Heather Paterson

My column for October's Exposed Magazine 'All Treats, No Tricks' issuu.com/exposed_maga... #LGBTQ #Sheffield #SheffieldIsSuper #SheffEvents #LGBWithTheT 🏳️‍🌈

LGBT+ people face double the risk of depression and suicide, major review finds An international scientific review highlights a higher burden of mental health conditions among sexual minorities and calls for improved healthcare and targeted prevention

I get it less here than the other place, but woke up to a transphobic reply to one of my posts who have earned themselves a one-way ticket to my block list. You can post whatever nonsense you like on your own page (within the law/platform rules) but you don’t get to use mine to promote it.

Smells like 1933... www.advocate.com/news/berlin-...

“Where can I find Sheffield’s queer scene?” 🌈 After 25+ years here, my answer is: everywhere! My blog explores our citywide queer community, why it matters and how newcomers can find their people. medium.com/@heatherpate...

And this is the suit I will be wearing if I ever make an appearance on the BBC...

University Challenge contestants slam BBC’s ‘absurd censoring of Pride pin badges’

In 2022, the government promised to remove the discriminatory requirement for women in same-sex relationships to pay for artificial insemination. Four years later, nothing’s changed. So we’re challenging the NHS’s ‘gay tax’ on IVF: https://goodlaw.social/4x4m

Another excellent article from @natashadevon.bsky.social Thank you for your continued support for Trans 🏳️‍⚧️ people ✊🏼 @heatherpaterson.co.uk @transactualuk.bsky.social @transgenderreport.com @transparentaction.bsky.social tashthinks.substack.com/p/the-tyrann...

We believe that the public has the right to know the consequences of this policy change. So if NHS England won’t publish the full assessment, we will. transactual.org.uk/blog/2026/10...

Not a Culture War: Attacks on Women’s and LGBT Rights Are ‘Central’ to Autocratic Playbook

Writing a Will can feel like something that can wait until tomorrow, but what if tomorrow doesn't come?   October is Free Wills Month and we've partnered with Free Wills to help take some of the pressure off helping you start the process. Head to our website to find out more lgbtfund.org.uk/legacy/

Thanks to the incredible support of Global Butterflies the Trans Campaigning Partnership has been able to fund organisations driving real change. Groups funded in 2026 are @transsolidarity.bsky.social @scottishtrans.bsky.social @transaid.cymru @translucent.org.uk

October Leaders Blog: The work that holds the sector together 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Why funders must invest in charity infrastructure as well as frontline delivery This is part of our monthly series of reflections from Consortium’s Senior Leadership Team.

This blog, written by Consortium’s Head of Partnerships and Development, Heather Paterson, explores why charity infrastructure organisations are essential to a strong voluntary sector. You can read the blog here: www.consortium.lgbt/2026/10/20/o...

Consortium Statement on NHS England’s Update to the Privacy, Dignity and Safety in Hospital Accommodation Guidance Read the statement here: consortium.lgbt/2026/10/16/consortium-statement-on-nhs-englands-update-to-the-privacy-dignity-and-safety-in-hospital-accommodation-guidance

We're looking for two new Trustees to join the Board at Consortium! This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of the LGBT+ voluntary and community sector.

We're particularly keen to hear from: • People with experience of racial inequity • Trans and non-binary people • People connected to one of our member organisations

You don't need previous trustee experience. We value lived experience, passion, collaboration and a commitment to supporting LGBT+ communities just as much as professional expertise.

📍 Remote voluntary role 📅 Apply by 9am on Friday 6th November 2026 Find out more and apply here: consortium.lgbt/job/consortium-trustee

We're delighted to welcome Sadie Pearce to the team as our new LGBT+ Fund Grants Lead! She comes from 8 years working in public sector grant making across a range of programmes focused on areas such as women and girls, climate action, social cohesion, and youth voice.

An interest in social, racial, gender and environmental justice and improving equity in grant making is threaded throughout her work. She's excited to now be working within the LGBTQ+ sector on a participatory, lived experience led fund. @lgbtfunduk.bsky.social

We're delighted to welcome Tara as Consortium's new Trans+ Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator! 🏳️‍⚧️ 1/3

Tara brings over 20 years' experience across equality, inclusion and stakeholder engagement, having worked across the public and third sectors and spent nearly a decade at Stonewall supporting LGBT+ inclusion work. 2/3

She'll be working to strengthen connections across trans and non-binary organisations and communities, supporting collaboration, shared learning and a stronger collective voice. 3/3

