Scotland first in world to make period products free

I’ve never forgotten a conversation I had with a female work colleague back in the early 1980’s in which I stated my belief that period products should be free for all women the world over.

She looked at me in astonishment and said something to the effect of how amazing she felt it was that a guy would have the understanding to hold such an opinion. (Back in those days I was still very much in “male mode”, although this was the same young lady who was the first person I ever told that I felt I should have been born in a female body.)

Well, I sat here just now with my jaw dropped and with tears forming as I heard the news that Scotland will be doing just that; making sanitary wear free for all women.

This makes me even more proud to have made Scotland my home.

The impact of Lockdown on Scottish LGBT+ Communities – Study

Rainbow Responders, an initiative developed in Scotland by Pink Saltire, have just emailed me the results of their recent study into the effects of lockdown on the Scottish LGBT+ community, and I’m relaying the email to you in full in this post. It makes interesting, and concerning, reading.

Study uncovers an ‘epidemic of loneliness’

2 out of 3 LGBT+ people have faced isolation or loneliness during the COVID pandemic and it has been the single biggest challenge for the community, as outlined in a new report published today.

‘Community Matters – The Impact of Lockdown on Scottish LGBT+ Communities’, released as part of the Rainbow Responders programme managed by Pink Saltire, details a worrying number of LGBT+ people are dealing with mental health challenges, with many turning to drink and drugs to help them cope.

The research has also evidenced very low levels of trust in public services amongst the LGBT+ community and disproportionately low levels of funding for vital services.

Online event: LGBTI+ Rural life during COVID-19

Dear Friend, you are invited to the event LGBTI + Rural life during COVID-19. Evidence suggests that the disproportionately high incidence of poor mental health within the LGBTI+ population living rurally is due to prejudice, isolation and minority stress. Prejudice and lack of inclusion is experienced in social life, the public sector, work life and school. Evidence shows that service provision is not meeting the needs of LGBTI+ people in rural areas in Scotland. This lack of provision leads to feelings of isolation and lack of visibility.  We know that these are big issues with significant impact on the community, and Covid 19 has potentially made things worse.  We want to ensure that LGBTI people living rurally are heard when it comes to social, economic and community recovery.  Please join us on the 17th of September at 6pm. For an online event to allow for open and safe discussion around LGBTI inclusion and equality. Open to all LGBTI people who live and work within rural spaces, who would like to share their experiences in order to see improvements made.

Event details     Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM   Online Event: Register at https://www.outsavvy.com/event/5033/lgbti-rural-life-during-covid-19-tickets       Please share this event on Facebook and Twitter with your friends. Book your tickets below. We hope to see you there! Yours for equality, Rebecca Crowther, Ph.D Policy Coordinator Copyright © 2019 Equality Network. All rights reserved.

The Dorothy Relief Appeal

(Promoting an appeal organised by Pink Saltire in Scotland, UK)

Ever heard that old queer phrase “a friend of Dorothy“?    Well listen, we saw a theme for a fundraiser and ran with it! ‍

Pick up your little basket, grab Toto and read on……

Do you want to support folk in need during this pandemic? We do.

Have you waited 5 weeks for ‘someone else’ to organise it?  Us too. Well kind of.

Pink Saltire, the Scottish LGBT community charity, are appealing for funds to support the ongoing relief effort helping those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic or at risk of isolation.  There’s already relief efforts happening in Edinburgh, Dumfries & Galloway and Fife.  We know there is demand in other areas, especially for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees, but we can’t hope to meet that demand without extra help.

Help from folk like you. (Ruby slippers optional!)