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 two welfare officers who are 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.

University support for trans* students

Trans groups and support in the local area

  • Navigate (formerly FTM Brighton)- 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.
  • Trans Formers - Trans* Youth Group at Allsorts Youth Project. Also offer 1:1 support with one of their Trans Youth Support and Education Workers
  • Clinic T @ SHAC East - Sexual health service for transpeople    
  • The Clare  Project Brighton-based support group for anyone wishing to explore issues around gender identity. 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
  • Pavilions LGBT worker -  provide support to adults in Brighton and Hove who identify as LGBT and would like information and support around substance misuse issues

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
  • Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard - unfortunately no longer provide their own low-cost counselling serice, but maintain a directory of other relevant local services
  • 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