Becoming herself, proudly: Ellyse’s story
Ellyse* is a 19-year-old transgender woman who has been attending Gender Dive, a social group for queer young people at headspace Edinburgh North, for over three years.
She first joined at age 15 after being encouraged by a headspace worker she was already seeing. At the time, she was looking for connection, understanding, and a place where she could truly be herself.
Reflecting on her first session, Ellyse remembers it clearly.
“My first time at Gender Dive was incredibly fun,” she says. “There were quite a few people there and it was great to meet new faces. It was the first time I got to paint my nails and have my hair braided. I got to be myself there.”
These deeply meaningful milestones helped Ellyse build confidence – not only in her identity, but in her voice.
When Ellyse first joined the group, she had not yet come out to her friends or family. Gender Dive offered something she hadn’t experienced before – a safe, supportive and affirming space where she could explore her identity, experiment with gender expression, and learn about different sexual orientations and how to communicate them, all without fear of judgement.
“It gave me a safe space to be called by my preferred name and pronouns and really solidified how I felt about myself,” Ellyse says. “It also gave me a place to express my sense of style and be myself in how I want to look.”
The group’s peer-support model, where older members help guide and encourage younger participants, helped everyone feel included, valued and seen.
Finding the confidence to come out
Over time, the confidence she developed within Gender Dive extended beyond the group.
Ellyse attended a sports-focused high school and describes her Year 12 cohort as close and supportive. After first coming out to her school counsellor, who responded with care and encouragement, she gradually shared her identity with trusted teachers and classmates.
“My immediate class felt like a very safe environment, and I believed I was ready to tell the rest of them who I truly was. It made things a lot easier and I enjoyed hanging out with my friends as myself.”
Equipped with the knowledge, language, and self-assurance she had gained through Gender Dive, Ellyse became an advocate for inclusivity within her school. She educated classmates and teachers about the LGBTQIA+ community and stepped into leadership roles, earning respect for her openness and resilience.
After graduating, her advocacy continued. She returned to her school as an LGBTQIA+ student advocate, sharing her lived experience and working with educators to help shape policies and practices that better support other LGBTQIA+ students.
Creating inclusive spaces in sport
As a longstanding member of Gender Dive, Ellyse has naturally become a role model within the group. Her warmth and enthusiasm help new members feel welcome and at ease.
Sport has always been a passion for Ellyse, both before and after coming out. But she is also deeply aware of the barriers LGBTQIA+ young people, particularly transgender people, can face in sporting environments.
“Sport is something I have always been passionate about,” Ellyse says. “I know how challenging sports can be for the LGBTQIA+ community, but especially trans people. A lot of us have had no experience with sport, or only bad experiences, especially in school P.E. classes.”
Motivated to create a different experience for others, Ellyse recently played a key role in designing and delivering a Gender Dive event that focused on fun, inclusion, and participation.
“I wanted to share my enjoyment of different sports and games with the rest of Gender Dive, and make something fun that everyone can enjoy and get involved in.”
Her presentation on LGBTQIA+ athletes and ways to engage safely in local sport inspired others and reinforced the importance of representation and inclusive spaces.
The impact of Gender Dive
Gender Dive was established in recognition that young queer and gender-diverse people often struggle to find others they connect with. Many face bullying, family discrimination, and societal prejudice.
The group provides a socially inclusive and safe space where young people can connect, build friendships and strengthen their wellbeing.
Facilitated by multidisciplinary staff at headspace Edinburgh North, Gender Dive focuses on social connection rather than structured therapy. Sessions include opportunities to:
- Learn about sexual orientations and labels.
- Build communication skills.
- Navigate family challenges.
- Develop strategies for responding to bullying or misgendering.
- Celebrate identity and community.
When asked what she would say to a young person who feels hesitant about attending, Ellyse’s answer is wholehearted:
“It’s the best thing to attend. It’s great to have a space outside of school and other crowded places where you can be yourself around other people in the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s very welcoming and a wonderful experience every time I attend.”
Ellyse’s journey is a powerful reminder of why safe, inclusive spaces matter. Through community, affirmation, and opportunity, she has grown into a confident young woman and advocate. We can’t wait to see what else she achieves not just for herself, but for her community.
Interested in participating in a LGBTQIA+ safe space group?
Young people aged 12 to 25 can contact the friendly teams at headspace Edinburgh North or headspace Marion to learn more about their local Gender Dive.
*The name of the young person has been changed for this story.