U Belong Glasgow" "U Belong Glasgow is a multilingual community platform established in 2020 and features BPOC, queer and disabled creatives. We are delivering a creative writing workshop exploring queer resistance."
November 17, 2025 at 2:36 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Excited to share that our CEO, Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy, will be a speaker at the Proud Futures Leading with Pride: LGBTQ+ Leadership and Changemaker Conference in Glasgow on Thursday 13th November.

👉 Find out more and book your ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-wi...
Graphic with a white background, there are wavy rainbows in the top left and bottom right corners. At the top is the proud futures logo. It says "Leading with Pride - Thu 13th November LGBTQ+ Leadership & Changemaker Conference at The Social Hub Glasgow." Below that is a picture of a smiling woman with blonde hair, grey glasses and a red hat. It says "Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy (She/her) Equality Network. Panel Speaker - Creating Change in Challenging Times."
November 3, 2025 at 12:11 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
This month, the Council of Europe formally adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7 on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons. It is the first international instrument of its kind dedicated solely to advancing the rights of intersex people.
Graphic with white writing on a purple background. It says "The Council of Europe has adopted a new Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons." "Read more in the caption" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logo are in the bottom right. Graphic with white writing on a purple background. It says "It is a testament to the years of campaigning by intersex persons, intersex organisations and LGBTQIA+ organisations across Europe to advance intersex human rights. To all intersex people in Scotland: we see you, your lives are valued, and we will continue to fight to ensure your human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled." "Read more in the caption" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logo are in the bottom right.
October 30, 2025 at 12:03 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Under the current law, people who are pregnant in Scotland have no legal right to end a pregnancy and this needs to change. We're supporting 'Let’s change the Act', Scotland’s campaign to decriminalise abortion and reform the Abortion Act 1967 - please join us!

www.letschangetheact.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 10:49 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our Policy and Campaigns officer Christopher attended the ILGA #FaceForward Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania last week.

It was an incredibly inspiring and energizing event, full of workshops, speeches and discussions with dedicated LGBTQ+ activists, building solidarity and movements across Europe.
October 28, 2025 at 12:39 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
How can you be a good ally to ace people? This Ace Week we asked our Disability and Neurodiversity Officer to write a blog post explaining more about asexuality, and how you can show allyship with ace people! Check it out here: www.equality-network.org/ace-week-2025/
How to be a good ace ally If someone comes out to you as ace, believe them. Remember to mention ace when you’re talking about LGBTQIA+ inclusion Include an option for asexual if you are asking people about their sexuality Don’t ask intrusive questions about ace people’s sex lives. Educate yourself about asexuality – a good place to start is our booklet; Including Asexual People in Services
October 24, 2025 at 9:01 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
It's Ace Week! 💜 Ace Week is marked annually, to raise awareness of ace identities and the challenges and barriers that asexual people can face, to bring together people across the asexual spectrum and celebrate the beautiful diversity of the ace community.
Graphic with the colours of the asexual flag in the background. It says "Ace Week! Oct 19th - 25th 2025" Graphic with a purple background. In separate boxes, it says "Asexuality is an orientation and just like being gay or lesbian, bi or straight it’s a core part of someone’s identity." "People of any and all genders can be asexual." "Asexuality is on a spectrum. Demisexuals and grey-aces, who only experience sexual attraction rarely or under some circumstances, are also included under the ace umbrella." "Asexuality is not the same as being celibate or unable to have sex." " Some asexual people have no interest in romantic relationships, and some do! People who don’t experience romantic attraction are known as aromantic."
October 22, 2025 at 11:40 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Join us for a free online intersectional equality, diversity and inclusion training session, on 30th Oct at 2pm.

