LGBTQ+ Pride month: health services available

LGBTQ+ health inequalities 

The LGBTQ+ Foundation provides an insight into the health inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ communities in the UK through its Hidden Figures report. Among the findings:

• 23% of LGBT people have at one time witnessed anti-LGBT remarks by healthcare staff.
• 45% of trans young people (aged 11-19) and 22% of cis LGB young people have tried to take their own life. Among the general population the NHS estimates this figure to be 13% for girls and 5% for boys aged 16-24.
• 55% of gay, bisexual and trans men were not active enough to maintain good health, compared to 33% of men in the general population.
• In 2017, 52% of LGBT people reported experiencing depression in the previous year. This includes 67% of trans people and 70% of non-binary people.

There are various London-based LGBTQ+ organisations that provide support including:

• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline: provides information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people—and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity
• London Friend: Provides counselling and support service for LGBT+ communities. Runs a range of support groups and social activities for example for lesbians/bisexual women, for black, asian and BME women, a non-scene men’s group.
• North West London Lesbian and Gay Group: A social activity group established in 1971 who welcome all members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. They meet every Tuesday from 8pm in the upstairs bar.
• Opening Doors London: Provides information and support services to and with older (50+) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across London.
• Galop: London’s LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity. They give advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. 

Specific services for children and young people include:

• Mosaic Youth Service: LGBT youth service operating in the London boroughs of Brent, Westminster and Ealing. For young people aged 13–19.
• Mermaids: Support and information for children and teenagers who are trying to cope with gender identity issues and for their families and carers.
• Albert Kennedy Trust: Organisation focused on the housing needs of LGBTQI young people.

For further information about the support services available, you can visit Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s page about this.

Additionally, Terrance Higgins Trust has information about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and how to maintain good sexual health.