Our practice staff have attended comprehensive training session which has increased our knowledge and awareness to help and support our lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans patients.
The practice will continue to promote acceptance and understanding of the LGBT issues and offer help and support to our patients.
If you would like more information please click on the link below.
The Proud Trust
Is a LGBT youth organisation.
They Provide:
- LBGT youth groups.
- Trans youth group and support.
- One- to – one support.
- Workshops in schools and youth groups.
- Training for adults and young people.
- Links with LGBT youth groups across the UK.
- Black and Asian LGBT youth group.
Please find the link to their website below for further information.
Mind LGBTQ
At Mind, we believe we should all look out for one another’s mental health, especially when we know that some of us suffer higher levels of discrimination and isolation. We also believe it is everyone’s right to have good mental health and every mental health service provider should make sure their services are accessible and inclusive to all.
Please find the link to their website below for further information.
The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKI)
Supports young LGBTQ people (16-25) who are made homeless or living in a hostile environment, by providing appropriate homes through supported lodgings, fostering and other specialist housing schemes.
Imaan
Supports LGBTQI Muslim people, their families and friends to address issues of sexual orientation within Islam.
Gender Identity Clinics in the North
- Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust Gender Identity Service
Porterbrook Clinic, Michael Carlisle Centre, Nether Edge Hospital, 75 Osborne Road, Sheffield S11 9BF
Telephone: 0114 271 6671.
The Sheffield Gender Identity Services website includes information about referrals, clinic opening hours, and links to eligibility criteria and the Porterbrook Clinic.
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Gender Identity Service
Management Suite, 1st floor, The Newsam Centre, Seacroft Hospital, York Road, Leeds LS14 6WB
Telephone: 0113 855 6346
The Leeds clinic’s website covers referrals and commonly used medication.
Cervical Screening for Transgender Men
Should Trans Men Have Cervical Screening?
Trans men (individuals who have changed gender from female to male) who have had a total hysterectomy do not need to have cervical screening tests.
Cervical screening checks the health of cells in the cervix. Detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is available every three years at ages 25 to 49, and every five years at ages 50 to 64.
Trans men who still have a cervix are entitled to have cervical screening. If you are:
- A trans man registered with your GP as female, you will receive invitations for cervical screening between the ages of 25 and 64.
- A trans man registered with your GP as male, you remain eligible for screening but will not receive automatic invitations. You will need to request screening appointments at your GP practice.
Sexual Health for Gay and Bisexual Men
Just like all other men, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men need to know how to protect their health throughout their life. For all men, heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death. However, compared to other men, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are additionally affected by:
- Higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs);
- Tobacco and drug use;
- Depression.
There are many reasons why gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men may have higher rates of HIV and STDs. Some of them are:
- Prevalence of HIV among sexual partners of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men is 40 times that of sexual partners of heterosexual men;
- Receptive anal sex is 18 times more risky for HIV acquisition than receptive vaginal sex;
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men on average have a greater number of lifetime sexual partners.
Other factors that can negatively impact your health and ability to receive appropriate care:
- Homophobia;
- Stigma (negative and usually unfair beliefs);
- Discrimination (unfairly treating a person or group of people differently);
- Lack of access to culturally- and orientation-appropriate medical and support services;
- Heightened concerns about confidentiality;
- Fear of losing your job;
- Fear of talking about your sexual practices or orientation.
These reasons and others may prevent you from seeking testing, prevention and treatment services, and support from friends and family.
Sexual Health Protection and Screening
Using a condom helps protect against HIV and cuts the risk of getting many other STIs.
A survey of gay and bisexual men by Stonewall revealed that one in three men had never had an HIV test, and one in four had never been tested for any STI.
Gay and bisexual men should have a check-up at least every six months at a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. This is important, as with some STIs there are no symptoms.
Click here to visit the NHS Choices page for more information on how to have safe sex.
Find your local sexual health service.
Click here to read an article by Virgin Sexual Health Care on how they are increasing sexual health tests among gay and bisexual men.
Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Women who have sex with other women can pass on or get STIs. Know how to protect yourself. Lesbians and bisexual women are not immune from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it’s important not to be complacent about getting tested for them, according to Ruth Hunt at the charity Stonewall. Sometimes, lesbian and bisexual women are told they don’t need to be tested for STIs. This is not the case. A survey of lesbian and bisexual women by Stonewall revealed half of those who have been screened had an STI. Women can catch STIs such as herpes, genital warts and chlamydia when exchanging bodily fluids. Click here to visit the NHS Choices page for more information on how lesbian and bisexual women can have safe sex.
Mental Health Issues in the LGBT Community
Poor levels of mental health among lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people have often been linked to experiences of homophobic and transphobic discrimination and bullying. Other factors – such as age, religion, where you live or ethnicity – can add extra complications to an already difficult situation.
How Therapy Can Help
It might not be easy, but getting help with issues you may be struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do. Talking with a therapist trained to work with LGBT people may help you deal with issues such as:
- Difficulty accepting your sexual orientation.
- Coping with other people’s reactions.
- Feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria).
- Transitioning.
- Low self-esteem.
- Self-harm.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Depression from long-term effects of bullying and discrimination.
- Hostility or rejection from family, friends or your community.
- Fear of violence in public places.
Read about different types of talking therapy and how they can help.
When should I get help?
Don’t suffer in silence. You should get help as soon as you feel the need. It’s never too late to get help, no matter how big or small your problem might seem. You could benefit from getting help if you:
- Feel tired or lack energy.
- Feel tearful.
- Shut yourself away from people.
- No longer want to do things you usually enjoy.
- Use alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings.
- Harm yourself or have thoughts about self-harming.
- Have thoughts of taking your own life.
If you’re struggling to cope right now, call the Samaritans on 116 123. They offer a safe place for you to talk about whatever’s on your mind at any time.
Who Can Help?
Speak to your GP
Consider talking to your GP. Some doctors may know what help is available locally and can help you decide which treatment is best for you. When discussing your situation, try to be as honest as possible with them so they can find the best type of support for you.