A TRANSGENDER woman from Dumbarton has met the town’s MSP to try and put the wheels in motion for a transgender support network in the area.

Melinda Gordon, who was born male, recently shared her experiences with the Reporter of growing up in Dumbarton as transgender – telling how she has previously been driven to the brink of suicide following abuse from the public.

The 27-year-old is campaigning for a group to be set up in Dumbarton and the Vale which can provide advice and a network initially for transgender people in the area.

And she hopes that if the project comes into fruition, it will expand to provide help to the wider LGBT community.

Melinda told the Reporter: “We [Ms Baillie and I] spoke about what was going on and I told her I was trying to set up a support network and trying to make a change.

“I told her about what happened to me in high school. She took the time to listen to me to see what I want from the situation.

“It was very strange because I wasn’t expecting someone like her to agree with me.”

While at the moment it is possible to receive support from the Sandyford clinic in Glasgow, one of the issues Melinda has raised isaccess for transgender people based in Dumbarton and the Vale.

“A lot of people can’t travel,” she continued. “I’m hoping to get the support network set up, maybe to run twice a week with a psychosexual therapist.”

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I was pleased to meet with Melinda and hear her first-hand experience of being transgender, and the negative behaviour that she has been subjected to at school and in the community.

“I look forward to working with Melinda and the other agencies to ensure that support is available to the LGBT and particularly the transgender community in West Dunbartonshire in the future.”

Melinda added: “I’m not forcing anyone to be educated. We’re just human beings. Dumbarton has stayed silent for years.Things definitely need to start changing.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and the West Dunbartonshire HSCP said in a joint statement: “West Dunbartonshire is a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone regardless of their gender and we would again ask her to contact us to discuss how we can help”

Find out more about Melinda’s TransUnited campaign at therealmelindag.wixsite.com/therealmelindag/transunited.