LGBTQ+ Information
Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Information page
We are glad you have found us as this section of our Safe Sex Berkshire website which is packed full of information, advice and support for sexual and reproductive health queries related to the LGBTQ+ community. You will find lots of information about safe sex practices, how to reduce risk, as well as how to avoid and test for STIs and HIV. You can also locate pride events near you, your local sexual health clinic and find a directory of useful contacts who will be able to provide you with help, comfort and support.
LGBTQ: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning.
+ : The plus is used to signify all the gender identities and sexual orientations that are not specifically covered by the first 5 letters.
The LGBTQ+ acronym serves an important purpose – not only is it designed to be more inclusive, but it also represents the self-identities of people who are transgender and/or similar gender attracted.
Sexuality encompasses three terms:
1. Sexual orientation, a person’s attraction to the same, opposite or both sexes
2. Sexual identity, how people see themselves
3. Sexual behaviour, what a person does sexually
For more information on what sexuality means visit our Gender Identity page.
It can take time to explore your sexuality and make decisions about what you like and don’t like. Remember your sexuality is unique to you.
Language:
The language used when talking about sexuality is very important, it can really impact people’s wellbeing. No matter how a person thinks of themselves, whether that is gay, straight, lesbian, bi, transgender etc, they deserve to be treated with respect. It might seem like you will never know it all, it changes without you realising, or you might be worried about ‘getting it wrong’. But what is important to remember is language is personal; you’re meaning or use of these words may be different to how other people use them.
Not everyone will be known by the community terms, so the most important thing is to be respectful of someone else’s identity and how they choose to describe themselves.
You can find a list of LGBTQ+ terms here
Information from nhs.uk.
A sexually transmitted infection, often referred to as an STI, is an infection that can be passed from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) regardless of gender or which part of the body you are using to have sex.
Most of the time you get an STI by having sex with a partner who is infected. Some can be caught through skin-to-skin contact, like syphilis, warts, herpes and crabs, whilst others, like chlamydia, are carried by bodily fluids (pre cum, cum, vaginal secretions, pee, blood and saliva). Each STI is different, for more information, visit our ‘STI (sexually transmitted infections)’ page.
STI’s are caught through unprotected genital and oral sex and any close up contact that involves bodily fluid contact.
Having unprotected penetrative sex is the most likely way to pass on a STI. However any one-on-one contact, such as close genital sex, or oral sex using the same hand or sex toys when touching yourself and then your partner, can put you at risk of catching an STI.
Read the information below to learn about how you can protect yourself.
This is when a man’s penis enters a woman’s vagina.
If a condom is not used, there is an increased risk of pregnancy and getting or passing on STIs including:
- chlamydia
- genital herpes
- genital warts
- gonorrhoea
- HIV
- syphilis
Infections can be passed on even if the penis doesn’t fully enter the vagina (think foreplay) or the man doesn’t ejaculate.
Shallow insertion of the penis into the vagina (sometimes called dipping) still carries risks for both partners.
When a man’s penis penetrates (enters) his partner’s anus, male or female. Men and women can choose to have anal sex whether they’re straight or from the LGBTQ+ community.
Anal sex has a higher risk of spreading STIs than many other types of sexual activity. This is because the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged during sexual contact, which makes it more vulnerable to infection.
STIs that can be passed on during anal sex include:
- chlamydia
- genital herpes
- genital warts
- gonorrhoea
- HIV
- syphilis
- LGV (LymphoGranuloma Venereum)
Oral sex involves the mouth or tongue touching the vagina, penis or anus.
There’s a risk of getting or passing on STIs if you’re giving or receiving oral sex. The risk increases if either of you has sores or cuts around the mouth, genitals or anus.
Viruses and bacteria, which may be present in semen, vaginal fluid or blood, can travel more easily into a partner’s body through breaks in the skin.
STIs that can be passed on through oral sex include:
- chlamydia
- herpes (which can cause cold sores around the mouth and on the genitals/anus)
- genital warts
- gonorrhoea
- hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- HIV
- syphilis
The risk of passing on or getting HIV during oral sex is lower than anal or vaginal sex without a condom. However, the risk is increased if there are any cuts, sores or bleeding in or around the mouth, genitals or anus.
Safe sex parcatice!
Use a condom as it acts as a barrier between the mouth and the penis. You can use any kind of condom during oral sex. Make sure it has the CE mark or BSI kite mark, which means the condom meets high safety standards. Avoid oral sex if either person has any cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips or use a dental dam. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane (very thin, soft plastic) square, of about 15cm by 15cm, which you can use to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex. It acts as a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted infections passing from one person to another.
This is when a person inserts one or more fingers into their partner’s vagina or anus. Fingering does not commonly spread STIs but there are still risks.
Cuts or sores on the fingers, no matter how small, increase the risk of passing on or getting an STI.
Some people gradually insert the whole hand into a partner’s vagina or anus, this is called fisting. Not everyone chooses to do this.
Safe sex practice!
The risk of infection is higher if either person has any cuts or broken skin that come into contact with their partner. Lower the risk by wash your hands before and after sex and by wearing surgical/latex gloves.
Sex toys cover a wide range of items, including vibrators and sex dolls. Any object used in sex can be called a sex toy, whether it’s designed for this use or not.
Sharing sex toys has risks, including getting and passing on infections such as chlamydia, syphilis and herpes. If there are any cuts or sores around the vagina, anus or penis and there’s blood, there’s an increased risk of passing on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
For more information on sex activities and risks visit nhs.uk.
Information from nhs.uk.
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had sex, how many partners you’ve had, the gender of your partner, which part of the body you are using to have sex, or your sexual preferences; anyone can get an STI or HIV. Therefore, everyone should get tested regularly to ensure you have a healthy sex life. NHS services are free.
