Sanctuary Stoke
Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire has a large Trans community, however support and social opportunities have previously been limited.
Sanctuary Stoke was set up by The LGBT Network in partnership with Gender Matters & Staffordshire Police to support people who are Transgender in Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire.
The monthly drop-in is held locally at the Students Union Building, College Road at Staffordshire University (Stoke Campus) and has grown into a well established group which aims to provide support, networking opportunities and lifestyle improvements for members.
Sanctuary allows you to meet like minded people socially in a secure, confidential environment. To have your questions answered together with the offer of further support, if it is required.
Sanctuary University meetings are for Trans people who express and dress as Trans; ie Transsexual, Transvestite, and any Transgender individuals.
However new starters can attend their first meeting in whatever dress mode is comfortable
The Students union meetings are held in Boardroom 2 between 6:30pm and 10pm on the third Thursday of every month.
There is a main meeting room with toilets available and a separate room for people who need to change. Tea/Coffee making facilities are available. You can of course bring your own soft drinks.
Due to the success of the group Sanctuary Stoke now offer a Third meeting date every month.
On the 1st Monday of every month the group now meet in The Polari Lounge, 52 Piccadilly Hanley from 6.15pm. This safe, quiet and sociable environment close to the city centre is within walking distance of a local trans friendly bar. The group often take advantage of this by going for a drink together after the meeting.
The Polari Lounge meeting follows a new format following a consultation with the membership in August 2010.
Session 1: 6.15pm-6.45pm Held in the first floor meeting room and only for NEW Trans starters AND for people who identify as "Trans" but prefer NOT to dress.
Session 2: 7.15-9.00pm Held in the first floor meeting room and is ONLY for trans people who do dress and have been invited to attend the session.
Post-Op trans people will always be welcome at the second session.
BOTH sessions are open to both Trans Males and Females.
On the last Monday of every month we will be meeting at Keele Students union, Blueprint. This is a friendly bar within the union which is booked from 6pm till 7.30 the bar opens at 7.30 when there will be a Keele social which we are welcome to attend.
For further information about Sanctuary Stoke, contact The LGBT Network on 01782 266998 or email info@gaystoke.com. If you feel more comfortable it can be arranged for any trans person to speak with our Trans officer directly.