This session is targeted at small organisations or underfunded/unfunded groups.

www.outsavvy.com/event/30908/...
This training will help you to: - Listen to the lived experience of people with intersectional identities. - Learn the best terminology to use about LGBTI people and others. - Identify barriers that people may face to participating in your service. - Increase access and tackle discrimination. - Integrate an intersectional approach across your service. Graphic with colourful circles arranged like bubbles at the top and the bottom of the image. It says "Free Intersectional Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training " Online Thursday 30th October 2pm" The Equality Network logo is at the bottom.
October 21, 2025 at 10:43 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our next highlight for Black History Month focuses on queer, black writers from or based in Scotland. These are a mix of recommendations from our team and the wonderful folks at Lavender Menace 🪻🏳️‍🌈
Graphic with a purple background. It says "Black LGBTQ+ writers based in Scotland that you should check out!" "Shola Von Reinhold - A trans, black, working class writer from Glasgow. Their debut novel LOTE was released in 2020, exploring art, modernism, history and the erasure of Black and Queer culture, and how this can be defied." "Jackie Kay A lesbian writer from Edinburgh. She was formally the Makar of Scotland and has released multiple books, including “Trumpet”, inspired by the life of trans jazz musician Billy Tipton." "Hannah Lavery. A poet and playwright from Edinburgh, where she was also recently the city’s Makar. Her debut poetry collection “Blood Salt Spring” was released in 2022." "Mae Diansangu - A Black, queer poet from Aberdeen, who writes in both English and Doric. Her collection “Bloodsongs” came out in 2024". "Clementine E Burnley A poet and writer from Cameroon, now based in Scotland. Her work includes a collaboration with the Edwin Morgan Trust, using his work as a jumping off point to explore colonialism, place, and the erasure of queer and non-white people in European History and identity."
October 16, 2025 at 12:47 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Join us for a free online session, on 30th Oct @ 2pm, to explore ways your organisation can be more inclusive – What is an intersectional approach and how can you do it on little to no budget? What does “accessible” really mean? Can we really include everyone?
www.outsavvy.com/event/30908/...
Graphic with colourful circles arranged like bubbles at the top and the bottom of the image. It says "Free Intersectional Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training " Online Thursday 30th October 2pm" The Equality Network logo is at the bottom.
October 15, 2025 at 9:02 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Joy for All is today! We can't wait to welcome you to Norton Park Conference Centre, 11-4pm, for our market and community space. You can shop stalls from local artists and community organisations, do some crafting and find out more about new ways to start making change in your community. 💪
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
October 11, 2025 at 8:42 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our Community Market Joy for All is this Saturday- Tomorrow! We're making our final preparations and can't wait to see you there🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our final artist highlight is plantbotart! He is a queer artist, focused on making work about queer identity & nature. He will have handmade patches, prints and badges
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left are three pictures. The top picture is of a collection of collaged badges. The next picture is of a collection of blue fabric cyanotyped patches, they say different queer words on them. The bottom picture is a drawing of three figures in front of a pride flag bunting, it says "queerness is beautiful". On the right it says "Artist Highlight: plantbotart" Chris (he/him) is a queer artist based in Glasgow. He makes art focused on queer identity and our relationship to the natural world. He will have handmade cyanotype patches, prints, stickers and collaged badges made from magazines." Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
October 10, 2025 at 11:02 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our Community Market Joy for All is this Saturday! We're so excited to see you there🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our artist highlight for today is Chronicrafts! Their main goal is to put a bit more joy and positivity into the world, they'll be bringing a wide range of crafted trinkets!
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left are three pictures. The first picture is of different pride flag keyrings made of hama beads. The next picture is of a hat and glove set knitted in the lesbian flag colours. The bottom picture is of pronoun badges with drawings of frogs on them. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Chronicrafts" "Roan is an Edinburgh based queer, disabled and chronically ill crafter whos main goal is to put a bit more joy and positivity into the world. To that end they’ll be bringing a range of handmade pride themed keychains, some cosy and colourful hand knitted hats and gloves and an assortment of crochet creatures along with a variety of other trinkets." Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
October 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
October is Black History Month #BHM25 - CRER have organised an incredible programme of events over this month - see them here: www.blackhistorymonthscotland.org/whats-on

