LGBT+ History Month: The reality of being out and proud in Scotland
A trans woman is telling us about their experience of being open about themselves
Last updated 18th Feb 2022
A trans woman is telling us about their experience of expressing themselves after fleeing India because they were rejected by their family.
Lorelai is a student at Glasgow University and has been speaking to Forth 1 as part of LGBT+ History Month.
She claims that she faces casual transphobia and misogynistic abuse whenever she steps out the house.
"I remember going to a popular LGBT+ nightclub in Glasgow and I was wearing a sleeveless dress and make-up.
"There was a queue of men at the door just staring at me and it was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life."
"I am scared for my life"
Lorelai has also been followed home by a number of men after a night out and feels they have to get taxis everywhere when it gets dark.
"The one time I did try to walk home myself I was followed by 4 or 5 men and I had to change my route several times just to get through the door safely.
"I am scared for my life at times."
"I am being punished for who I am"
The law student also struggles to find a suitable toilet when out in public because of the lack of gender neutral facilities available.
"I don't like using women's toilets on my own even if I am presenting myself as feminine because there are times when I get stares and comments.
"It feels like I am being punished for who I am.
"If I am hanging out with my girlfriends then I ask them to come to the toilet with me.
"However, there are times when I am forced to use male toilets which is a risky environment."
"There are people like me who I can call my family"
Lorelai wants to see more gender neutral toilets opening across the country because at the minute she has to use an app to find the nearest one when she is out and about.
Despite sometimes being the victim of transphobia, Lorelai feels Glasgow is somewhere she feels comfortable most of the time.
She added: "By joining the LGBT society at university I was able to make a lot of friends and I have a sense of community here.
"This makes me say with pride that Glasgow is a home for me because there are people like me who I can call my family.
"That is definitely one of the most beautiful aspects of being in Scotland."