Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland calls for action against transphobia
HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Scotland is calling for people in the Highlands to tackle transphobia as part of ‘Transgender Day of Remembrance’ on November 20th. The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to commemorate those who were killed as a result of hatred or prejudice directed towards transgendered people. THT wants everyone to help to make transphobia and homophobia a thing of the past by speaking up if they witness or experience transphobia or homophobia. The charity also wants organisations or employers to make it clear that transphobia and homophobia is not tolerated and to have a plan of action if it occurs.
In the Highlands, young people and adults are still confronted with transphobic and homophobic behaviour in the workplace and in their leisure time – simply because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Although the law protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, homophobic and transphobic bullying, violence, discrimination, name-calling and exclusion do still happen. This can affect all areas of people’s lives from their careers to their relationships, reducing self esteem and damaging mental and sexual health. In some cases it even leads to suicide.
To tackle this THT has worked with the Northern Constabulary to launch a new police drop-in service at THT’s office in Inverness. The bi-monthly police drop-in service is designed to allow people to report incidents or just to talk about incidents to the police. This can be done in person or over the phone.
Agnes Boes, Health Promotion Specialist for THT in Inverness says “This is the 21st Century yet many people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender still face stigma and prejudice in their everyday lives. This has got to stop. We need to work together to celebrate diversity and make the Highlands a safe and supportive environment for everyone to live in.”
Agnes adds: “We want people in the Highlands to know that they can talk to the police safely and discreetly at THT Scotland.”
Inspector Gordon MacLeod, the Northern Constabulary’s LGBT Liaison Officer said: "This drop in service adds to the partnership work that is currently being done by Northern Constabulary and Terrence Higgins Trust to ensure that the needs of those that feel vulnerable are met within a safe environment."
The police drop in service will start on Wednesday 28th November from 1.00pm-2.00pm and will take place every other month. For more information on this and other THT services in Inverness call 01463 711 585, email info.highland@tht.org.uk or visit www.tht.org.uk
Ends
Journalists who require more information on this press release should contact Lucy Handford on 020 7812 1623 or email lucy.handford@tht.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services across Scotland, England, and Wales. The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual ill health.
HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Scotland is calling for people in the Highlands to tackle transphobia as part of ‘Transgender Day of Remembrance’ on November 20th. The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to commemorate those who were killed as a result of hatred or prejudice directed towards transgendered people. THT wants everyone to help to make transphobia and homophobia a thing of the past by speaking up if they witness or experience transphobia or homophobia. The charity also wants organisations or employers to make it clear that transphobia and homophobia is not tolerated and to have a plan of action if it occurs.
In the Highlands, young people and adults are still confronted with transphobic and homophobic behaviour in the workplace and in their leisure time – simply because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Although the law protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, homophobic and transphobic bullying, violence, discrimination, name-calling and exclusion do still happen. This can affect all areas of people’s lives from their careers to their relationships, reducing self esteem and damaging mental and sexual health. In some cases it even leads to suicide.
To tackle this THT has worked with the Northern Constabulary to launch a new police drop-in service at THT’s office in Inverness. The bi-monthly police drop-in service is designed to allow people to report incidents or just to talk about incidents to the police. This can be done in person or over the phone.
Agnes Boes, Health Promotion Specialist for THT in Inverness says “This is the 21st Century yet many people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender still face stigma and prejudice in their everyday lives. This has got to stop. We need to work together to celebrate diversity and make the Highlands a safe and supportive environment for everyone to live in.”
Agnes adds: “We want people in the Highlands to know that they can talk to the police safely and discreetly at THT Scotland.”
Inspector Gordon MacLeod, the Northern Constabulary’s LGBT Liaison Officer said: "This drop in service adds to the partnership work that is currently being done by Northern Constabulary and Terrence Higgins Trust to ensure that the needs of those that feel vulnerable are met within a safe environment."
The police drop in service will start on Wednesday 28th November from 1.00pm-2.00pm and will take place every other month. For more information on this and other THT services in Inverness call 01463 711 585, email info.highland@tht.org.uk or visit www.tht.org.uk
Ends
Journalists who require more information on this press release should contact Lucy Handford on 020 7812 1623 or email lucy.handford@tht.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services across Scotland, England, and Wales. The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual ill health.
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