History

Since its creation in 1966, the Beaumont Society has always sought to provide a safe place and positive social network for trans people. However, following the Leeds and Leicester conferences on “TV and TS in modern Society” in the early 1970s, the executive committee realised there was a need for separate, more specialist organisations to advance the causes of trans people and their partners.

This realisation led to the creation of two separate organisations in 1975. The Women of the Beaumont Society (affectionately known as WoBS) and the Beaumont Trust. WoBS initial remit was to provide support and information for the partners of Trans people, whereas the Beaumont Trust would being responsible for providing a caring and supportive response for the more complex issues that trans people face, such as emotional difficulties, transphobia, medical and counselling needs. Recognising the sensitivity of these issues, the leadership team of the Trust was made up of physicians, nurses and Samaritan Helpline volunteers, which remains a key feature of the charity even today.

Since it’s formation, the Beaumont Trust has published several books, numerous leaflets and training presentations which have reached thousands of people affected by the TV/TS phenomenon, either directly or indirectly. Our trustees are respected by organisations, support groups, charities and similar caring groups not just for their work but for also inaugurating and assisting in numerous research projects into trans issues. This mutual respect has led to productive alliances with many of the specialised support groups for trans people that exist in the United Kingdom today.

The Beaumont Trusts deed was revised in 1987 when it became a registered charity. With a current board of 14 trustees, each year the BT responds to numerous personal queries from frightened and isolated individuals who need information, support and guidance. For these people, trying to determine their true identities or even where they fit on the gender spectrum, the Trust is often their first port of call for someone to listen and respond with compassion and training. This initial contact often leads to further calls and the confidence to socialise with other trans people via support groups such as the Beaumont Society.

Although we remain separate organisations , the Trust and the Society still collaborate on projects, such as our most recent publication “Trans in the 21st century”