LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA and Mental Health
Mental health problems can affect any of us, but they’re more common among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+).
This may be linked to LGBTQIA+ people’s experience of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality. Other things, such as their age, religion, where they live, and their ethnicity can add extra complications to an already difficult situation.
What does LGBTQIA stand for?
+ Lesbian
A woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women
+ Gay
A man who is sexually and romantically attracted to other men; can also refer to any person attracted to the same gender.
+ Bisexual
A person who is sexually or romantically attracted to both men and women, or to more than one sex or gender.
+ Transgender
Transgender describes a person whose gender identity (their internal sense of self) differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This can include identifying as a man, a woman, both, or neither (non-binary).
+ Queer or Questionning
In the context of identity, it can be:
- An umbrella term: “Queer” can be a single word to describe a wide range of sexual and gender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
- A rejection of norms: For many, identifying as queer means rejecting societal expectations about sexuality and gender.
- A flexible identity: It can be used by people whose identities are fluid, complicated, or don’t fit neatly into other categories.
+ Intersex
Intersex is an umbrella term for people born with sex characteristics, including chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs, and genitalia, that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female. It is a natural variation in human development and is distinct from gender identity. Some intersex traits are apparent at birth, while others may not become noticeable until puberty or later.
+ Asexual
A person who experiences no sexual feelings or desires, or who is not sexually attracted to anyone.
This page provides some information about national, pan Wales, and local support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Local Services
YMCA Swansea – Good Vibes
Good Vibes LGBT Youth Group runs on Tuesday 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Swansea YMCA.
A safe and friendly place for LGBT young people (11 to 25 years old) to hang out and make new friends, in a confidential environment, away from prejudice.
Email: info@ymcaswansea.org.uk
Tel: 01792 652032
LGBTQ+ G.S.A. (Gender & Sexuality Acceptance) Youth Group
LGBTQ+ Youth Group for 11–25-year-olds run by Neath Port Talbot Youth Service.
Tel: 01639 763030
Email: m.doel@npt.gov.uk or k.roberts@npt.gov.uk
YMCA Neath – LGBTQ+ Adult Group
YMCA Neath offers an Adult LGBTQIA+ Group, providing a welcoming space for adults to connect, share experiences and support one another. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, engage in activities or find a supportive community.
Email: info@neathymca.org.uk or sarah.elias@neathymca.org.uk
Swansea MIND LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group
Swansea MIND offer a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, share experiences, and support each other in a relaxed and respectful environment. Whether you want to talk or just listen, everyone is welcome.
Tuesdays 1-2pm
Tel: 01792 642999
Email: admin@swanseamind.org.uk
SwanScene
Swansea’s largest LGBTQI+ Community Platform is a helpful collection of events/groups in the local area. Visit SwanScene Facebook page or email swanscenequeer@gmail.com for more details below.
Queertawe
Intergenerational creative workshops for the queer community of Swansea. Creating safe, inclusive, sober spaces where queer Swansea can celebrate itself and its stories.
Email: queertawe@messupthemess.co.uk
Tel: 01792 824484
LGBT+ Coffee Morning (Free)
An opportunity to get out of the house, meet up with people and make new friends.
Every Wednesday 10:30am – 12:30pm in Swansea.
If you would like further information on the session or would like to attend, please contact: Older Persons Partnerships & Involvement Officer: Rhys Thomas
Tel: 07977 346177
Email: rhys.thomas@swansea.gov.uk
Myriad Programme by Calan DVS
This 8-week recovery and resilience programme has been developed in partnership with LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse and the University of South Wales. They offer a safe space to chat, learn and support each other. To register on the programme, you will need to identify as LGBTQ+ and have left an abusive relationship.
For a chat about the support they offer, or to register your interest, please get in touch by email: myriad@calandvs.org.uk
or phone: 07527 134059
Available to people living in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.
National Helplines
LGBT Cymru Helpline and Counselling Service
The LGBT Cymru Helpline and Counselling Service is a free, professional, and caring service for the LGBT+ community in Wales.
Tel: 0800 917 9996
Switchboard
LGBT+ Switchboard provides information about support groups, contact details for an LGBT-friendly therapist.
Call 0800 0119 100 for more information. Open 10:00-22:00 every day or email hello@switchboard.lgbt
Events
Swansea Pride
Swansea Pride is dedicated to holing an annual LGBTQ+ pride event in Swansea. This site lists the details of upcoming events and ways people can get involved.
NPT Pride
Celebrating Diversity in Neath and Port Talbot. The site provides details on upcoming events.
Contact form can be found on their website.
National Services
Welsh Gender Service
The Welsh Gender Service provides holistic patient-centred care focusing on hormonal, psychological, and social aspects of transition. All patients referred to the Welsh Gender Service must be registered with a General Practitioner (GP) in Wales.
Call Support and Information Line on: 01522 85 77 99
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation provides a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people. They also work with healthcare and other professionals to help make public services more accessible and inclusive for LGBT communities.
Advice, Support, and Information: 0345 3 30 30 30
Email: info@lgbt.foundation
Mermaids
Mermaids is a national charity supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse children, young people (up to their 20th birthday), as well as families and professionals involved in their care.
- Online forums – Youth Forum. Parent’s Forum
- Online Parent/Carer groups: an online space for parents/carers to meet and chat, meeting weekly with a lunchtime and an evening session.
Support Line: 0808 801 0400
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern. Although based in Brighton their Online Support service is available globally.
Their Chat Support Service is for people aged 18 and over
The service is run by LGBTQ affirmative mental health trained volunteers.
Every Monday
3:00pm – 5:00pm (we aim to provide volunteers who are People of Colour)
Every Tuesday
3:00pm – 5:00pm (we aim to provide volunteers who are Trans/Non-binary)
Every Wednesday
3:00pm – 5:00pm (general LGBTQ support)
Rainbow Call Companions
A free telephone befriending service for LGBT+ people who live alone and feel they would benefit from a friendly phone call every week or two.
This is a service specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender plus (LGBT+) people aged over 75 who would like to speak to someone who’s also LGBT+
Freephone: 0800 716543
Umbrella Cymru
Gender and sexual diversity support specialists providing information and support to individuals and professionals.
Email: info@umbrellacymru.co.uk
Tel: 0300 302 3670
Mind – About LGBTIQ+ Mental Health
Gives information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, or questioning (LGBTIQ+)
Stonewall Cymru
Stonewall Cymru offers lots of resources. For more information visit link below.
Supporting Positive Change
Swansea LGBTQ+ Forum
Swansea LGBTQ+ Forum is a partnership group organised by Swansea Council. The group works to increase engagement, share information, and tackle discrimination to promote LGBTQ+ equality.
The Forum meets quarterly and also works together to mark events such as LGBT History Month and Swansea Pride.
LGBTQ+ Dementia Advisory Group
The LGBTQ+ Dementia Advisory Group is a group of individuals who are passionate about improving the lives of all people affected by dementia who identify as LGBTQ+. We believe that the key to successfully effecting positive change is to bring together like-minded people to share ideas, knowledge, and expertise. We want to develop a network of people who will work together to achieve this common goal.
Email: info@lgbtqdementia.org