We are a helpline which offers support to trans people including those who are non-binary and questioning who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lifetime. We offer non-judgemental emotional support and signposting to other organisations who may also be able to offer support. We are a confidential service and can be accessed anonymously by phone or web chat.
News
National Refugee Week
National Refugee Week runs from the 20th -26th June, and so we are taking this time to talk about LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers.
LGBTQ refugees often face double marginalisation and challenges, by virtue of their refugee or asylum seeker status, and also due to their LGBTQ identity.
As LGBTQ people and communities, we know that sexual orientation and gender identity do not fit neatly into boxes and do not have checklists of attributes which can be assessed and judged. Each LGBTQ person is unique and does not have the same experiences or interests. However, a watchdog found that a tenth of Home Office interviews included intrusive questions about sexual practices and include questions based on outdated stereotypes of LGBTQ people.
Solidarity with LGBTQ Communities in Orlando
Our thoughts are with the victims and of the mass LGBTQ shooting at Pulse in Orlando and their friends and families. We join others in sending our love and solidarity. Tragedies like this can bring up a lot of emotions for LGBTQ people and the impact can be far reaching. If you need someone to… Continue Reading Solidarity with LGBTQ Communities in Orlando
New LGBTQ Group in Whitehawk
LGBT HIP is working with Whitehawk Inn to set up a brand-new monthly LGBTQ group in Whitehawk!
We had our first meet-up in May and it was great to meet and discuss what people would like from a group. The people who came said they would like an opportunity to get together socially, and have a place to support each other and share experiences.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
What would freedom from homo/bi/transphobia look like to you? We asked people last year and here is what they said…
Vacancies for Four Qualified LGBTQ Counsellors
If you identify as LGBT * and are keen to contribute to our community, we would love for you to volunteer with our LGBT* Affirmative Counselling Service. We offer the chance to be part of a supportive team and receive regular supervision.
We have vacancies for four qualified volunteer counsellors and we are particularly keen to hear from gay male counsellors, and counsellors from BME backgrounds, who are currently under represented on the team.
Continue Reading Vacancies for Four Qualified LGBTQ Counsellors
Training
LGBT Switchboard can provide bespoke LGBT Awareness/ Trans Awareness training for your organisation or group. The training can cover a range of topics including: understanding the impact of stigma and discrimination, creating LGBT safe spaces, implementing the Equality Act and challenging homo/ bi/ transphobia.
Continue Reading Training
A Fond Farewell to Dr Maria Antoniou
After more than a year as the interim Director for LGBT Switchboard, Dr Maria Antoniou will be leaving the charity on the 10th of September, following a handover period with Switchboard Director Natalie Woods who has recently returned from maternity leave. Maria has been involved with the charity for a number of years including holding… Continue Reading A Fond Farewell to Dr Maria Antoniou
Sussex Cricket Ground Hosts LGBTQ Cricket Festival
This month Sussex Cricket Ground held their first ever LGBTQ Cricket Festival.
Teams competed against one another in a fun afternoon of cricket, and while our team might not have won, it was a great afternoon for Switchboard with the raffle raising over £150 for the charity.Continue Reading Sussex Cricket Ground Hosts LGBTQ Cricket Festival
The Breakfast Club
As a charity serving the LGBTQ community, we rely on corporate support to help run our services. The Breakfast Club are a recent addition to our corporate sponsors, and we’ve been grateful for their support to our Older LGBT project at their new cafe in Brighton. The staff we have had contact with have been… Continue Reading The Breakfast Club