If you have any symptoms of an STI, you are worried you may have an STI, or if you have any concerns, speak to your GP, visit a sexual health or GUM clinic or order a home testing kit through this website.
A survey of gay and bisexual men by Stonewall revealed that 1 in 3 men had never had an HIV test, and 1 in 4 had never been tested for any STI(1).
Gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) should have a check-up at least every 6 months at a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. This is important, as some STIs do not cause any symptoms.
If you have had sex with multiple partners without a condom, or just the once and found that the condom broke, undiagnosed or untreated HIV will continue to attack and weaken your body’s immune system, leaving you at risk of developing serious infections and diseases.
If you’re in any way concerned about your risk, get to know your HIV status by getting a free HIV test, order online through this website for a testing kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment with your local sexual health clinic.
For more information on HIV please visit our ‘About HIV & HIV testing’ page.
Reference:
Sex is a normal part of most people’s lives. Whatever your sexuality or preference clinics are not here to judge but to help inform your choices and to support you to remain healthy.
Florey Clinic
The Florey clinic provides a free, confidential, integrated sexual health service in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire providing a one stop shop for your sexual health and contraception needs.
A specific LGBTQ+ service is provided at the Florey clinic every Monday 4:00 – 6:30pm. A specific MSM service is provided at the Florey clinic every Wednesday 8:00 – 10:00am.
For more information click here.
The Garden Clinic
The Garden Clinic provides a free, confidential, non-judgemental, integrated Sexual Health Service in Slough, Bracknell and Maidenhead.
Testing and treatment of sexual infections (STIs), emergency contraception, HIV testing and treatment and emergency treatment following HIV risk (PEP) are all available.
You can access the Garden Clinic at one of these three locations:
Garden Clinic: Skimped Hill Health Centre
Garden Clinic: St Mark’s Hospital Community Health Clinic
For all other clinics in Berkshire visit are ‘All Clinics’ page.
The LGBTQ+ community can often face many challenges in regard to addiction, mental health, lack of confidence, a fear of discrimination, and more.
45% of trans young people (aged 11-19) and 22% of cis LGBTQ+ 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(1).
Below is a list of contacts who you can reach out to for help, support, and advice.
Also, please visit Minds website for some mental health support tips.
Our dedicated support team provide specialist resources for LGBT people and those affected by LGBT related issues. Our team can assist with concerns ranging from employment to sexual health and homelessness to counselling.
Phone: 0118 321 9111
Switchboard
The LGBTQ+ confidential support helpline via online chat, email, or telephone. A safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. They support people to explore the right options for themselves. They aspire to a society where all LGBTQ+ people are informed and empowered.
Helpline: 0300 330 0630
The LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. They also work with healthcare and other professionals to help make public services more accessible and inclusive for LGBT communities.
Phone: 0345 330 3030
Kooth
Kooth offer free, safe anonymous mental wellbeing support for young people aged 10-25 in Berkshire. You will find helpful articles, personal experiences and discussion boards, you can also chat to a member of the team about pride, sexuality, coming out and more. Join Kooth online here.
Mermaids
Provides a range of helpline services supporting transgender youth (including non-binary and gender diverse), up to and including the age of 25. They also support families and professionals.
Helpline: 0808 801 0400
Supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
Phone: 020 7831 6562
National charity supporting the rights of the LGBT community in the UK through campaigning, lobbying and training. They provide information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.
Phone: 0800 0502020
Home of LGTB+ Youth. Helpful information covering a range of different things such as coming out, faith and religion, and staying safe. You’ll also find stories and experiences from other LGBT+ people.
Phone: 0161 660 3347
Providing support, education and welfare for the Muslim LGBTQ+ community.
A charity offering advice and support for LGBTQ+ Christians.
Volunteer-led group addressing LGBT+ issues from a Sikh perspective.
Support and advice for LGBTQ+ Jews and Jewish community. KeshetUK’s mission is to ensure that Jewish LGBT+ people and their families are included throughout Jewish life in the UK.
Support and resources for the South Asian LGBTQ+ community.
A safe place for LGBTIQ+ people of faith in a hostile context. Fosters relationships among Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic LGBTQ+ people of faith.
020 8555 9222
Whatsapp: 07521130179
Specialist charity for victims and survivors committed to ending Honour Based Abuse in the UK. They have a UK helpline for anyone who is affected by Honour Based Abuse such as child marriage, virginity testing, enforced abortion, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, as well as physical, sexual and economic abuse and coercive control.
Helpline: 0800 5999 247
Mens domestic abuse advice line
Men’s Advice Line is a team of friendly Advisors who will listen and believe you. Our team are available to offer you non-judgmental support, practical advice and information. Our focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of any children) by providing confidential support.
Helpline: 0808 8010327
Galop is the leading LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity. Galop has been working for 33 years to support LGBT victims of abuse, violence and discrimination through a variety of services, including a helpline and as the lead partner of The Domestic Abuse Partnership which is the only specialist multi-agency community response to LGBT Domestic abuse.
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline: 0207 704 2040
Conversion Therapy Helpline: 0800 130 3335
Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS)
Are you, or someone you are close to, newly diagnosed? Don’t panic. We understand this can be a stressful time and with so much information available, it’s hard to know where to begin. That is why we are here. We have all the information you need, giving you a chance to ask the questions you really want to.
East Berkshire: West Berkshire:
01628 603400 01628 603400
Whatsapp: 07853909611 Whatsapp: 07853951836
Find out about our work and HIV in the UK, get free help and order printed materials from our archive.
0808 802 1221
Reference:
- LGBT Foundation: Hidden Figures LGBT Health Inequalities in the UK.