Exhibition puts gender issues in focus

AN “inspirational and vibrant” photographic exhibition celebrating the lives of trans-gender people is coming to Rotherham.

The “Living My Life” exhibition aims to improve wider understanding of the issues and challenges that trans people face.

Eye-catching images of trans men and women will be displayed throughout May in central Rotherham locations. Details of local support groups will also be available.

The exhibition has been organised by the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals' Centre for HIV and Sexual Health in partnership with support group TransBareAll and Sheffield marketing agency diva creative.

The organisers say it showcases a new information pack for people who identify as trans or who are beginning to explore their gender identity.”

The Rotherham part of the tour has been organised by Rotherham's Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Bisexual (LGB&T) Inter Agency Group, which is made up of voluntary, public and private sector agencies, including Rotherham Borough Council.

Inter Agency Co-ordinator Janet Spurling said: "This is a great opportunity for Rotherham to raise awareness about gender identity, to celebrate the lives of trans people by highlighting positive images and experiences, and raise awareness of the resource pack.

“The “Living My Life” booklet provides clear, accurate and sensitive advice and is a positive contribution to the area of gender identity and equality."

The exhibition will open in Rotherham next Wednesday, at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and the RAIN Building.

The exhibition was initially launched in Sheffield in 2011 and has since toured the country.

In Rotherham, the display will run to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17.

The images will be on display in four places in Rotherham during May:

They are Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and the RAIN Building from between May 2 and 15 and NHS Rotherham, Oak House and the Community Health Centre from 16 to 30 May.

Copies of the “Living My Life” booklet can be ordered from CHIV here.

Support with gender issues in Rotherham is available from www.transupport.org.uk and www.rotherham-lgbt.co.uk

Further information can be found on the Rotherham Council's website.

To find information about local and national services for trans people contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

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