Our first post for the month explores the history and activism around the black and brown stripes on pride flags.
Graphic with a green background. At the top it says "Black History Month" and the Scottish Trans and Equality network logos. Below it says "What is the history of the black and brown stripes on pride flags? Swipe to learn more:" next to an arrow. At the bottom of the graphic is a progress pride flag. Graphic with a green background. At the top is a picture of the progress pride flag and the philly pride flag stacked on top of eachother. It says "The black and brown stripes on pride flags represent people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community. They also serve to highlight and centre problems of racism and discrimination within LGBTQ+ communities, which are often not acknowledged or challenged, and push for queer spaces to be more inclusive." The philly pride flag is at the top. It is a six stripe rainbow pride flag with a brown and black stripe on the top. It says "The Philly pride flag was introduced in 2017!". "This flag was created following the ‘More Color, More Pride’ campaign led in Philadelphia by queer activists, mainly people of colour. In response to high-profile reports of racism in the city’s gay neighbourhood in 2016, activists came together to demand more inclusion and intersectionality in Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community." "The black and brown stripes were added to ensure inclusion as a central value for Philly pride, and to mark the ‘More Color, More Pride’ campaign, and a legacy of activism by queer people of colour in the city." The progress pride flag is at the top. It says "The progress pride flag was then designed in 2018!" "The progress pride flag adds the colours of the trans flag to represent trans and nonbinary people, as well as the black and brown stripes in an arrow on the side of the flag." "Designer Daniel Quasar said about the flag: "The arrow points to the right to show forward movement […] and illustrates that progress [towards inclusivity] still needs to be made""
October 9, 2025 at 11:18 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
We've just released an accessible, web-based version of our report 'Still Complicated', which explores Bi+ experiences of accessing services and support, and how this can be improved. You can read it here: www.equality-network.org/assets/still...
Graphic with pink-purple triangles in the back. It says "Accessible web report released: Still Complicated, Bi+ experiences of services and recommendations for improvement." The Equality Network logo is below.
October 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Today, Scottish Government published their analysis of responses to the consultation they held last year on a draft bill to end conversion practices. Please note that the analysis and responses contain upsetting content - we would advise caution to anyone reading the analysis or individual responses
Graphic with a pink to blue gradient background. It says "The Scottish Government has published the analysis for their consultation on Ending Conversion Practices." The Scottish Trans and Equality Network logos are in the bottom right. Graphic that says "You are loved" in bold colourful font. Below it says "Need support around conversion practices? LGBT Health and Wellbeing's helpline is here for you - confidential and judgement-free. 0800 464 7000, lgbthealth.org.uk" The LGBT health and Wellbeing logo is in the bottom right.
October 7, 2025 at 1:40 PM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our Community Market Joy for All is this Saturday, just four days away!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our next artist is Robin Ilex Studios! They are a trans hand embroidery artist based in Glasgow. They also make scrunchies, reusable makeup wipes and other accessories, such as embroidered pride flag inspired pansy brooches
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is of orange and red patterned hair scrunchies around a green pumpkin. The second picture is of a removable collar on a hanger, it has been sewn in star-patterned fabric. The third picture is of an embroidered brooch of a pansy in the trans flag colours. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Robin Ilex Studio" "Robin (he/they) is a trans hand embroidery artist based in Glasgow. They also make scrunchies, reusable makeup wipes and other accessories, such as embroidered pride flag inspired pansy brooches."
October 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our Community Market, Joy for All, is this Saturday! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our Artist Highlight for today is Rowantree Makes! They make makes cosy knits and cheerful jewellery from upcycled materials, including button pins, Pride flag knits, and all the pendants and earrings you can eat (please do not eat) 💪
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is a picture of colourful handmade earrings on a stand, next to some crocheted hats and scarves. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Rowantree makes" "Rowan makes cosy knits and cheerful jewellery from upcycled materials, including button pins, Pride flag knits, and all the pendants and earrings you can eat (please do not eat)" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
October 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Join us and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) for a focus group to discuss what you want to see in the new maternity service standards.

