Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
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rebeccadonkennedy.bsky.social
Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
@rebeccadonkennedy.bsky.social
600 followers 200 following 57 posts
CEO at Equality Network, Scotland
( @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social and @scottishtrans.bsky.social )
+Transdisciplinary social researcher

* Views my own *

#Policy #Community #Lesbian #LGBTQIEquality #HumanRights #AllTogether #Feminist #Wellbeing
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
At this time, we would like to remind everyone in our community and everyone that loves and supports us that it is OK (in fact we strongly encourage it!) to take this festive period to look after yourself, to put yourself first, and to do what you need to do to feel well.
A graphic with a purple background. There is a drawing of a person bundled up in a big rainbow coloured blanket, they are holding a mug of hot chocolate and have a little cat at their feet. It says "A message for our community ahead of the festive period" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are the bottom.
December 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Today is International Human Rights Day, celebrated globally every year on the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 💪🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

We've written a blog post exploring human rights for LGBTQIA+ people, which you can read on our website now: www.equality-network.org/our-work/pol...
December 10, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
We've written & published a short summary statement regarding the Sandie Peggie V NHS Fife Health Board employment tribunal case & the judgment given yesterday. Much of the media coverage has missed key information, the most important aspect being that all claims against Dr Beth Upton were dismissed
Graphic with a blue to purple gradient background. It says "A short summary of the Sandie Peggie V. Fife Health Board and Dr Beth Upton employment tribunal judgment" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are at the bottom.
December 9, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
We launched our new three-year strategy last Thursday in Edinburgh. It was an energising evening, full of solidarity, collaboration and connection. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, so many from across the equalities and human rights sector joined us to show their support.
Two images on a white background. The top photo is of a crowd of people standing in front of a bar, talking with eachother. The bottom image is of people standing and looking at a stage, they are smiling and clapping their hands. Two images on a white background. The top image is of two people hugging, from behind you see a person with short pink hair wearing a black hoodie hugging a smiling person with long brown hair and a long brown coat. The bottom image is of people sitting in a booth around a round table, they are smiling and laughing.
December 8, 2025 at 6:19 PM
rebeccadonkennedy.bsky.social
Our new strategy is out! Read more below…
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · 17d
Today, we launch our new three-year strategy.

It lays out how we will move forward, work together to push back, sustain and protect what we have already achieved, and together move towards progressive and meaningful change.

Read more: www.equality-network.org/resources/ou...
Graphic with a pale purple background. At the top, in a blue arrow, it says "We are launching our new strategy 2026-2029" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are underneath. Below the arrow is a drawing of the outlines of a large group of people, going in a gradient of green to purple from left to right. At the bottom it says "Read more at: equality-network.org/our-strategy-2026-2029" Graphic with a dark purple background. In a pale purple box it says "Today we launch our new 3-year Strategy. Our community is strong, and we are not going anywhere. We are more driven than ever to work together to demand, seek and enable tangible and progressive change for the better for all LGBTQIA+ people in Scotland." The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are in the bottom right corner. In the bottom left corner it says "equality-network.org/our-strategy-2026-2029"
December 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Today, we launch our new three-year strategy.

It lays out how we will move forward, work together to push back, sustain and protect what we have already achieved, and together move towards progressive and meaningful change.

Read more: www.equality-network.org/resources/ou...
Graphic with a pale purple background. At the top, in a blue arrow, it says "We are launching our new strategy 2026-2029" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are underneath. Below the arrow is a drawing of the outlines of a large group of people, going in a gradient of green to purple from left to right. At the bottom it says "Read more at: equality-network.org/our-strategy-2026-2029" Graphic with a dark purple background. In a pale purple box it says "Today we launch our new 3-year Strategy. Our community is strong, and we are not going anywhere. We are more driven than ever to work together to demand, seek and enable tangible and progressive change for the better for all LGBTQIA+ people in Scotland." The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are in the bottom right corner. In the bottom left corner it says "equality-network.org/our-strategy-2026-2029"
December 4, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Now women must look and behave a certain way and be reduced to their vulvas and reproductive ability whilst at it' || @rebeccadonkennedy.bsky.social

www.heraldscotland.com/poli...
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishcomment.bsky.social
'Trans people are further retreating from public life, and gender non-conforming cis women are forced to change their appearance to avoid harassment,' says @rebeccadonkennedy.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Across public life, animosity towards trans people is becoming more overt'
For Women Scotland picked up the Public Campaign of the Year at The Herald's annual political awards ceremony last week. Here, Rebecca Don Kennedy…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
We wanted to share some more updates following April’s Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010, and some ways that you can help.

