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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network
@lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
6.7K followers 86 following 500 posts
The Equality Network is a leading Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights charity
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 21h
Our Community Market Joy for All is this Saturday! We're so excited to see you there🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our artist highlight for today is Chronicrafts! Their main goal is to put a bit more joy and positivity into the world, they'll be bringing a wide range of crafted trinkets!
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left are three pictures. The first picture is of different pride flag keyrings made of hama beads. The next picture is of a hat and glove set knitted in the lesbian flag colours. The bottom picture is of pronoun badges with drawings of frogs on them. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Chronicrafts" "Roan is an Edinburgh based queer, disabled and chronically ill crafter whos main goal is to put a bit more joy and positivity into the world. To that end they’ll be bringing a range of handmade pride themed keychains, some cosy and colourful hand knitted hats and gloves and an assortment of crochet creatures along with a variety of other trinkets." Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 23h
October is Black History Month #BHM25 - CRER have organised an incredible programme of events over this month - see them here: www.blackhistorymonthscotland.org/whats-on

Our first post for the month explores the history and activism around the black and brown stripes on pride flags.
Graphic with a green background. At the top it says "Black History Month" and the Scottish Trans and Equality network logos. Below it says "What is the history of the black and brown stripes on pride flags? Swipe to learn more:" next to an arrow. At the bottom of the graphic is a progress pride flag. Graphic with a green background. At the top is a picture of the progress pride flag and the philly pride flag stacked on top of eachother. It says "The black and brown stripes on pride flags represent people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community. They also serve to highlight and centre problems of racism and discrimination within LGBTQ+ communities, which are often not acknowledged or challenged, and push for queer spaces to be more inclusive." The philly pride flag is at the top. It is a six stripe rainbow pride flag with a brown and black stripe on the top. It says "The Philly pride flag was introduced in 2017!". "This flag was created following the ‘More Color, More Pride’ campaign led in Philadelphia by queer activists, mainly people of colour. In response to high-profile reports of racism in the city’s gay neighbourhood in 2016, activists came together to demand more inclusion and intersectionality in Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community." "The black and brown stripes were added to ensure inclusion as a central value for Philly pride, and to mark the ‘More Color, More Pride’ campaign, and a legacy of activism by queer people of colour in the city." The progress pride flag is at the top. It says "The progress pride flag was then designed in 2018!" "The progress pride flag adds the colours of the trans flag to represent trans and nonbinary people, as well as the black and brown stripes in an arrow on the side of the flag." "Designer Daniel Quasar said about the flag: "The arrow points to the right to show forward movement […] and illustrates that progress [towards inclusivity] still needs to be made""
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 1d
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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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 2d
If you are experiencing conversion practices now, have done in the past, or are worried you might be at risk now or in future, LGBT Health and Wellbeing run a helpline where you can get support over the phone, via email, or over webchat. www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-sup...
Conversion practices support – LGBT Health and Wellbeing
If you are experiencing conversion practices now, have done in the past, or are worried you...Read more
www.lgbthealth.org.uk
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 2d
You can read our full statement on our website here: www.equality-network.org/scottish-gov...

You can read the analysis here: www.gov.scot/publications...

The Scottish Government has also released a response to the analysis here: www.gov.scot/publications...
Scottish Government Releases Conversion Practices Bill Consultation Analysis - Equality Network
Today the Scottish Government published their analysis of responses to the consultation they held last year on a draft bill to end conversion practices. Please […]
www.equality-network.org
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 2d
Today, Scottish Government published their analysis of responses to the consultation they held last year on a draft bill to end conversion practices. Please note that the analysis and responses contain upsetting content - we would advise caution to anyone reading the analysis or individual responses
Graphic with a pink to blue gradient background. It says "The Scottish Government has published the analysis for their consultation on Ending Conversion Practices." The Scottish Trans and Equality Network logos are in the bottom right. Graphic that says "You are loved" in bold colourful font. Below it says "Need support around conversion practices? LGBT Health and Wellbeing's helpline is here for you - confidential and judgement-free. 0800 464 7000, lgbthealth.org.uk" The LGBT health and Wellbeing logo is in the bottom right.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 3d
The Joy for All market takes place on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. There will be stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting and ways to get involved with making change! We hope to see you there 🥳
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 3d
Our Community Market Joy for All is this Saturday, just four days away!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our next artist is Robin Ilex Studios! They are a trans hand embroidery artist based in Glasgow. They also make scrunchies, reusable makeup wipes and other accessories, such as embroidered pride flag inspired pansy brooches
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is of orange and red patterned hair scrunchies around a green pumpkin. The second picture is of a removable collar on a hanger, it has been sewn in star-patterned fabric. The third picture is of an embroidered brooch of a pansy in the trans flag colours. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Robin Ilex Studio" "Robin (he/they) is a trans hand embroidery artist based in Glasgow. They also make scrunchies, reusable makeup wipes and other accessories, such as embroidered pride flag inspired pansy brooches."
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 4d
The Joy for All market takes place on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. There will be stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting and ways to get involved with making change! We hope to see you there 🥳
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 4d
Our Community Market, Joy for All, is this Saturday! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our Artist Highlight for today is Rowantree Makes! They make makes cosy knits and cheerful jewellery from upcycled materials, including button pins, Pride flag knits, and all the pendants and earrings you can eat (please do not eat) 💪
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is a picture of colourful handmade earrings on a stand, next to some crocheted hats and scarves. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Rowantree makes" "Rowan makes cosy knits and cheerful jewellery from upcycled materials, including button pins, Pride flag knits, and all the pendants and earrings you can eat (please do not eat)" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 6d
You can read more information and sign up to the groups using the links below!

