Health and Wellbeing

Sexuality and Gender

University can be a time of self-discovery for many students, often living away from home for the first time. You may start to question your sexuality, inform others of your sexuality or you may be exploring your gender identity. This can be a very daunting experience and can result in feelings of isolation and anxiety.

University of Sussex LGBTQ+ Society

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans* and Queer Society (or LGBTQ+ Society) within the Students’ Union provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students to come together to socialise, provide each other with support and campaign on LGBTQ+ issues. The society has one welfare officer who is available to meet one-to-one if you want someone to talk to confidentially or would like to meet a friendly face before going to a larger event or meeting.

Students Union support for LGBTQ+ students

The Students Union have officers who are elected by students to run the Union, provide services for students and represent them in their dealings with the University. They also are there to campaign on issues affecting students at Sussex. Some of these officers include:

  • LGBTQ+ Students’ Part-time Officers - Liam Pem (he/him) and Milly Slack (she/her), contactable via Instagram, Twitter, and Email.
  • Trans and Non-binary Students’ Part-time Officer - Amelia Jones (she/her), contactable via Instagram, Twitter, and Email.
  • Diversity, Access and Participation Officer - Nehaal Bajwa (they/she), contactable via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Email.
  • Students with Disabilities Part-time Officers - Dany Uyanik (she/they) and Matt Pritchard (he/him), contactable via Instagram and Email.

University support for trans and non-binary students

Trans and non-binary groups and support in the local area

  • Navigate (formerly FTM Brighton) is a group for transgender men, trans masculine people, genderqueer people, non-binary people, those assigned intersex and/or female at birth that fit somewhere else on or off the spectrum or those who are questioning their gender identity. Navigate provide a social space, support, advice and co-ordinate local campaigns relevant to those we support.
  • Allsorts Youth Project offer monthly Trans, Non-Binary & Gender-Exploring Group (ages 16-25) in Brighton and Online. They also offer 1:1 support with one of their LGBT+ Youth Support Workers
  • Clinic T @ SHAC East is a Trans and Non-binary friendly Sexual Health and Contraception service. 
  • The Clare Project is a Brighton-based support group for anyone wishing to explore issues around gender identity. They run a weekly drop-in for information, support and companionship, with a facilitator and a psychotherapist in attendance.                  

LGBTQ+ groups and support in the local area

  • Allsorts youth project based in Brighton to support and empower young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure (LGBTU) or their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
  • Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard was founded in 1975 and has been providing services to the LGBT community in Brighton and beyond ever since. Originally operating as a helpline Switchboard has expanded over the years to include much more
  • MindOut - a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans, and queer people  
  • Clinic M @ SHAC East - Clinic M offers a confidential sexual health service to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men regardless of HIV status
  • Switchboard LGBTQ+ Disability and Neurodiversity Group - a fortnightly peer support group for LGBTQ+ people aged 18+ who are disabled and/or neurodivergent and who live in and around Brighton and Hove
  • BLAGSS (Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society)
  • Trans Can Sport
  • Brighton Queer Book Club on Meetup. 

LGBTQ+ specialised counselling services

  • MindOut counselling service - counselling service run by and for LGBTQ people, based in Brighton. Cost is based on your income and what you can afford.
  • Sussex Rainbow Counselling - LGBTQ counselling with an LGBTQ identified counsellor. Open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender. Based in Brighton and Hove.

Other Services

  • The LGBT Health and Inclusion Project (LGBT HIP) - The LGBT HIP is a project to engage with lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people who live, work, study or socialise in Brighton and Hove on their healthcare and Council service needs, and other city-wide issues in order to influence future provisions. They aim to be the bridge between the local LGBT communities and the Council, NHS and other services

Useful Resources