Online Resource: Inclusive LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Services 

akt's view: 

At akt we believe that all sexual health services should be inclusive of everybody and be a safe space to ensure that you are healthy and practicing safe sex. In this resource there is general sexual health information as well as a list of different LGBTQ+ safe clinics across the country where young people can access sexual health advice and testing kits.  

General overview: 

Signs, symptoms and what to look out for 

Three of the most common sexually transmitted infections for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are HIV, Chlamydia and Syphilis. Below there is a brief overview of the symptoms of these STIs, however this is not an exhaustive list. 

HIV + AIDS	Chlamydia	Syphilis
Flu-like symptoms e.g. fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes	Unusual vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis	Small, painless ulcers around the vagina, penis or anus
Sores around the mouth, anus or genitals	Painful urination	Red, itchy rash on palms of hand or soles of feet
Rapid weight loss	Itching on vagina or penis	White patches in the mouth

NHS statistics show that 1 in 4 of men who have sex with men are unaware of their positive HIV status and research also suggests that those in the LGBTQ+ community have a higher chance of contracting HPV (Human Papillomavirus Virus), which emphasises the importance of regular check-ups and testing with your local sexual health clinic.  

Read more about STI’s, HIV and their symptoms here.

If you are participating in sexual activity under the influence of drugs, please look at our Chemsex resource for some advice and tips to stay safe.  

Regional Clinics:  

If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI or would just like some general advice, you need to get in touch with either your GP or a sexual health clinic. To find your nearest sexual health service use this link and search for the area you are currently in: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health  

At akt we understand that it may be more difficult to access sexual health services when part of the LGBTQ+ community. Below is a list of sexual health clinics that specialise in supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that you receive the correct support. 

If you are homeless and experiencing symptoms of an STI, need advice on contraception, pregnancy or just general sexual health advice, please call 111 as soon as possible. You can also access sexual health clinics in your local area, just call them to arrange an appointment or attend a drop-in session to your local clinic. 

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LGBTQ+ safe clinics and services:  

England 

London: 

• cliniQ at King’s, South London The CliniQ is based at King’s College hospital and is running an in-person service. Appointments are available for people with symptoms, cervical smears, hormone injections and hormone blood tests.  
• Sexual Health London service offers online STI screening for those living in London 
• 56 Dean Street offers sexual health services which are inclusive of trans and non-binary people in London 
• x:talk run Sex Worker Breakfasts every Wednesday which is accessible for current sex workers in London. They offer drop ins providing resources and advice.  
• Positive East offer a comprehensive and holistic range of HIV support and prevention services. 
• Metro Charity is a service that provides free sexual health advice, free condoms and free STI tests. 
• GMI outreach team offers various types of sessions across London, bringing sexual health information, HIV testing, STI screening and condoms and lube to different communities 

North West:

• The LGBT foundation offers online advice and support with sexual health for LGBTQ+ individuals. 
• Axess is a service that offers sexual health advice and run a clinic out of Liverpool. 
• The Northern Sexual Health can be accessed by making an appointment through this link. All facilities in the clinic are gender neutral and is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. 
• Sahir House offers support aimed at LGBTQ+ individuals with any issues or concerns around HIV. This includes testing and general advice. 
• The George House Trust offers support for those living with HIV. There are also online resources that can be accessed. 
• The BHA service allows individuals to contact them for HIV testing and advice for those living with HIV. A referral to them can be made through the online form on their website. 

Yorkshire:

• Yor Sexual Health is offering appointments for those in North Yorkshire and York 
• Leeds Sexual Health offers advice for those in Leeds. This can be through drop-in sessions or there is a live chat option as well.  
• Mesmac offers support for trans and non – binary people through drop-in sessions, support groups and one to one support sessions.
• Conifer Sexual Health offer support in Hull and East Riding. There are also several online resources that can be accessed on their website. 
• The BHA This service allows individuals to contact them for HIV testing and advice for those living with HIV. A referral to them can be made through the online form on their website. North East. 
• Young People's Well Being lists different services in Sunderland and South Tyneside that are available for sexual health advice or testing. 
• The New Croft Sexual Health Service is inclusive of everybody and offers STI and HIV screening by booking an appointment.

East Midlands:

• Trade Sexual Health offers free, confidential health advice, information, services & support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.

West Midlands:

• BLGBT offers free walk-in sessions for LGBTQ+ people to get sexual health advice and testing. There is also a helpline available to speak to someone from the sexual health team. 
• Healthy Sandwell offer sexual health advice and services for people when they have contacted the triage team on their website.

South West:

• Umbrella Health offers support to people regarding STIs, contraception, HIV and sexual abuse/violence. South West.
• Swish offers confidential advice for LGBTQ+ people for those looking for sexual health advice. The website also includes an option to search for services around Somerset. 
• Unity sexual health is a free and confidential service for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.  Devon Sexual Health provide services for both LGBTQ+ individuals and homeless people. 

Common Ambition Bristol offers work with African and Caribbean heritage communities in Bristol to reduce HIV diagnosis, stigma and generally improve sexual health. 

South central + east: 

• Sexual Health Oxfordshire Clinics can be accessed across Oxfordshire by booking a telephone consultation on their website 
• Clinic U at Sexual health Hertfordshire runs clinics specialising in LGBTQ+ sexual health and wellbeing every other week. 
• Brighton sexual health includes links to different sexual health and wellbeing groups for the LGBTQ+ community around Brighton and Hove.  

Scotland 

• Lothian Sexual Health offers STI home testing kits that can be ordered from their website. 
• S-X offer advice and support for men who have sex with men in Scotland.  

Wales 

• 111 Wales offergeneral sexual health advice for a trans and non-binary person through this link.  

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Useful links 

• The NHS provides a general overview of where you can get sexual health advice, depending on the problem you need advice with. 
• Change Grow Live provides advice around Chemsex and how to stay safe. 
• We are corner house provide information around sexual health for trans and non – binary individuals.
• Sex Wise will take you through some general sexual health advice and has the option to search for clinics in your local area.

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Links to other resources on our website: 

Monkeypox resources and guidance 

Sex Work support and advice 

Dating Safely 

Chemsex resource

Accessing healthcare whilst homeless 

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Click for our Chemsex Safety Resource

Harm Reduction and Drug Use Resource