Heather Paterson
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Heather Paterson
@heatherpaterson.co.uk
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Head of Partnerships and Development @consortium.lgbt‬ | Chair @proudchangemakers.bsky.social | LGBTQ+ Columnist Exposed Magazine
#LGBWithTheT Proud Queer 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · Oct 2
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
Reposted by Heather Paterson
transactualuk.bsky.social
The EHRhas sent a new draft Code of Practice which would lead to the exclusion of trans people from public life.

The decision now is up to this government, will they sign a trans bathroom ban in secret?

Use our tool to email your MP: tinyurl.com/scrap-the-bathroom-ban

#ScrapTheBathroomBan
November 10, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
fflaguk.bsky.social
It’s #AntiBullyingWeek - a time to stand together against bullying in all its forms. We must create safe spaces where everyone - especially LGBTQ+ young people and other vulnerable groups - can feel valued, supported and free to be themselves.

#BeKind #LGBTQSupport #SafeSpacesForAll
November 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
philippaeast.bsky.social
Heads up 😅

Sex Matters have launched their own MP letter-writing campaign insisting on trans segregation, an exclusionary Code etc etc

📝Let’s make sure our letters outnumber theirs+++

Template here!
If you’ve already written, grab a mate & get them to write too 🤗
actionnetwork.org/letters/scra...
Scrap the Bathroom Ban
🚨This is urgent🚨 Bridget Phillipson, the Minister for Women and Equalities, has a decision to make. The EHRC, a regulator mired in controversy over anti-trans views, has sent a new draft Code of Prac...
actionnetwork.org
November 9, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
tacc.org.uk
To all pro-trans groups, the deadline for submissions to GANHRI for the next session is around 1 March 2026, 😉😉

ganhri.org/wp-content/u...
November 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
lgbthm.bsky.social
The theme for LGBT+ History Month UK 2026 is ‘Science and Innovation’. The new badge is available from our website (lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/shop/).
Find out more about the month and our five figures at: lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history...

#LGBTQIA
#LGBTplusHM
#lgbthm26
Graphic promoting the the theme of LGBT+ History Month UK 2026: Science and innovation. it includes the five figures for the year: Barbara Burford, a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Elke Mackenzie, a botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method
November 8, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
wearequeeraf.com
As Harvey Milk famously said, “you gotta give 'em hope”, a message politicians in both the US and UK have been adopting to surging success

https://www.wearequeeraf.com/is-hope-back-on-the-agenda-anti-trans-narratives-flail-in-us-elections-with-lessons-for-uk/
Is hope back on the agenda? Anti-trans narratives flail in US elections, with lessons for UK
As Harvey Milk famously said, “you gotta give 'em hope”, a message politicians in both the US and UK have been adopting to surging success
www.wearequeeraf.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Intersex Day of Solidarity, also known as Intersex Day of Remembrance, takes place on November 8th 💛💜

The day marks the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a 19th-century french intersex person.

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This image has a yellow background with illustrations of purple and yellow candles. The purple text reads: Intersex Day of Remembrance, November 8th. This image has a yellow background with illustrations of purple and yellow candles. There is a black and white photo of a person sitting within a gold frame. The purple text reads: Intersex Day of Remembrance, November 8th. Intersex Day of Solidarity, also known as Intersex Day of Remembrance, takes place on November 8. The Day marks the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a 19th-century french Intersex person. Intersex Day of Solidarity is used to bring awareness to the issues faced by Intersex people and remember those in the intersex community who we have lost along the way. Herculine Barbin, 1838-1868.
November 8, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Intersex Day of Solidarity is used to bring awareness to the issues faced by intersex people and remember those in the intersex community who we have lost along the way.

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November 8, 2025 at 8:53 PM
heatherpaterson.co.uk
Today is Intersex Day of Solidarity and Remembrance.

It's an opportunity to highlight the continued struggles faced by intersex people globally, from unnecessary medical intervention or stigma.

