Transgender
From Equality South West
South West Transgender Equality Network (SWTEN)
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
Are you interested in joining the South West Transgender Equality Network database?
The Network meets on a quarterly basis and is facilitated by Jinny Uppington, Equality Development Officer at Equality South West. The Network has two co-chairs elected at the Network AGM. The Network is co-chaired by:
Co Chair, Mr Kazimierz (Kaz) Hawthorne Neumann is currently representing Female to Male transgender individuals
Kaz lengthy background in International Sales, Marketing and Management, coupled with years spent working as a volunteer supporting elderly people, disabled people, people with Asperger Syndrome/Autism and the LGBT community. More recently Kaz has been fully engaged in his 'Lifes Work' to raise 'Transgender Awareness' in the South West, especially in Cornwall, where he resides. He offers Cornwall's 'Trans' Community and visitors to the county support via, Cornwall Transgender Support and Resource - a service which has been celebrated in it's launch, is extremely welcomed and is reducing the feeling of 'isolation' many of it's Service Users experience. Kaz says, "I am sincere in all my commitments and consciously demonstrate a totally 'pan-equality' approach." He goes on to say, "Trans people have rights and our own 'unique' voice - I strive like many more of us do, to dispel ill-informed myths and to ensure that our rights are recognised, upheld and that our voice is heard loud and clear."
Co Chair, Janet Royston, is currently representing Male to Female transgender individuals
Janet has spent many years as a union activist, and is only too aware of the problems associated with being transgender and the difficulties presented to one if they wish "to come out". Janet has said "I firmly believe that the education of young people while they are still attending full time education is the way forward to help them understand about how we feel".
South West LGB&T Directory
The South West LGBT Directory is a directory of LGB&T organisations, groups, forums and clubs from across the whole of the South West region. We are committed to keeping this directory up to date. If you are not currently included in the directory and would like to be, please contact us using the LGBT Directory Form.
Do you work on Transgender equality issues in the South West?
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 Brenda Weston
For further information on the SW TEN Equality Network please contact:
Brenda Weston
Equality Development Officer - Policy and Research
Equality South West
By post: Bishop Hull House, Bishops Hull, Taunton, TA1 5EP.
By phone: 01823 240260