GIRES
The Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES) is a UK wide organisation whose purpose is to improve the lives of trans and gender diverse people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender. For many years, the driving force behind GIRES has been Bernard and Terry Reed, two of the founding trustees.
GIRES is a volunteer-operated membership charity that, in collaboration with the other groups in its field, hears, helps, empowers and gives a voice to trans and gender diverse individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender, as well as their families.
GIRES uses evidence from individuals’ lived experiences, combined with scientific research into gender identity development, to educate all those who are able to improve trans and gender diverse individuals’ wellbeing. GIRES contributes to policy development regarding equality and human rights for individuals, especially in healthcare.
GIRES provides training, e-learning and information to public and private sector organisations. GIRES e-Learning programmes assist organisations, friends and families to better understand how to support and work with gender diverse people. Resources on their web site cover education, employment, faith, health, law, research and support.
‘I first got to know GIRES having seen their stand at Sparkle. Subsequently they came to my workplace and delivered several training sessions when I transitioned at work. About 18 months ago GIRES were looking for some new trustees. I applied and am currently the secretary. GIRES is now evolving as new trustees join us and staff are being employed. If you have any questions, then please either contact GIRES using the contact web page or myself via [email protected]
Mary Deans
PRESS FOR CHANGE – http://www.pfc.org.uk/
Campaigns for equality and respect for people who are transsexual, transvestite or transgender. Provides advice and advocacy and a range of information, training and publications to educate the public and help people attain/maintain their civil rights.
FTM NETWORK – http://www.ftm.org.uk/
Providing support for female-to-male transgender and transsexual people.
GENDER TRUST – http://gendertrust.org.uk/
Helpline and other services for people who are transsexual, gender dysphoric or transgender. Volunteer run an information line. Befriending, with a confidential contact system for members. Self-help through a membership society. Information on specialist help, including counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatrists. Newsletter and publications.
MERMAIDS – http://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
Support group for children and young people who have gender identity problems, their parents, carers and professionals. Offers information, support and befriending. Some meetings held in London and provides local contacts elsewhere in the UK. There are now some meetings in the North of England. Meetings are for members only. In contact with an NHS clinic for children with gender identity problems.
BEAUMONT SOCIETY – www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/
National self-help organisation for transgender individuals, their partners and families. Advice and information on all aspects of gender dysphoria and living trans lives. Helpline. Runs social functions. Produces a magazine for members. Provides guest speakers to other organisations. Linked to the Beaumont Trust.
BEAUMONT TRUST – www.beaumont-trust.org.uk
Telephone helpline for anyone dealing with personal gender identity questions and their partners. Referrals to specialist agencies, counsellors and self-help groups. Promotes research into social/psychological aspects of gender diversity.
WOMEN OF THE BEAUMONT SOCIETY (WOBS) – http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/partners/
Telephone advice, support, information and befriending for wives, partners, family and friends of transgender people. Networks with lesbian, gay, bisexual and relationship counselling organisations.
GENDER RECOGNITION PANEL – http://www.grp.gov.uk/
Information, criteria and forms to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
SPARKLE – http://www.sparkle.org.uk/about-us/
Sparkle – the national transgender celebration is the worlds largest transgender event. For the last 10 years we’ve been celebrating with the trans community in July in Manchester, UK.
Over the Sparkle Weekend we celebrate with music and events, and have talks and workshops that are all FREE to attend.