We all deserve to be treated with dignity, and live a life free from discrimination.
November 8, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
tacc.org.uk
Correcting the statement put out today by the EHRC, TACC has published the following statement.

tacc.org.uk/2025/11/07/s...
Statement regards “EHRC Statement, Special review of the EHRC’s accreditation not warranted” - tacc.org.uk
Earlier today, the Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a statement: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/media-centre/news/special-review-ehrcs-accreditation-not-warranted In the stateme...
tacc.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
sheffieldsutr.bsky.social
Urgent Call! Stop UKIP leader Nick Tenconi (“Nazi Nick”) from marching in Sheffield this Saturday.

​We need all Anti-Racists, Anti-Fascists, and Nazi-Haters for a massive counter-demo at Sheffield Cathedral, Sat 8th Nov, 12pm (S1 1HA).

Join us to reject Nazis 🗣️ and welcome refugees 🫂 Share widely!
Protest flyer calling "NICK TENCONI IS A NAZI," featuring a split image of him in a suit cheering. The text announces a Saturday, 8th Nov, 12PM rally at Sheffield Cathedral to prevent him from marching. Logo for Stand Up To Racism is visible. Protest flyer showing a large anti-fascist crowd gathered on a city street. Text reads: "WE'VE DRIVEN THE FASCISTS OUT OF TOWN BEFORE AND WE WILL DO IT AGAIN." It urges everyone to remind them that "SHEFFIELD IS NAZI FREE" this Saturday. Two women smiling in the foreground of a large anti-racism protest with a yellow banner and many signs. Text highlights the experience as "HAVING FUN" and encourages a swipe to remember how enjoyable fighting the far right is. Wide shot of a massive, crowded anti-far right/anti-racism demonstration marching down an ornate city street. Protesters hold signs and a large pink and yellow banner reading, in part, "WOMEN AGAINST THE FAR RIGHT", "STOP THE FAR RIGHT STAND UP TO RACISM."
November 5, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
mesmac.bsky.social
We're looking to grow our friendly volunteer team in #Rotherham!

Come along to our induction next month to find out more about the roles on offer

Contact Charley for more info:
📱 07715 213 639
💻 [email protected]
Volunteer Induction. Weds 3rd Dec 12pm-2pm. 11 Mansfield Road, S60 2DR
November 6, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Trans Awareness Month is a time for celebration, learning and standing up for trans rights. Despite a difficult year for trans+ communities in the UK, we have also seen incredible solidarity and action.

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This image has a blue and pink background. The white text reads: Trans Awareness Month.
November 6, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
We are proud to have trans and non-binary-led member organisations who do vital work across the UK for their communities.

Visit our Members Directory to discover and support their work: consortium.lgbt/member-directory

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November 6, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
transactualuk.bsky.social
We have been tracking people’s experiences with gendered spaces and our new report looks at the impact of the 2025 EHRC interim update on access to, and experiences within, gendered spaces in the UK.
Image shows a row of toilet stalls with blue doors. Text reads: " I went to use the women's toilets as I was on my period and there were no gender neutral ones. A middle aged male security guard ran in after me…he started banging on the [cubicle] door, trying to open it as he shouted "sir, sir you can't be in here”... hearing the pitch of my voice was enough for him to drop it and leave. But I sat in the toilet feeling scared, vulnerable and dirty for a good few minutes." -a non-binary person tinyurl.com/ReportALoo Image shows a sign hanging from the ceiling that says 'WC' and has male and female toilet symbols. Text reads: “ A few months ago in a local LGBTQ+ owned bar, I went into the men's toilets and another guy looked at me and then yelled "You’re in the wrong toilet" in my face at close range.” -a transmasc person tinyurl.com/ReportALoo Image shows multicoloured soft play mats and apparatus. Text reads: "I was supervising my 5 year old disabled son, who was in the establishment’s soft play area. My son soiled himself and so I stood to take him to the facilities. However, when I made to head to the bathroom a woman who I assume to be in a senior role quickly came towards us and blocked my progress, pointing at the men’s toilets and advising me that “The gentlemen’s are there.” -a disabled, trans woman (who had been making her way to the accessible toilet) tinyurl.com/ReportALoo Image shows 3 toilet signs one accessible, one women's and baby changing and one men's. Text reads: "I was stopped going into a bathroom by another tourist who stated that “these are the women’s toilets”. I stated that I am a woman and therefore using the ‘correct’ toilet for my gender. This is the most recent example of me being harassed going into a toilet in the past year. Which has gone from never to 6 incidents now." -a cis, butch dyke tinyurl.com/ReportALoo
November 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
tacc.org.uk
www.them.us/story/lgbtq-holo...
Holocaust Researcher Says Up to 1/3 of Imprisoned LGBTQ+ People Reported by Friends and Family
A new exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center aims to shed light on the diversity of LGBTQ+ Holocaust stories.
www.them.us
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
whatthetrans.com
New Podcast Episode: The Gender Clinic Files Episode 3