Read our full update here: www.scottishtrans.org/supreme-cour...
A graphic with a pink a blue gradient background. In the centre there is a purple box, with white text that reads "Some more thoughts and updates following the Supreme Court ruling". Underneath this text are the Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos.
November 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
We Can't Keep Waiting, a day of action to create a better future for trans healthcare in Scotland, takes place next Saturday, 22nd November at the Pyramid at Anderston in Glasgow!

The event is for trans and nonbinary people only - sign up for your ticket here: www.outsavvy.com/event/30917/...
Graphic with a black background. It says "We Can't Keep Waiting - Take Action for trans healthcare!" "The Pyramid at Anderston Glasgow 22nd November 10am-4pm" There are two pink boxes. The first box has the House Ball Scotland logo and says: "House Ball Scotland" "In this workshop Nxa and Zulaa 007 from the Scottish ballroom scene will give an introduction to underground ballroom culture and to ways of exploring gender expression, physicality and confidence building through the artform of runway. Bring a look you feel great in, if you wish! All levels welcome, QTBIPOC to the front." The second box has the Houseball Scotland and Trans Healthcare Access Glasgow logos. It says: "House Ball Scotland and Trans Healthcare Access Glasgow" "'Mutual Aid for Trans Liberation' - How to start practically supporting each other and building support systems that are by us, for us"
November 12, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
Join this free training to learn more about taking an intersectional approach to your work and how you can better include people with intersectional identities!

Link below ⬇️
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social Equality Network @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social · Oct 21
Join us for a free online intersectional equality, diversity and inclusion training session, on 30th Oct at 2pm.

This session is targeted at small organisations or underfunded/unfunded groups.

www.outsavvy.com/event/30908/...
This training will help you to: - Listen to the lived experience of people with intersectional identities. - Learn the best terminology to use about LGBTI people and others. - Identify barriers that people may face to participating in your service. - Increase access and tackle discrimination. - Integrate an intersectional approach across your service. Graphic with colourful circles arranged like bubbles at the top and the bottom of the image. It says "Free Intersectional Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training " Online Thursday 30th October 2pm" The Equality Network logo is at the bottom.
October 22, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
Are you a rural trans or non-binary person in Highland or Argyll and Bute? NHS Highland Public Health have partnered with Scottish Trans to conduct trans-led research on experiences of GP practices.

Take part in this important research: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/RTHTNBSurv...
Graphic with a light blue background. At the top are small drawings of the trans and nonbinary flags, the Scottish Trans, NHS Highland and Public Health Scotland logos. It says "Trans People Needed for Rural Research - Rural Transgender Health: Primary Care Experiences The survey can be found at: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/RTHTNBSurvey" There is a drawing of a computer with a webpage of a survey. "Chance to win one of 3 x £100 vouchers"
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
Rest in Power Miss Major, a trailblazing trans organiser, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 78 and will be sorely missed.
aclu.org ACLU @aclu.org · Oct 14
The trailblazing transgender rights activist Miss Major has passed away at the age of 78.

Miss Major was a lifelong organizer and participant in the ballroom scene. She took part in the 1969 Stonewall Riots and was injured by the police — but she kept fighting.
October 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
ICYMI - Last week we, alongside @scottishtrans.bsky.social, submitted our concerns around the EHRC and its impact on trans rights in the UK to the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation, the international body which accredits National Human Rights Institutions. Read our statement & submission below ⬇️
scottishtrans.bsky.social Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · Oct 23
We’ve sent a submission to GANHRI’s accreditation sub-committee to raise concerns about the EHRC’s behaviour since the Supreme Court judgement.

You can read our full statement on our website here: www.scottishtrans.org/8149-2/
Graphic with a pink to blue gradient background. The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are at the bottom. It says “We should be able to rely on our national human rights institution to protect and promote the rights of everyone. Instead, we’ve had years of the EHRC frequently acting in ways that make trans people’s lives harder.”
October 27, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Our Policy and Campaigns officer Christopher attended the ILGA #FaceForward Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania last week.

It was an incredibly inspiring and energizing event, full of workshops, speeches and discussions with dedicated LGBTQ+ activists, building solidarity and movements across Europe.
October 28, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
Today, Public Health Scotland released its latest data on waiting times for gender identity services in Scotland. While the data is useful to have, it doesn’t tell the whole story. But it does tell us how appalling waiting times for Sandyford are & that they're just getting worse.

