Scottish Trans mini-conference
Come and join us at The Bridge in Dumfries from 10am - 4pm for the Scottish Trans Borders mini-conference!
About the event
This free event will be open to all trans and non-binary people and our supportive friends, parents, partners, family and allies, who are 18 years old and over. Some sessions will only be open to trans and non-binary people. Service providers and professionals who work with trans people, or want to improve their services for trans people, are also welcome.
There will be a range of things to do on the day – whether you want to get creative, campaign to improve access to trans healthcare, or learn more about the current situation for trans people’s equality and human rights. We’ll announce all of the workshops we’ll have nearer to the time, so watch this space!
In addition our friends from D&G LGBT+ and LGBT Youth Scotland will be hosting information stalls in the foyer for the duration of the event
Please note that numbers for this event are limited and preference will be given to those joining from local area postcodes
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact oceana@equality-network.org
Programme
1000 - 1030
Registration and tea/coffee
1030 - 1050
Opening plenary
1100 - 1230
Morning Session
Supreme Court update (open to all)
April 2025’s Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 had huge implications for trans people’s equality and human rights, with a lot of uncertainty still about exactly what it means. This session will help you understand what we do (and don’t) know nearly a year later – with time for questions and answers at the end.
Managing anxiety through mindfulness (trans and nb only)
Hosted by our friends at D&G LGBT+ this workshop hopes to provide people with some basic mindful tools and coping strategies, helping them to manage and anxiety and explore ways to feel more grounded.
1230 - 1330
Lunch
1340 - 1510
Afternoon Session
Campaign for better trans healthcare in Dumfries and Galloway (trans and nb only)
Join Scottish Trans for a session where we will discuss how we can campaign to improve access to trans healthcare locally in Dumfries and Galloway
Ryan Butter – Lived Experience Co-ordinator, Scottish Trans
Get creative!
A hands on concrete planter–painting workshop designed to support trans people through creative collaboration. Participants will make their own artwork while reflecting on visibility, care, resilience, and community growth, helping to build wellbeing, confidence, and a sense of togetherness.
Roundtable conversation (open to all)
An open session with Scottish Trans. Would you like to know a bit more about some of the other things we do? Perhaps you have a question you’d like to ask or something you would like to share with us? This is your chance!
1520 - 1545
Closing Plenary
Accessibility
- All session spaces are wheelchair accessible, and the venue has accessible toilets and gender neutral toilets. The venue has a comfortable lobby area where you can sit and relax between sessions, and we’ll also have a dedicated quiet room space.
- BSL interpreters can be arranged with two weeks advanced notice, so if you need an interpreter please let us know on or before Thursday 12 February
If you have any access requests, please let us know in the accessibility requests box when booking your ticket, or email oceana@equality-network.org.
Getting there on the day
The Bridge in Dumfries is situated just outside Dumfries city centre and has free on site parking for 45 cars
Arriving By Train:
- 29 min walk from Dumfries Station (see buses)
Arriving By Bus:
- From Dumfries Railway station 12 min walk to Burns Statue on Castle Street for the D10 and D12, 3 min walk to venue
- From Dumfries Railway station 4 min walk to opposite the garage on St Marys Street for the 381, 12 min walk to venue
- Check Traveline Scotland for relevant times
We will reimburse any reasonable travel costs for those who would not otherwise be able to attend the event. Please keep your receipts if you intend to have your travel reimbursed, and if you need money for travel ahead of time please contact oceana@equality-network.org
Travel costs can include taxis for reasons of accessibility where:
- You are disabled, and so travelling on public transport would mean you could not attend
- Travel times would mean that you would be unable to use public transport (either due to lateness or remote location)
- Travel times would mean that you have safety concerns about travelling – e.g. because it would be late at night and you aren’t confident taking public transport at that time
We do not ask for proof of any of the above reasons.