Trans+ Connect is a series of free online meet-ups for different areas of the Trans+ community, created by Not A Phase. Join us for Trans+Connect: Beyond Borders Edition, an online peer-support group hosted by Not A Phase, designed for trans+ people of immigrant experience. 1/4

Hosted by Code and Nora, both inspiring advocates with lived experience, this session offers a supportive and understanding space to connect with others on a similar path. 2/4

Whether you're coming out, transitioning, or already transitioned, this group provides a welcoming environment to share stories, ask questions, and find community. 3/4

You can find more information here: eventbrite.com/e/transconnect-beyond-borders-edition-with-coda-nora-tickets-1996657383984?aff=oddtdtcreator 5/5

Thinking about social investment? SSE’s Social Investment Gateway Programme is a free 12-month programme helping charities, social enterprises and co-operatives grow trading income and become closer to investment readiness. Applications close on 12pm, 6 November. Apply: bit.ly/4fUz1U6

Please read “Not Safe to Be Me”. Trans young people have the right to a safe education, in schools where they’re respected and able to be themselves. cool2btrans.co.uk/not-safe-to-...

Joelle was 27. Her family say urgent cancer treatment was delayed because she was trans, resulting in her avoidable death. Please support Trans Legal Clinic’s fight for justice and accountability. Donate if you can, and share. www.translegalclinic.com/justice-for-...

Alexus D'Marco: “I had to fight for my own existence as a Caribbean Black trans woman”

"This new policy is not just a potential violation of trans people's human rights - in some cases, it may even lead to their deaths." www.wearequeeraf.com/it-may-lead-...

Trans-segregation has just been introduced in NHS Hospitals in England. Watch this video to find out more about this cruel and totally unworkable guidance from NHS England. youtu.be/mLg8_AvGd0E #TransLivesMatter #NHS #NHSEngland #Transgender #Trans #TransRightsAreHumanRights

At least 21 trans patients died by suicide while under the care of an NHS gender clinic, our investigation reveals. Subscribe to support our investigative journalism.

French gov We have no cash, we can't afford to repair dilapidated schools Also French gov We can afford riot police, water cannons & tear gas There's difference between having no funds & making poor choices about how to spend funds Personally I'd prioritise funding education over beating kids up

Join me Saturday 30 January at Panke Social, Sheffield, for Anna Kissed Presents: Day Rave! Big tunes and daytime dancing with all proceeds going to the @lgbtfunduk.bsky.social Tickets on sale now at www.outsavvy.com/event/40594/...

I recently spoke on a fringe panel at TUC Congress about what comes next in the fight for trans rights. I was pleased that the congress passed a motion to oppose the EHRC Code of Practice, demonstrating that trade unionists understand that trans rights are a workers’ rights issue too.

Homophobia does not start with a Bullet

The gaping hole in KCSIE

Friday night . . . Smashed it! In my PJs at half six and made myself a *little* snack tray for the evening 😋

Happy #InternationalLesbianDay! 🏳️‍🌈💖 from this proud queer woman to all my fellow femmes, thems, butches, studs, dykes, queers & women-loving-women Today we celebrate our rich history, fierce diversity & unbreakable solidarity. You are seen, valid & loved. 💜👭 ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 #LWithTheT #ILD2026

Big rise in homophobia reports in grassroots football, only small increase in FA charges

The LGBT+ Fund: Youth Joy Fund is now OPEN to applications Head to lgbtfund.org.uk/live-funds/y... to find out more and apply before it closes at Midday on Wednesday 18th November.

Thanks to National Lottery players, @consortium.lgbt has received £300,000 of life-changing funding from @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk to award to organisations and groups supporting LGBT+ youth across England.

This funding is for organisations in England currently supporting LGBT+ young people aged 11-25 to foster youth joy, belonging, and positivity building through projects, trips, and other enriching experiences. Grants can be requested between £5,000 and £25,000 for up to 18 months of delivery.

Football v Homophobia has issued a statement in response to the Football Association’s 2025/26 season Annual Grassroots Behaviour and Discipline Report. For the fourth consecutive year, the report shows a rise in serious case allegations related to sexual orientation. 1/2

There are now more charges and more proven charges for homophobia than for any other type of discrimination at this level. FvH believes more training and investment is needed if the aim of creating “a game for everyone” is to be met. Read the statement and see key stats and data. #FvH2026 🩷⚫️ 2/2

In May of this year, over 80 clinicians, researchers and academics signed an open letter. In August, Medical Director James Palmer finally responded - yet many of the experts’ most significant concerns remain unaddressed or even acknowledged. This is what they said: