News In Focus

Transgender advice seminar breaks new ground

11 October 2012

The first seminar for lawyers in Scotland on advising transgender clients takes place tomorrow, Friday, 12 October.

Organised by the Scottish Transgender Alliance, with support from the Law Society of Scotland, the event will feature a range of notable speakers including Professor Kenneth Norrie, University of Strathclyde; Lynn Welsh, Head of Legal, Equality & Human Rights Commission; and Neil Stevenson, Director of Representation and Professional Support at the Law Society of Scotland.

James Morton, Scottish Transgender Alliance Co-ordinator will chair the event, which will be held at Edinburgh University Law School’s Centre for Professional Legal Studies, from 9.30am to 1pm.

Nathan Gale from Equality Network, said: “There are particular legal issues that trans people need advice about, but more importantly they want to feel confident that they will receive a trans friendly service, whatever their legal issue, and not face further discrimination when trying to access legal advice. It will be helpful for all practitioners to be trans inclusive and the seminar aims to give an overview of gender identity and gender reassignment equality and human rights protections, and current discrimination situations most commonly faced by trans people in Scotland.”

Speakers will lead discussions on a number of topics, such as securing the rights of trans people to appropriate healthcare; improving trans inclusion in legal service provision; and identifying strategic cases.

Mr Stevenson said: “We’re very pleased to support the first seminar of this kind in Scotland. In addition to looking at specific legal issues that trans people can face, the event will also provide an opportunity for the Scottish Transgender Alliance to make direct links with solicitors who have enhanced awareness of legal issues affecting trans people and can provide the advice they need.”