In this Episode we discuss:

Esther Ghey's phone free education campaign

Submissions to Ganhri about the EHRC

And the final part of the Gender Clinic Files.

And more:

whatthetrans.com/ep143/
What the trans logo at the top with episode 143 below. And below that, the title Gender Clinic Files. Below is Claire Prosho and Kishwer Falkner sat in a rowing boat. Below that is text that says "in collaboration with Queeraf and Claire prosho". And also next to that it says "part 3"
November 3, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
divamag.bsky.social
Only 6 countries have laws protecting LGBTQIA+ youth from bullying
Only 6 countries have laws protecting LGBTQIA+ youth from bullying
ILGA World’s latest information reveals the necessity for better protection in schools
diva-magazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
londonfriend.bsky.social
We spoke to the BBC's File On 4 Investigates as part of this new documentary about #chemsex available now on BBC Sounds.

Our Antidote service offers support around drugs, alcohol and chemsex to LGBTQ+ people in London: londonfriend.org.uk/antidote/
BBC Radio 4 - File on 4 Investigates, Chemsex: Hidden Pleasures, Hidden Harms
Mobeen Azhar explores the risks some gay men take by mixing their sex lives with drug use.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
transactualuk.bsky.social
We launched our new report in the Houses of Parliament last week.

Report author Dr Jack López presented the report to MPs.

Read the report here: transactual.org.uk/gendered-spa...

#ScrapTheBathroomBan #EHRC #TransRights
November 4, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
mesmac.bsky.social
We're looking for new peer mentors to support people living with HIV in Sheffield!

Come along to our two-day training session to find out if the role is for you

Interested? Get in touch with Grace for more info:
[email protected]
Are you living with HIV and want to give back? TRain as a peer mentor! Mesmac's two day peer mentor training helps you use your own experience to support others in the community. Being a peer mentor can be rewarding. It helps build your confidence, gives you valuable skills and makes your lived experiences an inspiration for others. Not sure if mentoring is for you? That's fine. This is a space to explore and learn. What you will cover: What being a peer mentor actually looks like. How to share your story in ways that feel right and impact others. Supporting people through stigma, new diagnoses and treatment challenges. Protecting your own wellbeing while being there for others. Getting to know local services and where you signpost people based on their needs, etc. 21-22 November 2025. 10am-6pm (breaks and dinner provided). Yorkshire Mesmac, Mansfield Rd, Rotherham, S60 2DR. For more information reach us via email: PeerSupportSheffield@Mesmac.Co.UK
November 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
heatherpaterson.co.uk
Equality commission’s guidance after sex ruling is fundamentally unworkable
Equality commission’s guidance after sex ruling is fundamentally unworkable | Letter
Letters: The EHRC has ignored warnings about the contradiction between possibly being sued for challenging someone’s gender versus being sued for failing to, says Rachel Taylor MP
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:21 AM
heatherpaterson.co.uk
UN expert calls for inclusive and safe education, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
UN expert calls for inclusive and safe education, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
NEW YORK – Access to safe, inclusive, and quality education remains out of reach for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT) learners, who continue to face widespread violen...
www.ohchr.org
November 4, 2025 at 7:50 AM
heatherpaterson.co.uk
Anyone else's Instagram gone rogue? I'm suddenly getting new notifications for 5 year old spam messages
November 3, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Reposted by Heather Paterson
rtie.org
Report from Saturday:
rtie.org/2025/11/02/w...
We are not the threat – 199 days later at the Scottish Parliament
The far right are the real threat to women’s rights On 1st November 2025 Resisting Transphobia in Edinburgh (RTiE) led a demonstration to support and protect Scotland’s transgender community …
rtie.org
November 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM