UK Summer camp for 70 Young Transgender People Seeks Funding

Press Release

Date of Issue: Saturday 30 July 2016

Gendered Intelligence, a British non-profit organisation that works with the trans community, will take 70  transgender and gender variant young people aged 11-24 camping in August and is aiming to raise £12,000 through Crowdfunding to make it possible.

In 2010, Gendered Intelligence (GI) took a chance on arranging a short summer camping residential for a handful of young trans people. It was so successful that they have done it every year since.  This year, GI is taking 70 young people camping over two weekends – the biggest number yet and a massive undertaking for the organisation.

The camping trip attempts to solve some of the problems that young trans people face if they want to go away on conventional camping or activity holidays.  As the majority of summer residentials are segregated by gender, they can prove anxiety-provoking for young trans people, especially those who identify as non-binary.

Attending the camping trip can make a massive difference to a young person's life. It's also a chance to learn new skills such as kayaking and raft-building, to go swimming – an activity which is generally unavailable to young trans people – and make new friends.

The camping trip gives young people respite from the challenges that they face in their everyday lives. It can be a huge relief to be able to have fun in a safe environment. Many young trans people feel isolated and vulnerable, typically suffering inequality and discrimination across society.

The response to this year’s camping trip call out was phenomenal – GI received 134 applications, almost double to the number of places available.

"The best thing about GI camping trips is that everyone gets to relax and be themselves. We create our own community, respect and look after each other without having to worry about what the rest of the world thinks" – Jake, camp worker  

“A few years ago one of our young members described the camping trip as 'a little bit of paradise'. This has always stayed me - partly because it's wonderful to know that Gendered Intelligence is providing such valuable experiences, but also because it motivates me and the team who are working hard to make society more trans inclusive. Because at the end of the day, going camping should be fun no doubt, but 'paradise'? It points out to me that everyday life for young trans people is generally difficult. So in the meantime - until we make the world more intelligent about gender - let's go camping” – Jay Stewart, director of Gendered  Intelligence 

"Perhaps the highlight of the year was the Camping Trip.  My son did things that he, and I, did not expect him to do, including swimming - something he used to love but had not felt able to do for some time. He spent quality time with his GI friends and made new friends and it was heart-warming to see them return, the bond between them was touching. My son came home tired, dirty, a little smelly, but most importantly, he came home very happy. “– Parent of a 15 year old trans boy

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Gendered Intelligence’s Crowdfunding Campaign can be found at: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/trans-youth-camping-trip-2016

Research Indicates That:

91% of trans boys and 66% of trans girls experience harassment or bullying at school (EHRC)

72% young trans people self-harm (Youth Chances, 2013)

31% of trans people attempt suicide and 73% experience harassment (Engendered Penalties, 2007)

81% say they avoid some situations in public spaces due to fear (Trans Mental Health Study 2012)

About Gendered Intelligence:

Gendered Intelligence is a CIC, founded in 2008. We work with trans community and all those who impact on trans lives; specialise in supporting young trans people 8-25. Our vision is of a world where people are no longer constrained by narrow perceptions and expectations of gender, and where diverse gender expressions are visible and valued.

We deliver:

Trans Youth  Work

Regular group sessions in London, Bristol and Leeds for young trans people up to the age of 25, residentials, peer support for parents and carers and special projects

Work in Education

Working one to one mentoring with young trans people from across England in their educational settings, workshops and assemblies for students across all educational sectors, staff training, consultation and policy development

Professional Services

Trans Awareness and Inclusion training, consultancy work, policy development and a membership scheme.

Public Events

Presentations, conferences, panel discussions, lectures and workshops.

Press Enquiries

For press enquiries, please contact Jamie Pallas

Email: jamie.pallas@genderedintelligence.co.uk

Phone: 0207 832 5809