All of the sexual health services shown on this website are available to the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) community but if you are LGBT or exploring your sexuality you may want to access some specialist information and support. Below are some of the options for you to access information, advice and further support if you identify as LGBT or are exploring your sexuality/gender.

For Young People

In the Hampshire area there are several projects that you can get in touch with, which are specifically designed for young people who are exploring their sexuality or who identify as LGBT.

If you are in Winchester you can access Time Out Youth Project which is supported by the youth service. This is a great place to meet new people and explore your sexuality in a safe environment. For more information contact Kate Hadley.  Confidential mobile:  07966 808961 or email winchester.youth@hants.gov.uk

If you live in Basingstoke or surrounding area you can access Freedom Youth Project. Contact the Youth Worker to find out more on 07881 465666 or answer phone 01256 812474.

If you don’t think that a group environment is the best place for you to explore what it means to be young and gay then you can always contact the Healthy Gay Hampshire (HGH) for free confidential advice and support. HGH can offer telephone support or even arrange to meet you in a safe place to talk through some of the issues and questions you may have. Contact Andrew on 0300 123 9117 or 07785223722. www.healthygayhampshire.com or www.e4d.org.uk.

For LGBT youth services outside Hampshire please contact:

• Southampton -07909 373041 (text only) or call 023 80224224 or http://www.nolimits-southampton.org.uk/ to find out about BreakOut.
• Bournemouth – www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
• Portsmouth – 4U 07931 536973 or email: foryouproject@hotmail.com

Higher Education Institutions (e.g. Universities) and some 6th Form Colleges have LGBT Societies – if you are a student ask about societies at student welfare at your college.

For Men

For men who have sex with men in Hampshire you can access free and confidential support, advice and information from either Healthy Gay Hampshire (HGH) or Inscape. These services can offer sexual health information designed specifically for gay and bisexual men, one to one support around a range of issues including coming out, sexual health and legal issues.

You can access free Hep B jabs, sexual health check ups and HIV testing at local sexual health clinics and if you need some support in accessing these services you can contact one of the above according to the area you live in.
Sexual health clinics offer a free confidential service and will not pass any data about your sexuality or sexual health status to any other parties.

For Women

Inscape has a Female Development Worker. Her role is to provide lesbian and bisexual women with 1:1 support, group work and outreach services to promote health and well-being. This service is open to lesbian & bisexual women from Hampshire and Portsmouth. Please note the services will be only be offered in Portsmouth City  & South East Hampshire locations. For more information call: 023 92 298950 or via the new website www.inscapelgbt.co.uk

Lesbian & bisexual women  in Hampshire can also seek information and advice about any issues related to sexual health and/or sexuality from Healthy Gay Hampshire on 0300 123 9117

All of the sexual health clinics listed on this site offer a free confidential service and will not pass any data about your sexuality or sexual health status to any other parties.

Support for Transgender People

Most people do not question the gender they are born with, however some do. The organisations below are able to offer a range of services to those questioning their gender, to transgender people and to their families and friends.

MIND offers a good range of information for people wanting to find out more about gender dysphoria.

Chrysalis - www.chrysalis-gii.co.uk/ - offers a range of services for transgender community in South Coast area (including Southampton)

Beaumont Society – www.beaumontsociety.org.uk - a national organisation offering help and support for all transgender people

FTM - www.ftm.org.uk – female to male network offering information and support network for female to male transgender and transsexual people

Mermaids – www.mermaids.freeuk.com – offers family support group to children and teenagers with gender  identify issues

Experiencing homophobia

• Homophobia is a resentment or fear of gay and lesbian people. This could be shown as a passive dislike of gay people, or active victimisation.
• Transphobia is a resentment or fear of transgender or transsexual people.
• A Hate Crime is any incident which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

A homophobic hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by the offender’s hate of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. This can include verbal, physical or emotional abuse by an individual or group; but always directed specifically at someone who is—or who is thought to be—lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

If you would like to talk to someone about any issues raised above you can talk in confidence to HGH or Inscape for advice and support. You can also report homophobic hate anonymously online – www.report-it.org.uk

Links

Healthy Gay Hampshire – www.healthygayhampshire.com
Telephone: 0300 123 9117 (Andrew) or 0845 643 9399 (Pete)

Education for Diversity – www.e4d.org.uk
(For young people and professionals who work with them)

Inscape – www.inscapelgbt.co.uk or 023 9229 8950

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