Transgender: This is an inclusive umbrella term used to describe a diversity of gender identity and expression; the main are transvestite and transsexuals. Transvestite refers to people who dress in clothing that is usually associated with people of the opposite sex. Transsexual refers to people who are born into the wrong physical sex, i.e. a female person born in the body of a male. Click here for more information on being gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual page.
The sexual health needs of transgender people are often ignored, due to a lack of knowledge and information, and all of the focus tends to be on 'gender identity issues'. However, transgender people can also be lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual, just like everyone else, and deserve informed and appropriate sexual health services.
Statistics show that around 50% of transsexual women (male to female) are lesbian or bisexual and around 35% of transsexual men (female to male) are gay or bisexual men.
If you are transgender and accessing a sexual health service, a great deal of sensitivity is required with regards to issues around your body image. If you are transsexual you should be acknowledged in your true gender and any referrals made should be appropriate, e.g. trans women should be referred to well women clinics. It is important that you get the service you want and that your needs are met. There are a number of GUM services in Ayrshire that you can access. Alternatively there is a specialist Gender Identity Clinic at the Sandyford Initiative in Glasgow with a consultant gender specialist, a nurse and a counsellor. There is also a Transgender Support Group at the Sandyford Initiative twice a month. This and other specialist services are listed below.
The Gender Clinic
The Sandyford Initiative
6 Sandyford Place
Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow
G3 7NB
Tel: 0141 211 8137
Crosslynx www.geocities.com/crosslynx
Crosslynx is the Glasgow and West of Scotland's support group for Transvestites, Transsexuals and Transgendered people, based in Glasgow city centre.
Gender Trust www.gendertrust.org.uk
The Gender Trust, the only Registered Charity in the United Kingdom which specifically helps adults who are Transsexual, Gender Dysphoric or Trangenderist i.e. those who seek to adjust their lives to live as women or men, or to come to terms with their situation despite their genetic background.
Depend www.depend.org.uk
We are a voluntary organisation whose aim is to provide support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK.
West Lothian Transgender Support Group www.westlothiansg.co.uk
The group is designed to offer a place for TV and TS individuals in Scotland, along with their partners and families, to meet and talk about issues that may be of concern to them and to have the chance to relax in a friendly and secure environment.