What can you do?
‘Today, new data has been published by Public Health Scotland. The data is useful to have, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. It can tell us how long someone being seen today might have waited for that appointment, but it does not tell us how long someone who joined the waiting list today might expect to wait. This data, plus data gathered through FOI requests shared with Scottish Trans, shows that Sandyford's waiting list continues to get worse. We estimate that someone joining the waiting list today would be expected to wait somewhere between 160 and 660 years. What can we do about it?’
October 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
➡️ If you live in a health board that refers to Sandyford, apart from Greater Glasgow and Clyde, you can sign our letters we are sending to health boards across Scotland. www.scottishtrans.org/cantkeepwait...
'1. Sign our letters to healthboards across Scotland to ask them to do more for trans and non-binary people in their area.' 'Find the letters and how to take part on our website: scottishtrans.org/cantkeepwaiting'. Next to this is a QR code for that link. A map of Scotland with different health boards highlighted. It says "Are you on the Sandyford waiting list? Do you live in one of these health boards? Sign our letter to your health board to tell them: We can't keep waiting!" "Help us write to health boards that refer to sandyfird and fix our broken system" "This data makes it clear to us that Sandyford is simply overrun as a service. Sandyford covers 8 health boards and it clearly can't cope. It’s time for other health boards to step up and take responsibility for trans and non-binary people in their area. We want to write letters to each of the health boards that refer people to the Sandyford. And we need you to co-sign them and help us bring the scale of this crisis to their attention. The letters will encourage these health boards to see if they could deliver gender affirming care, and/or provide support to people on long waiting lists and offer harm reduction services for those who are self-medicating."
October 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
scottishtrans.bsky.social
➡️ Come along to our event 'We Can't Keep Waiting' - a community led event of workshops and discussions centred around community care and taking action to decrease the waiting lists. This event is for trans and nonbinary people only. www.outsavvy.com/event/30917/...
"2. Sign up to our community led event 'We Can't Keep Waiting'." "Join us and some amazing community groups for a day of workshops and discussions centred around community care and taking action to decrease the waiting lists." Graphic with a black background. It says "We Can't Keep Waiting - Take Action for trans healthcare!" "The Pyramid at Anderston Glasgow 22nd November 10am-4pm" "In Collaboration With" and the logos for: Glasgow Trans Collective, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, UBelong, Trans Kids Deserve Better Scotland, Trans Harm Reduction, LEAP Sports, Trans Healthcare Glasgow" "Plus More!"
October 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Under the current law, people who are pregnant in Scotland have no legal right to end a pregnancy and this needs to change. We're supporting 'Let’s change the Act', Scotland’s campaign to decriminalise abortion and reform the Abortion Act 1967 - please join us!

www.letschangetheact.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
This month, the Council of Europe formally adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7 on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons. It is the first international instrument of its kind dedicated solely to advancing the rights of intersex people.
Graphic with white writing on a purple background. It says "The Council of Europe has adopted a new Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons." "Read more in the caption" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logo are in the bottom right. Graphic with white writing on a purple background. It says "It is a testament to the years of campaigning by intersex persons, intersex organisations and LGBTQIA+ organisations across Europe to advance intersex human rights. To all intersex people in Scotland: we see you, your lives are valued, and we will continue to fight to ensure your human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled." "Read more in the caption" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logo are in the bottom right.
October 30, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
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.
October 7, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
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.
October 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
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""
October 9, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
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.
October 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy
lgbtiscotland.bsky.social
Please read the full statement on Scottish Trans' website and use the template to write to your MP, to ensure that the proposed EHRC Code of Practice is subject to a full democratic process. 🏳️‍⚧️ www.scottishtrans.org/scottish-tra...
scottishtrans.bsky.social Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · Sep 1
Today, along with over 80 partner organisations, we are writing to MPs across the UK calling for robust Parliamentary scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) forthcoming Code of Practice. Read the full statement on our website:

www.scottishtrans.org/scottish-tra...
Today, along with over 80 partner organisations, we are writing to MPs across the UK, calling for robust Parliamentary scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) forthcoming Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations. "Any change to law or policy that risks the human rights of any group should be subject to full Parliamentary oversight. ... Anything less would represent a serious failure of parliamentary duty." What can you do? Write to your MP! Together, we have created a template letter that you can use to express your personal concerns and asking them to push for proper scrutiny of the Code. It is incredibly important that MPs hear from their constituents that are directly affected, so they can advocate on your behalf. Please personalise your letter as much as you can - it helps to ensure that your concerns are heard and felt. Link to the template on our website!
September 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM