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Advice and Counselling Service

Sexuality and gender

Sexuality and gender identity are both important aspects of who we are and how we relate to others. 

Thoughts and feelings around sexuality and gender identity are central pre-occupations during the adolescent/early adult stage of development while we are trying to find a comfortable and authentic sense of 'self'. For some people this is more complicated than others and if this is the case for you, talking to a counsellor in confidence can be helpful. 

Specialist organisations 

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard provides free and confidential support and information to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities throughout the UK. Instant Messaging and email support also offered. 

QM LGBT Society seeks to provide a safe and sociable space for Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Queer and Questioning students at Queen Mary and their allies. Regular socials, film nights, theatre trips, raise money for charity, debates and campaigns that may be of interest.  

Gendered Intelligence offers a mentoring scheme for trans, gender variant and questioning people in education. The service is free and confidential. The idea is to provide one-on-one mentoring with a trans mentor to help trans students who may be struggling with managing gender issues, experiencing some of the challenges of living as a trans person in education or may have existing mental health issues which are exacerbated by being trans.  

CliniQ is ‘a sexual health and well-being service for Trans people, their partners and friends’, based in Soho. 

The Step Out Project is a service in Bethnal Green for LGBT young people under 25. Offers a support and guidance service as well as regular social and support groups.  

Imaan offers support for Muslim LGBT people, their families and friends. Address: 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6SL 

LondonFriend provides counselling and groups. Based in Kings Cross. Call 02078373337 every evening 7.30-10pm 

Elop (East London Out Project) is a holistic lesbian and gay centre based in Walthamstow that offers a range of services to LGBT communities including counselling and young people’s services. 

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays UK - Tel: 0845 652 0311 

The Beaumont Trust is a national charity offering guidance and advice to those with gender identity problems. 

The Gender Trust offers information and support for anyone affected by gender identity issues. 

Pink Therapy is the UK’s largest independent LGBT therapy organisation working with gender and sexual diversity clients. 

GIRES (Gender Identity Research and Education Society) is a good source of information for trans and gender variant students. There is a section about issues affecting young trans people. 

Tranzwiki is a nationwide database of ‘groups campaigning for supporting or assisting Trans and gender non- conforming individuals. 

Albert Kennedy Trust The Albert Kennedy Trust supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans homeless young people in crisis. 

Transunite is a comprehensive resource for people searching for support in the transgender community.

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