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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson
@heatherpaterson.co.uk
150K followers 140K following 1.9K posts
Head of Partnerships and Development @consortium.lgbt‬ | Chair @proudchangemakers.bsky.social | LGBTQ+ Columnist Exposed Magazine #LGBWithTheT Proud Queer 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ www.heatherpaterson.co.uk
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 10d
My column for October’s Exposed Magazine LGBTQ+ October Events in Sheffield'

www.exposedmagazine.co.uk/lgbtq/lgbtq-...

#LGBTQ #Sheffield #SheffieldIsSuper #SheffEvents #LWithTheT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
LGBTQ+ October Events in Sheffield | Exposed Magazine
Spooky season is upon us, and Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ scene is gearing up for a jam-packed October full of events. Whether you’re into all-night dance parties, low-key social meetups, drag performances, cr...
www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
transactualuk.bsky.social
TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 1d
October 11th-18th is National Hate Crime Awareness Week. Between 2023 – 2024, Galop saw a 100% increase in LGBT+ people accessing help for Hate Crime

If you have experienced LGBT+ hate and would like support you can contact Galop:
0800 999 5428
[email protected]
galop.org.uk
Or on the Zoteria app
Image shows a red stop sign that reads "Stop Hate" Text reads: International Hate Crime Awareness Week Oct 11th-18th
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Today is National Coming Out Day, first observed in 1988 on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

This #NationalComingOutDay, it's important to acknowledge that coming out looks different for everyone!

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This image has a light brown textured background with a illustration of a turtle hiding in it's shell with a speech bubble that says: "It's okay if you're not ready yet!". The purple and black text reads: National Coming Out Day, October 11th. This image has a light brown textured background with an illustration of a file open, with different paper clips. There are two images, one a Keith Haring design of someone coming out of the closest ad a poster for the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. The black text reads: he first National Coming Out Day, organised by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg with the National Coming Out Day organisation, was observed on October 11, 1988, the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. In 1993, the National Coming Out Day organisation merged with the Human Rights Campaign, formally known as the Human Rights Campaign Fund. During the first few years of the project, Artist Keith Haring contributed his famous 1988 image of a person stepping out of the closet to HRC’s project, and it continues to be a staple in supporting their work by providing resources to the LGBTQ+ community. They created the National Coming Out Project in 1996, which is part of the ongoing work that goes beyond the activities on October 11 to provide resource guides and information to people who are coming out or those interested in understanding the journey. hrc.org/campaigns/national-coming-out-day
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Whether you're out, not ready, or unable to come out, you are seen, you are valid, and you are not alone.

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Reposted by Heather Paterson
wearequeeraf.com
QueerAF @wearequeeraf.com · 1d
🆕️ Some 32,000 people could lose access to care if all of the Cass Review reccomendations are implemented a new investigation shows
Majority of adults waiting for Trans+ healthcare are under 25
Two-thirds of Trans+ people would lose care if all Cass Review recommendations implemented
www.wearequeeraf.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
galopuk.bsky.social
Galop @galopuk.bsky.social · 2d
The newly released Official Statistics for Hate Crime in 2024-2025 do not accurately reflect the true prevalence of anti-LGBT+ hate in England and Wales. This misrepresentation matters.

Read our full statement ⬇️
bit.ly/3J6BNYr
Galop's Statement on the 2024/25 Official Statistics for Hate Crime in England and Wales.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 4d
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.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
ilgaeurope.bsky.social
ILGA-Europe @ilgaeurope.bsky.social · 5d
After years of dedicated work alongside CoE Member States, OII Europe, and experts, ILGA-Europe is thrilled that the Council of Europe has adopted its first-ever Recommendation on intersex rights - a global first! Read more at www.ilga-europe.org/press-releas...
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
clairestranstalks.bsky.social
Claire's Trans Talks @clairestranstalks.bsky.social · 1d
Part 2 of the Gender Clinic Files is out, looking at the impact if Cass recommendations for adult services were introduced, affecting more than 32k young trans adults just from the current waiting list.

