LGBTQ+ Student Support Groups
If you identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning your sexual or gender identity, there are a huge range of groups and organisations based in London, and the UK, that can offer you support and advice, as well as enabling you to connect with other young people who identify as LGBTQ+ in a fun and safe space. Below we have captured a list of both support groups available to young people in the UK and support groups offered at each Uni.
London & UK Based Support Groups
London Friend
Looking to make new friends or just meet up with other LGBTQ+ people in a safe and supportive environment? London Friend provides free counselling, social and support groups for those dealing with issues around their sexuality. All groups are run by trained volunteers in King’s Cross. Find out more.
Switchboard
A safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health, and emotional wellbeing. Providing support over the phone, through email and via instant messenger to help inform and empower the LGBTQ+ community. Available from 10am to 11pm. More information.
The Step Out Project
A free and confidential service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered young adults. Located in Bethnal Green, the project offers information, guidance, and support for those questioning their sexual and/or gender identity. They offer both 1-2-1 support with one of their team as well as the opportunity to meet other young people at their regular social and support groups. Find out more.
IMMAN
The UK’s leading LGBTQ+ Muslim charity, offering support for Muslim LGBTQ+ people, their family, and friends. They run an online forum where you can seek help and advised. Located on Mile End Road. More information.
Gendered Intelligence
Groups for trans and gender variant people under 21. They also offer a mentoring scheme for trans students in education. No matter how you identify, the groups are open to you – whether you’re brand new to identifying as trans, still questioning your identity, or if you consider yourself to be post-transition or as having a trans history. The service is free and confidential. Find out more.
Everyone is Gay
An informative and light-hearted American website offering advice to LGBTQ+ youth. A collection of voices gathered from 2010-2018 to give advice and support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/ Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) youth. More information.
Queer Youth Network
The UK’s alliance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other gender/sexual minority young people. Find out more.
University Societies
SOAS LGTBQIA+ Society
A group for all students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or fall anywhere else on the spectrum. They host a wide range of events and activities throughout the academic year. From social events to running political campaigns on LGBTQIA+ issues, the society has a place for everyone. Find out more.
UCL LGBT+ Student’s Network
A network of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and/or asexual students during their time at UCL. Also helps students interested in LGBT+ issues to meet like-minded people and groups in the uni. More info.
City University LGBTQ+ Society
The society of LGBTQ+ students at City. If you in any way identify as LGBTQ+ or are a straight ally, they invite you to join the society. They hold regular socials, campaigns, and educational events. They provide support and a safe space for members to make new friends and hang out with old ones, promote, and represent the views and interests of LGBTQ+ students and are fun and inclusive. Find out more.
Imperial College LGBT+ (IQ)
Imperial’s society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) students. They provide an environment where you can meet other like-minded students, be it for a quiet film night, a night out, a cultural day trip or on tour. They have at least one event per week of the academic year. More information.
LSE Pride Alliance
The Pride Alliance at LSE brings together the gender and sexually diverse community in a way that fosters a great community on campus and protects the rights of gender and sexually diverse people. You can be a casual member or run to be elected on the committee. They have regular socials and educational events. Find out more.
Regent’s Uni LGBT+ Student Society
Regent’s uni has both an LGBT+ Student Society and an Ally Scheme. An “ally” is a term used to describe someone who is supportive of the LGBT+ community – commonly used to refer to a heterosexual person but also encompasses LGBT+ people who want to support each other. More information.
KCL LGBT+ Society
The LGBT+ Society at King’s provides a fun, safe, inclusive and accessible environment for LGBT+ students and their friends to meet, campaign and promote awareness of LGBT+ issues! They host lots of events including club nights, coffee socials, panel discussions, variety shows, health & wellbeing, film nights, day trips, themed events, arts & crafts, and hobby events. Find out more.
UAL: LGBIQIA+ Society
An inclusive community for all people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, as well as anyone questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. Community, activism, and regular social events across all London campuses. More information.
This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you know, or run an organisation or support group for the LGBTQ+ community then feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to add the details here.
For all urbanest residents, remember our buildings have 24/7 on-site teams who are always available for a chat over a cup of tea!