HIS are currently running a consultation and they are keen to hear from LGBT+ people about their experiences of using maternity services.
Graphic with a rainbow background. It says "Maternity Service Standards Focus Groups" "Tell us what you want to see in the new maternity service standards!" "6-7pm Online" "LGB+ group- Tues 7th October, Trans group- Thurs 9th October" The Scottish Trans and Equality Network logos are in the bottom right corner.
October 3, 2025 at 11:02 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Abi Cooper! They make ceramics, zines and hand woven textiles, inspired by folklore, medieval history and place.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is of a green ceramic pot shaped like a demon's face with horns. The second picture is of ceramic badges with goat faces on them. The third picture is of a ceramic pot with a crying face, next to a pink zine called "Witch Bottles". On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Abi Cooper" "Abi Cooper is a queer, neurodivergent artist based in Fife. They will be bringing ceramics, zines and handwoven textiles to the fair. These ceramics include Fife witch bottles: based on medieval witch bottles, these modern versions bring the owner protection and good luck. Abi is inspired by folklore, medieval history and place, specifically the links between Fife and their home county of Norfolk" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
October 3, 2025 at 10:02 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Make sure that your MP & the Minister for Equalities know how important inclusive, safe services for everyone are to you. Ask them to oppose guidance proposed by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission that would exclude & segregate trans people: www.scottishtrans.org/supreme-cour...
Graphic with a pink background. It says "Trans people need access to services too! Email your MP and the Minister for Equalities: scottishtrans.org/codeofpracticescrutiny". There is a drawing of a placard that says "No segregation! Trans Liberation!". The Scottish Trans logo is in the bottom right.
October 2, 2025 at 11:02 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Hydrazines! They make artwork and zines about cats, queer pirate and ancient greek heroes.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is of a zine, on the left page are three swords, on the right it says "An army of lovers cannot lose". The second picture is linoprint of a pomegranate in front of a window. The third picture is of felt tomato-shaped badges. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Hydrazines" "I make zines about cats, queer pirates, and Ancient Greek heroes. I’ll also be selling lino prints, collages, felt badges, and other little handmade crafts!" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
October 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is LGBT Health and Wellbeing!
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left are four pictures of smiling, diverse people wearing LGBT Health and Wellbeing T-shirts. The top image shows their stall with informational leaflets, fundraising buckets and snacks. On the right it says "Stall Highlight: LGBT Health and Wellbeing" "We work to improve the physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ adults (16+) in Scotland through responsive support services, opportunities for our community to connect with each other, and supporting mainstream services to be more inclusive. Come to our stall to find out more!" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
September 29, 2025 at 10:25 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Alderduck! They make whimsical artwork and 3D design, with beautiful, playful mice and ghosts along with their friends.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is a drawing of some mice hanging onto a teacup. The second picture is a drawing of a ghost sitting on top of a stack of books. The third picture is of a 3d keychain of a little ghost holding a rainbow pride flag. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Alderduck" "Alderduck is an LGBTQ+ artist based in Leith, creating whimsical artwork and 3D design. We offer our beautiful, playful mice and ghosts along with their friends in the form of prints, stickers, postcards and accessories for every season. Each piece is handcrafted with love to bring joy and a touch of humour to brighten up your day." Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
September 29, 2025 at 10:01 AM
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Only a few weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Ed Sum (@mused.life)! He is back at Joy for All, to provide 10-minute taster sessions of relaxing Indian head massage.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is a picture of a smiling man sitting behind a table covered in a pride flag. On the right it says "Stall Highlight: Ed Sum" "Ed (Insta: mused.life) is back to provide 10-minute taster sessions of relaxing Indian head massage. The massage can be for the upper back, upper arms, shoulders, neck, and head, whilst you are sat down and keeping your clothes on. The treatment is free, but Ed will accept any donations and give them to Equality Network." Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
September 26, 2025 at 10:02 AM