Huge thanks to @wearequeeraf.com & @whatthetrans.com for their work on this series.
Majority of adults waiting for Trans+ healthcare are under 25
Two-thirds of Trans+ people would lose care if all Cass Review recommendations implemented
www.wearequeeraf.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 11h
Paul Simon - Kodachrome
Paul Simon - Kodachrome (Official Audio)
YouTube video by PaulSimonVEVO
www.youtube.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 11h
LONDON
Sat 1st Nov
Location TBA
whatthetrans.com
What The Trans?! 🏳️‍⚧️ @whatthetrans.com · 1d
New TKDB protest for the 1st Nov
transkids deserve better!! TRANSPHOBIA ALL OUT AGAINST !! All out against transphobia! On Saturday, November 1, TERFS intend to march in London, demanding trans exclusionary, discriminatory legislation, and threatening trans people on our streets. We cannot let this happen unchallenged- they may have been emboldened by the Supreme Court Ruling, but so have we. Just a few days after ruling, we marched through Westminster to express our rage, be with community, and make it clear that we would continue to fight for trans liberation. That march was only the start. We need as many people possible out again on the first of November, to show up for collective liberation and show the TERFS that they will never divide us. less
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 1d
🌈 Today is #NationalComingOutDay!

Whether you’re out, not out, questioning, or can’t share your truth safely, you’re valid, seen, loved and part of community regardless of how visible you are.

Coming out is personal. Be proud of who you are, in whatever way feels right for you. ❤️
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 1d
Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me
You Don't Own Me
YouTube video by Lesley Gore - Topic
www.youtube.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 1d
Been playing with the Posca pens again this evening at Leeds LGBT+ Community Consortium Art Club

I did this quick sketch of my bedroom inspired by one of Ethel Sands paintings (second image)
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 2d
Trans friends - have your say and help shape Trans+ History Week 🏳️‍⚧️

@transhistoryweek.com @wearequeeraf.com
transhistoryweek.com
Trans+ History Week @transhistoryweek.com · 5d
Help shape Trans+ History Week!

Please complete our annual story survey and have your say on what kinds of stories we tell next year with @wearequeeraf.com
Shape Trans+ History Week - Have Your Say
What kinds of stories, history and communities should we focus on next year?
erv8ks078ir.typeform.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
wearequeeraf.com
QueerAF @wearequeeraf.com · 4d
Most Trans+ people in the UK will wait more than a third of their adult life to get their first appointment at an NHS gender clinic, and some will never receive care, QueerAF can reveal 👇

www.wearequeeraf.com/gender-clini...
Some people in Scotland will never get gender clinic appointment on 224-year waitlist
Revealed waiting times of all GICs in UK: Most Trans+ people in the UK will wait more than a third of their adult life to get an appointment, and some will never receive care
www.wearequeeraf.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
transhistoryweek.com
Trans+ History Week @transhistoryweek.com · 5d
Help shape Trans+ History Week!

Please complete our annual story survey and have your say on what kinds of stories we tell next year with @wearequeeraf.com
Shape Trans+ History Week - Have Your Say
What kinds of stories, history and communities should we focus on next year?
erv8ks078ir.typeform.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
Today is World Mental Health Day!

LGBT+ communities face unique mental health challenges, and our member organisations across the UK work every day to provide vital and affirming support.

