Mermaids

Launched for #TransDayOfVisibility this week, our brand-new Supporting Trans People in the Workplace training module is a great gateway to better supporting trans people at work. All our training modules are suitable for groups of up to 30 people, either virtually or in person. We can also create sessions bespoke to your needs, for any group size. At a time where trans people are facing growing hostility just for being themselves, it’s so important that employers, educators and other professionals stand up for inclusion. So, help us create a world where everyone can be their authentic selves at work and get in touch with our training team today: https://lnkd.in/dmwQ6rWJ #lgbtally #lgbt #transpride #transally #diversityandinclusion #dei

Every child has the right to be who they are and to thrive. Being supported by the adults in their lives, whether parents, teachers or doctors to name a few, is vital. Our training courses will give you confidence to more effectively support trans people in your line of work. Find out more and get in touch via our website: https://lnkd.in/dmwQ6rWJ

This is exactly how we want every person who attends our training to feel afterward: empowered to better support trans children and young people. You can find out more and book onto our training courses on our website: https://lnkd.in/dmwQ6rWJ

"Your identity isn’t limited by what other people tell you." Today, we celebrate trans joy - the friendships, the laughter, the freedom to be you. Bleecker is proud to stand with Mermaids and celebrate the power of visibility. 🏳️⚧️ #TransDayOfVisibility

"This year, for many trans people, visibility may not feel always feel safe or even a priority, but we need everyone, no matter where you live or where you work, to grant trans people acceptance and recognition." Read more from Tammy, our Head of Advocacy and Comms, on why and how more people can step up this #TransDayOfVisibility: https://lnkd.in/eCgkGECE

It is everyone’s responsibility to create a safe and inclusive culture at work, at school, and beyond – all year round, not just on #TransDayOfVisibility. That’s why today we are launching our brand-new training module, Supporting Trans People in the Workplace. This 1.5-hour module will walk you through the unique barriers trans people may face when entering and maintaining employment, as well as recommendations for supporting anyone transitioning at work. It’s a great starting point for any employer who wants to better support trans people at work. Trans young people deserve the freedom and confidence to explore their gender wherever their journey takes them, free from fear, isolation and discrimination. The more supportive workplaces we have, the fewer barriers trans young people will experience when finding employment as a young adult. So, get in touch today and play your part in building a world where every young person can grow up healthy, happy and heard: https://lnkd.in/dmwQ6rWJ

Did you catch our latest blog about the Sullivan Review? The Review was commissioned under the former Conservative Government to review how public bodies collect data on people’s sex and gender. We are calling for the Labour Government to reject this report and its recommendations – read why on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ezF8ssWY From the outright ban on puberty blockers to this review creating even more barriers to accessing healthcare, trans young people are being failed. We demand a future for trans young people where they can access the healthcare they need, without having to wait for years or fear their experiences will be dismissed. Join us today by writing to your MP to demand trans health now: https://lnkd.in/eVP6xmMZ

The Sullivan Review, released yesterday, recommends restricting how sex and gender data is recorded by public bodies, including the NHS. These changes could harm trans and intersex people by reducing privacy, making data less reliable, and preventing young people from updating their NHS gender markers. We are supporting calls from organisations like TransActual and the Feminist Gender Equality Network for the Labour Government to reject these recommendations and work with trans and intersex communities to create inclusive data systems. Instead, this Government should be working with trans and intersex communities themselves, to create systems that enable everyone to be reliably included in data collection, particularly ensuring trans youth can access supportive healthcare and screening services that enable them to grow up happy and healthy. Every person, no matter their gender or their background, has the right to be referred to in a way that allows them to access public services safely and without fear. When we collect data about people’s gender and sex, we need systems that respect how individuals wish to be described, recognising that not everyone’s bodies – both those who are trans and those who are not – fit neatly within a sex or gender binary. We are concerned that, if the Sullivan Review’s recommendations are implemented, public data collection would become less reliable – denying trans people the right to privacy and failing to accurately record the diversity of human sex and gender characteristics. Equally, denying young people the right to change their NHS gender marker would create more barriers for trans youth, who already experience poor health outcomes, to access healthcare services. The recommendations of this review are an attempt by a small group of campaigners to deny the existence of trans and intersex people, not about improving healthcare outcomes for all. Read our full response on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ezF8ssWY

We recently renamed our helpline, a support line. Our Support Line Officer John explains why: "The word ‘help’ makes me think of flashing lights, sirens and a sense of urgency. Some might say it even suggests victimhood. That’s not what we’re about. Mermaids’ support line is a safe space where you can expect a listening, non-judgmental ear. We can give you information and a place to talk, to empower you to make the right choices. We never offer advice or tell you what to do. Some people think you have to be in crisis to call us, but you absolutely don’t. You can just call for a chat or to ask about practical things, like a deed poll to change your name. As a trans person, it’s important to me that we recognise that being trans is not always something you need help with. Being trans is joyful, it is inspiring and sometimes it can also come with challenges. Whatever you are feeling right now, we’re here to listen. Your journey is unique, and our support line will meet you where you’re at. So, if there’s something on your mind, grab a brew, get comfy and reach out. We’re always happy to chat!" Mermaids’ support line is open Monday-Friday, 1pm-8:30pm. You can reach us on 08088010400, or via email or webchat: https://lnkd.in/ew_WBGkV

We’re Mermaids, and we’ve been been supporting trans youth and their families for 30 years. Many young people who contact our support line stay with us for years, finding community and friendship at our groups and events. Some become incredible advocates, speaking truth to power at the United Nations and Parliament. Everyone’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support and empower every step of the way. This special video is dedicated to our incredible community. It’s only thanks to you that we can continue to give space for trans youth and their loved ones to thrive. And a huge thank you to the mer-mazing Chicken Fruit Studio for bringing our support, engagement and advocacy journey to life in this video. 🏳️⚧️