Three voices backing the campaign to change the Gender Recognition Act share their stories with CommonSpace

“THE acceptance by the government of my self-declared gender represents an important validation that my truth is my right to determine, and that the foundation of my life as a woman is secure and protected. I am yet to achieve such validation.” 

Members of Orkney ViQueens speak to CommonSpace about how they’re finding their feet in a sport which is as new to them as it is to the archipelago

“I HAVE never done well with team sports, partly because I’m deaf and so I struggle with groups and communication, especially when the people are moving. When I started doing research, I found that the level of support and inclusivity in roller derby meant it didn’t feel overwhelming.”

Youth-led campaign on LGBT mental health calls for improved training for NHS staff

YOUNG PEOPLE have told of discrimination and poor awareness when accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), as a new campaign is launched to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

The campaign, called Mind our Health, has been launched today by LGBT Youth Scotland’s mental health commission, which consists of 10 young people from across Scotland.

LGBT activists are seeking to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender

THE Equality Network and Scottish Trans Alliance are urging the Scottish Parliament to make three key changes to the Gender Recognition Act (2004) to support trans people in Scotland.

The campaign was launched in 2014 by Scottish Trans Alliance, which is the Equality Network project to promote equality and inclusion based on gender identity and gender reassignment.

CommonSpace columnist Caitlin Logan takes a closer look at Tim Farron's voting record and says it's not as simple as it seems

IT HAS been hard to miss the coverage in recent days in which Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron’s views on gay people and same-sex relationships have been questioned.

CommonSpace columnist Caitlin Logan is dreaming of a day when local democracy gets people as pumped up as national referenda

HERE we are on the precipice of great political change, the opportunity before us to exercise our right to tell those in power how we want to be governed, and above all, to recognise that democracy is at its purest and finest when it is closest to the people it affects. Yes, the local council elections are about to take place on 4 May. What else could I be talking about?

Members of Glasgow Roller Derby speak to CommonSpace about how it all began, where they’re headed and what makes this women-led sport so special

"THE first time I saw the league training I was in total awe. This powerful group of women whizzing round on skates, wheels screeching as they stopped, and shooting off in the opposite direction."

Ahead of the 10th anniversary event where she will play her first game outside of training, new member Femme Fatality reflects on her experience of joining the league.

CommonSpace's Caitlin Logan takes a look at this year's LGBT History Month programme

THIS February, a range of activities are on offer around the country to mark LGBT history month.

CommonSpace gives you the rundown of this year’s programme, including film nights, art workshops, poetry readings and even a roller disco.

LGBT History Month has been recognised in Scotland and the rest of the UK every February since 2005. The programme in Scotland is co-ordinated by LGBT Youth Scotland and delivered by a wide partnership of organisations.

The founders of Glasgow’s junior queer roller derby league speak to CommonSpace about stage names, feminism and setting an example

"WE aim to enhance our lives through sweat, solidarity, endorphins, contribution, community, and glitter." These are the inviting words of Resistance Roller Derby Glasgow’s Facebook page, and ones which encapsulate the ethos it is seeking to create with its fledgling league.