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This image has a white background with a rainbow and an illustration of a hand holding a phone. The black text reads: World Mental Health Day, LGBT+ Help and support services. This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: African Queer and Creative africanqueerandcreative.org Dedicated to empowering and uplifting queer Africans in the diaspora through the transformative power of creativity. African Rainbow Family africanrainbowfamily.org Grassroots LGBTIQ+ charity that campaigns for and supports LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum of African heritage and the Global Majority in the UK. AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust) akt.org.uk The National LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity Black Trans Foundation linktr.ee/blacktransfoundation Resources for Black trans people Black Trans Hub UK www.blacktranshub.co.uk Resource for global majority* transgender people who are struggling to access information about transgender healthcare. Birmingham LGBT blgbt.org We offer a range of services for the LGBT Community in Birmingham and beyond, including sexual health, domestic violence, counselling, wellbeing support and more. This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: Brighton & Hove Switchboard www.switchboard.org.uk Switchboard is a charity for LGBTQ+ people looking for a sense of community, support or information. Cara-Friend cara-friend.org.uk Supporting and empowering the LGBTQI+ community in Northern Ireland. The Clare Project clareproject.org.uk Supporting trans, non-binary and intersex adults in Sussex. CliniQ is a trans-led sexual health service in London, which provides STI & HIV testing, PrEP and PEP, mental wellbeing support, and more, for all trans, nonbinary and gender diverse people. elop elop.org A holistic LGBTQ+ centre offering various support services to LGBTQ+ communities. Galop galop.org.uk National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence. Helpline: 0800 999 5428 Email: help@galop.org.uk This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: Imaan LGBTI+ Muslim Support imaanlondon.wordpress.com Supporting LGBTIQ+ Muslims and provides an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help. Intercom Trust www.intercomtrust.org.uk We are an LGBT+ led charity, proudly working with 1000’s of people each year to improve wellbeing and inclusion across the region. Helpline: 0800 612 3010 Open: 9:00 - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday Lancashire LGBT lancslgbt.org.uk We are the LGBTQ+ charity for all of Lancashire, supporting LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing since 2009. Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre www.leicestershirelgbtqcentre.org Our centre is a vibrant and inclusive space dedicated to celebrating diversity, fostering community, and providing support to LGBTQ+ individuals in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. LGBT Foundation lgbt.foundation We are a national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate and empower LGBTQ+ individuals and our diverse communities to realise their full potential, every day. Helpline: 0345 3 30 30 30 helpline@lgbt.foundation
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
Today, we’re highlighting just a few incredible LGBT+ organisations offering a range of mental health support, from peer-led spaces and counselling services to crisis helplines and community-based activities. This highlights only a small part of the incredible support available.

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This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: LGBT Health and Wellbeing lgbthealth.org.uk Scotland’s health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ adults Helpline: 0800 464 7000 helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk LGBT Hero www.lgbthero.org.uk LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people supporting over 100,000 people a month. LGBT Unity Glasgow lgbtunity.org A group which supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, and Intersex Refugees, people seeking asylum and other Migrants. Living Free UK livingfreeuk.org Supporting and validating the lives of LGBT Africans and asylum seekers throughout the UK. Loving Me UK www.lovingme.uk Our team provides specialist safe house support solely & specifically for trans & non-binary individuals from across England who are fleeing domestic abuse. This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: London Friend londonfriend.org.uk We’re the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, supporting the health and wellbeing of our city’s communities since 1972. Mermaids mermaidsuk.org.uk Supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families since 1995. Helpline: 0808 801 0400 Email: info@mermaidsuk.org.uk METRO metrocharity.org.uk We are METRO, an equity and diversity health services charity working in London and the south-east. Micro Rainbow microrainbow.org We run safe houses & socio-economic programmes for LGBTQI people fleeing persecution. MindOut mindout.org.uk Our services are for LGBTQ people aged 18+ who are based in Brighton and Hove, with the exception of our online support service which is available globally. This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: Misery linktr.ee/miseryparty qtbpoc mental health collective & sober party. OTR Bristol www.otrbristol.org.uk OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. OUTpatients outpatients.org.uk OUTpatients is the UK’s only LGBTIQ+ cancer charity. The Outside Project lgbtiqoutside.org The Outside Project is an LGBTIQ+ Community Shelter, Centre and Domestic Abuse Refuge. Queerwell queerwell.org.uk A national community led LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness charity.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
We also want to recognise the amazing work of many more organisations, particularly grassroots groups that are often volunteer-led, supporting their local communities day in, day out. Many do this with stretched resources, and their dedication deserves to be seen and celebrated.