LGB+ group - www.outsavvy.com/event/30143/...
Trans group - www.outsavvy.com/event/30142/...
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 6d
We've split them up this way as we think it's likely these two groups will have different experiences of maternity services, but you are of course welcome to go to whichever group seems the best fit for what you want to talk about.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 6d
If you have experience of using maternity services in any way we would love to hear your views about how these services can best serve LGBT+ people.

We will be running two groups - one for LGB+ people and one for trans people.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 6d
Join us and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) for a focus group to discuss what you want to see in the new maternity service standards.

HIS are currently running a consultation and they are keen to hear from LGBT+ people about their experiences of using maternity services.
Graphic with a rainbow background. It says "Maternity Service Standards Focus Groups" "Tell us what you want to see in the new maternity service standards!" "6-7pm Online" "LGB+ group- Tues 7th October, Trans group- Thurs 9th October" The Scottish Trans and Equality Network logos are in the bottom right corner.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 7d
You can say hello and buy some of their work at the Joy for All makers market on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. You can shop stalls from local artists and community organisations, do some crafting and find out about ways to start making change in your community. 💪
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 7d
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Abi Cooper! They make ceramics, zines and hand woven textiles, inspired by folklore, medieval history and place.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is of a green ceramic pot shaped like a demon's face with horns. The second picture is of ceramic badges with goat faces on them. The third picture is of a ceramic pot with a crying face, next to a pink zine called "Witch Bottles". On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Abi Cooper" "Abi Cooper is a queer, neurodivergent artist based in Fife. They will be bringing ceramics, zines and handwoven textiles to the fair. These ceramics include Fife witch bottles: based on medieval witch bottles, these modern versions bring the owner protection and good luck. Abi is inspired by folklore, medieval history and place, specifically the links between Fife and their home county of Norfolk" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 7d
Make sure that your MP & the Minister for Equalities know how important inclusive, safe services for everyone are to you. Ask them to oppose guidance proposed by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission that would exclude & segregate trans people: www.scottishtrans.org/supreme-cour...
Graphic with a pink background. It says "Trans people need access to services too! Email your MP and the Minister for Equalities: scottishtrans.org/codeofpracticescrutiny". There is a drawing of a placard that says "No segregation! Trans Liberation!". The Scottish Trans logo is in the bottom right.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 9d
You can say hi and buy some of their work at the Joy for All makers market on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. You can shop stalls from local artists and community organisations, do some crafting and find out about new ways to start making change in your community. 💪
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 9d
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Hydrazines! They make artwork and zines about cats, queer pirate and ancient greek heroes.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is of a zine, on the left page are three swords, on the right it says "An army of lovers cannot lose". The second picture is linoprint of a pomegranate in front of a window. The third picture is of felt tomato-shaped badges. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Hydrazines" "I make zines about cats, queer pirates, and Ancient Greek heroes. I’ll also be selling lino prints, collages, felt badges, and other little handmade crafts!" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 11d
You can say hello to them at the Joy for All makers market on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. You can shop stalls from local artists and community organisations, do some crafting and find out about ways to start making change in your community. 💪
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 11d
In their own words:
We work to improve the physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ adults (16+) in Scotland through responsive support services, opportunities for our community to connect with each other, and supporting mainstream services to be more inclusive.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 11d
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is LGBT Health and Wellbeing!
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left are four pictures of smiling, diverse people wearing LGBT Health and Wellbeing T-shirts. The top image shows their stall with informational leaflets, fundraising buckets and snacks. On the right it says "Stall Highlight: LGBT Health and Wellbeing" "We work to improve the physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ adults (16+) in Scotland through responsive support services, opportunities for our community to connect with each other, and supporting mainstream services to be more inclusive. Come to our stall to find out more!" Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 11d
You can say hello and buy some of their work at the Joy for All makers market on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. You can shop stalls from local artists and community organisations, do some crafting and find out about ways to start making change in your community. 💪
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 11d
Only two weeks to go until Joy for All 2025 - we can't wait to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🥳

Our next stall spotlight is Alderduck! They make whimsical artwork and 3D design, with beautiful, playful mice and ghosts along with their friends.
Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All" "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market & Community Space! 11/10/25 - Norton Park Conference Centre". On the left is three pictures. The top picture is a drawing of some mice hanging onto a teacup. The second picture is a drawing of a ghost sitting on top of a stack of books. The third picture is of a 3d keychain of a little ghost holding a rainbow pride flag. On the right it says "Artist Highlight: Alderduck" "Alderduck is an LGBTQ+ artist based in Leith, creating whimsical artwork and 3D design. We offer our beautiful, playful mice and ghosts along with their friends in the form of prints, stickers, postcards and accessories for every season. Each piece is handcrafted with love to bring joy and a touch of humour to brighten up your day." Graphic with an orange background. At the top is a rainbow banner which says "Joy for All". Below it says "LGBTQIA+ Autumn Makers Market! Join us for stalls from local artists and community organisations, crafting activities and making change! Sat 11th October 11am-4pm Norton Park Conference Centre Edinburgh EH7 5QY". On the left is a drawing of three pumpkins, one is short and pink, one is tall, curved and white and the other is tall and blue with a carved smiling face.
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lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 14d
You can say hello and get a wee massage at the Joy for All makers market on the 11th October, at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh. You can shop stalls from local artists and community organisations, do some crafting & find out more about new ways to start making change in your community. 💪
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