Transgender

Who we are

The South West Transgender Equality Network (SWTEN) is a forum of and for transgender (trans or 'T') people within the South West region. Members are individuals, groups and organisations who work for or on behalf of trans people and share a common aim to positively promote issues within the South West. More details can be found in our terms of reference.

As well as specific trans groups and organisations, the Network also includes a number of organisations that are advancing trans issues such as police forces, fire services, trade unions and local authorities.

What we do

The Network brings together these diverse individuals and organisations to work on issues relating to trans equality. We strive for:

• A greater awareness of Trans issues;
• All organisations to eliminate discrimination against Trans people in their policy and practice;
• Involvement from Trans people in related events and activities around the region, and;
• The positive promotion of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights.

We are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination and harassment which Trans people face on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and transgender status - not only in the workplace, but also within the general community.

Our work priorities

Equality South West (ESW) is working with all the Regional Equality Networks (RENs) to gather qualitative information using the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) Equality Measurement Framework (EMF) as a basis for group discussions and assessment of inequalities in the region.

At our 2009 AGM, the Network took part in a workshop exercise led by ESW. The aim of the workshop was:

"to identify whether, at what life stages and in what ways people who identify with each of the equality strands experience social exclusion and/or discrimination - as a result of their ‘equality status’ - in relation to the ten EHRC framework dimensions"

Members of the Network found the exercise invaluable to the development of our future work plan priorities. Since undertaking this exercise Brenda Weston, Equality Development Officer (Policy) has collated the outcomes of the discussion held at the workshop and with Network Chairs produced a report. The Full report can be seen here: Transgender - Dimensions of Inequality SW Report (Update)

The Network have used the information and experiences outlined in this report to produce an outline 3 year work plan. The workplan is available here: SW Trans Workplan

Key areas of work for 2009/10 include:

• Identify and secure sustainable funding for the Network and it’s priorities
• Mapping existing support services and organisations and identifying gaps
• Understanding the issues for young trans people and what support the Network can offer
• Reviewing the Transphobic Hate Crime policies that exist across the region to identify good practice and areas that need more support.
• Writing to all Governors and Head Teachers to highlight the GIRES Guidance on trans bullying.
• Initiating discussions with PSHE coordinators about the inclusion of trans issues within the curriculum
• Lobbying to broaden the Gender Recognition Act to incorporate the rights of individuals who do not hold Gender Recognition Certificates

Are you interested in joining the South West Transgender Equality Network database?

The Network continues to feed into regional consultations and research work e.g. a piece of commissioned work by the Government Office for the South West to look at the extent to which equality and diversity had been embedded in to the recent round of Local Area Agreements (2007). The full report can be found here..

The Network meets on a quarterly basis and is facilitated by Katie Pratt , Senior Equality Development Officer at Equality South West. The Network has two co-chairs elected at the Network AGM. The Network is co-chaired by:

1. Krys Vere-Bujnowski representing Female to Male transgender individuals.

Krys became involved in Western Boys in 2006 and a committee member in 2007. He took over as Co-Chair of the SW TEN in March 2008 just before its official launch event. His main priorities are to ensure the best possible treatment and support for people undergoing medical and surgical transition on the NHS and tackle transphobic bullying in schools.

Krys is a member of Plymouth Pride Forum and the Plymouth City Council LGBT Forum; as well as the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary LGBT Independent Advisory Group and its Equality and Diversity advisory group. Krys is also an increasingly enthusiastic member of GIRES .

His working life, in both public and voluntary sectors, has been spent championing those whom the system knew and cared least about.

2. Janet Royston is currently representing Male to Female transgender individuals

LGBT Directory - ESW are working on an LGBT Directory and your help is needed

If you work for, or know of, a useful organisation that should be included in the LGBT directory, please complete the LGBT Directory Form with the organisations details and return for inclusion of the directory.

Do you work on transgender equality issues in the South West and what to share what you are doing?

If you are an organisation working on Trans equality issues in the South West you can also send information (news/ reports/ details on events etc.) to be posted on this website. The information will also be circulated in ESW's weekly e-bulletin which is sent to over 3500 contacts. Just forward your information to Jinny.Uppington@equalitysouthwest.org.uk

For further information on the SW TEN Equality Network please contact:

Jinny Uppington

Equality Development Officer
Equality South West

By post: East Reach House, East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3EN.
By phone: 01823 250832
By e-mail: jinny.uppington@equalitysouthwest.org.uk