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This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: Rainbows Across Borders www.rainbowsacrossborders.org.uk Supporting LGBT+ people seeking asylum in and around Croydon Rainbow Migration www.rainbowmigration.org.uk Supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system. Sahir www.sahir.org.uk Sahir is the Liverpool City Region’s LGBTQ+ and HIV charity. Say It Loud Club sayitloudclub.org We are the community of LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK. Spectra CIC spectra-london.org.uk We offer free sexual health and well-being services across London. This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: Switchboard switchboard.lgbt Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Helpline: 0800 0119100 Email: hello@switchboard.lgbt The Rainbow Project rainbow-project.org The Rainbow Project is a LGBTQIA+ Charity based in Northern Ireland, providing health and wellbeing services for our community. Trans Aid Cymru transaid.cymru A mutual aid, helping trans, non-binary and intersex people across Wales. This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: TransActual transactual.org.uk We work to address & highlight issues affecting trans people, whilst raising trans voices. Umbrella Cymru umbrellacymru.co.uk Improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families in Wales. Yorkshire MESMAC mesmac.co.uk Yorkshire MESMAC is one of the oldest and largest sexual health organisations in the country.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
Has an LGBT+ organisation supported you or your community? Tag them or give them a shout out below!

Looking for support near you? Use our member directory to see what’s in your area:
consortium.lgbt/member-directory

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Reposted by Heather Paterson
wearequeeraf.com
QueerAF @wearequeeraf.com · 3d
The national picture shows waiting times for gender identity clinics that far exceed the NHS's recommended maximum of 18 weeks.

But drilling down into the data from our investigation, 'The Gender Clinic Files' reveals huge disparities across the UK

👉 www.wearequeeraf.com/gender-clini...
THE GENDER CLINIC FILES 12 YEARS England 58 YEARS Scotland 2 YEARS Wales 41 YEARS Northern Ireland The average waiting times across the UK according to QueerAF analysis shows they vary wildly around the UK: Estimated wait time for a first appointment as of March 2025 (in years) based on QueerAF analysis of data from FOIs 🔴 England - 12 years 🔴 Wales - 2 years 🔴 Scotland - 58 years 🔴 Northern Ireland - 41 years This data is shown in an infographic with a map of the UK alongside logos of QueerAF and What The Trans?!
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
whatthetrans.com
What The Trans?! 🏳️‍⚧️ @whatthetrans.com · 5d
Gender Identity Clinic's Waiting Lists from Shortest To Longest

youtube.com/shorts/wVEPG...
GIC Waiting List from Shortest To Longest.
YouTube video by What The Trans?! Podcasts
youtube.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 2d
Girli - Dysmorphia
girli - Dysmorphia (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by girli
www.youtube.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
iglyo.bsky.social
IGLYO @iglyo.bsky.social · 4d
SHE’S OUT 🇪🇺🌈

IGLYO Welcomes the New EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 but Calls for Children and Youth Inclusion.

🔗 Read our full summary: www.iglyo.org/news/eu-lgbt...
IGLYO Welcomes the New EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 but Calls for Children and Youth Inclusion
We commend the European Commission for its new EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy (2026-2030), which clearly reaffirms the Union's commitment to advancing LGBTQI equality and protecting our communities from...
www.iglyo.org
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
proudchangemakers.bsky.social
Proud Changemakers 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @proudchangemakers.bsky.social · 3d
Given the rise in tensions lately, particularly towards the trans and non binary communities our trustee, Heather Paterson, has written an article to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week. in which they discuss the importance of solidarity.

www.heatherpaterson.co.uk/post/hate-cr...
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