Our Youth Commission on Trans Rights is recruiting!
The trans (including non-binary) rights youth commission are looking for young people to join us as we campaign to improve trans healthcare in Scotland.
Our mission is to advocate for accessible and fit for purpose systems of healthcare designed by and for trans people, including non-binary people. Ultimately with the goal of improving their quality of life, ensuring a safe, equal, and adequate level of care, and inspiring trans people to fight for their own autonomy.
Our objectives are to:
- Campaign for fit-for-purpose trans health care
- Improve life for trans people
- Inspire & empower trans people to fight for their own autonomy
If this sounds like something you’d like to be involved in then we’d love you to join us!
Who can join?
The youth commission is open to people who:
- Are trans (including non-binary)
- Are aged 13-25
- Live in Scotland
- Want to take action to improve trans rights
You don’t need any experience to join the youth commission, just a passion for trans rights and a willingness to learn
We particularly welcome new members who are women/ feminine people; BAME people and those with a disability.
What is the Youth Commission?
A youth commission is a group of young people who come together to investigate a specific issue and influence decision makers to make positive changes. They ensure young peoples’ voices are heard on issues that affect their lives. Youth commissions take a co-delivered approach, meaning you will work in partnership with other young people, staff and volunteers to take forward the work of the commission. We recognise that everyone has something to bring and we will work together to share our skills, knowledge and ideas with each other. We will value your expertise as a young trans person and work with you to build your skills and knowledge.
What does it involve?
The youth commission meets roughly once every six weeks for what we call “development days”. At development days we share our ideas, make decisions on how we want to shape our work and develop the skills we need. Currently all youth commission activities are taking place online but if you are ever required to travel any costs and lunch (if required) will be covered for everyone attending.
Outside development days youth commissioners can take forward the work of the commission through various activities, for example through attending meetings and events or delivering workshops (supported by youth workers). The types of activities youth commissions have done before are:
- Residentials
- Peer research
- Met with MSPs
- Run “round tables” with organisations to gain support for trans rights
- Created films and guides on LGBT inclusion
- Contributed to Scottish government consultations
- Developed and delivered training
What will I get out of it?
Youth commissions are an opportunity to have your voice heard and make a difference. They are also a great way to get a taste for activism, get experience in policy and influencing, make new friends, increase your confidence and develop skills
Previous youth commissioners have said:
“Knowing that what I say has an impact on services and can help improve things is so rewarding, as well as hearing feedback from professionals who want to make change and are striving to be inclusive. My confidence to answer questions, share my personal story and improvise around material is now so high and I definitely want to deliver training again.”
“It really built up my confidence and my self-esteem and it gave me the confidence to believe in myself as not just a young person but as an activist.”
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in making a difference, meeting new people, developing confidence and new skills then we want to hear from you. For more information about how you can get involved contact: sarah.anderson@lgbtyouth.org.uk
