Community
Reading and the Thames Valley has a small but active LGBT+ scene with a number of friendly venues and other occasional nights, you can find details of these listed below. As well as other local and national groups and events.
National
Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) hosts the world's largest online forum for the asexual community as well as a large archive of resources and strives to create an open, honest discussion about asexuality among sexual and asexual people alike.
Mermaids is passionate about supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve a happier life in the face of great adversity. We work to raise awareness about gender nonconformity in children and young people amongst professionals and the general public. We campaign for the recognition of gender dysphoria in young people and lobby for improvements in professional services.
We aim to be the go to website for all your pride photos from across the UK and beyond, and the number one website for prints and photo downloads from your local pride event.
We are out and about ‘capturing the experience’ from Pride events all over week in week out.
We are a UK based LGBT+ business who specialise in ‘capturing the experience’ of pride goers and their friends in pictures.
Between us we have a depth of experience in both photography and within the LGBT+ community over many years. We want to share our pride and the pride of others with the broadest possible range of people both in and outside the ‘LGBT+ community’ to help to de-stigmatise what it means to be ‘LGBT+’ and to portray us in the positive light which we actually live in.
We are the largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the UK, running services out of local centres across Great Britain.
The range and availability of services provided at any one centre depends on the needs of the community we serve and the requirements of our funders (usually local authorities and NHS organisations, sometimes voluntary funders).
Our local services fall into three areas: long term condition management; health improvement and clinical services.
In 2011, THEGAYUK.com began life when real life partners Graham and Jake decided to shake up “gay media” in the UK. They started with the simple mantra: “Some magazines talk about the man you should be, other magazines talk about the man you used to be, THEGAYUK talks about the man you are” Our fresh mix of lifestyle articles, provided by a team of diverse writers, makes our online experience the only place to come for Everything Gay in the UK.
Trans Radio UK is the only trans radio station in the UK and probably the world. We are proud to support the whole of the trans community as well as the LGBT spectrum including allies, with the vast majority of our presenters being trans or non-binary and located in UK or around the world. We are a community radio station for the community.
Our organisation has multiple aims, but our main focus is to raise awareness of trans issues and trans lives in order to reduce societal transphobia. We produce literature, attend events, operate social networks and engage with public, private and third sector organisations as both a stakeholder, adviser and trainer. Our ultimate aim is to reduce transphobia, discrimination and hate crime, to promote inclusion, fairness and human rights and to give people an accurate understanding of the issues faced by gender non-conforming people.
South East England
Celebrating the WHOLE spectrum by providing autistic friendly events and activities in the Berkshire area. Including our annual Autistic Pride event in Prospect Park. We also run a family group and offer training. We have plans to offer advocacy on an individual basis in the near future. We provide you with up to date information about autistic lives and are always open to questions, suggestions etc.
The aim of the BGL is to provide opportunities for a non-scene social life for single and partnered gay men living in Berkshire or further afield.
We have a comprehensive calendar of social events open to members and friends who simply want to socialise with other gay men away from the scene.
Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ or are unsure often feel isolated and alone with their sexuality or gender identity. At Breakout Youth, you will find a group of like-minded young people that you can socialise with safely. You’ll also find help with those feelings of isolation or confusion. We run confidential youth groups based in Southampton, Romsey, Basingstoke, Andover, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.
CD/TV aims to provide a safe space for people like that to be themselves, express their feminine or masculine side and mingle with like-minded people and socialise.
We have facilities in the building for you to get changed (including a large well-lit mirror), our team is available to provide style and makeup advice and help you to get the best out of yourself and we’re also available to chat over a cuppa if you need.
The format is fairly open, you are welcome to turn up whenever (but please allow time to get changed back if you want!), we will normally be found in the lounge chatting about a variety of issues and our group leaders will usually try to make sure everyone is engaged in some way.
We often have a guest coming along to provide something to talk about (e.g. makeup advice, skincare, styling etc.), or planning some other social event outside the monthly meetings.
Please note that this event is purely a social event. You are welcome to bring a supportive partner or friend with you if you need.
Chrysalis is a charity based in South Hampshire offering support to Trans+ adults and their significant others. Contact the office from 9am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday for enquiries, advice, telephone support, training, volunteer and supporter enquiries and consultancy.
Club F.O.D organises regular LGBT+ Club nights in Reading which are held at The Blagrave Arms to provide dedicated safe spaces for all members of the LGBT+ spectrum.
The venue already actively welcomes the LGBT+ community and Club F.O.D is working with the venue to bring you dedicated LGBT+ Nights in Reading that also raise money for local LGBT+ Charities and mainstream charities.
Once upon a time, the late Sel Jones used to romanticised that when he retired he would open a bar called Dorothy’s – a bar reminiscent of the traditional gay bar where all were welcome whether they were wearing Jeans, full drag, leather or a crop top, greeted at the door and every aspect of the gay scene would share a great night out. So Club F.O.D – which stands for Friends of Dorothy – not only aims to reclaim a gay community in Reading but is a tribute to Sel in every possible way.
F.O.D is a non-profit event that is organised by a team of volunteers.
As well as our own events, you will also find other LGBT+ events that have been organised in the area. Reading does have a gay community: there really is no place like home!
The Florey clinic provides a free, confidential, integrated sexual health service in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire providing a one stop shop for your sexual health and contraception needs. We won't share any information you give us with anyone outside the clinic without your permission unless we are worried about your safety. Sex is a normal part of most people's lives. Whatever your sexuality or preference we are not here to judge but to help inform your choices and to support you to remain healthy. All services are free and there are no prescription charges.
HP actively promotes education and interest in history, art and culture from across the world both locally and on a National level. So whilst we may not be able to bring an Aztec step pyramid to our audiences, we can exhibit historical items that are linked to such cultures.
History Portal work's to unite people of different culture's, religions, backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations, by using historical artefacts to showcase humanities shared values, achievements and desire to learn.
Welcome! LGBT+ Oxfordshire is a one-stop connection to community and support services for LGBT+ life in Oxfordshire. Within the website are pages for Community, Advice and Resources that link to groups and organisations to help make your life in and around Oxfordshire as welcoming as possible.
We are a society run by and for LGBT+ students. We are an inclusive group - anyone who identifies as a sexual and/or gender minority is welcome to join us, and we welcome allies. Any exclusionism will be taken seriously be the committee and by RUSU, and our number one priority is in creating a safe space for all attendees.
Our vibrant society runs frequent and varied weekly socials, campaigns and coffee hours every Monday and Thursday from 1-2pm, on the main Whiteknights campus (This term we're meeting in Palmer G03 on Monday and G04 on Thursday). It provides students with the opportunity to meet and build relationships with each other, in a relaxed, non-drinking (by this we mean no alcohol!) environment.
Our Oxford and Banbury clinics are sexual health clinics offering a full range of services including genitourinary medicine (GUM) and contraception: testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), all types of contraception including emergency contraception, advice on safer sex, relationships, drug use or other health related issues, and HIV care.
OxFriend is an Oxfordshire-based LGBTQ+ charity providing emotional support and councelling to the LGBTQIA+ community. Listening services are provided by telephone, email, Facebook and instant messaging. Oxford Friend also offers training on LGBTQIA+ issues for professional, educational and other organisations in and around Oxford.
R-Trans is the only support group covering Reading, Berkshire and the surrounding areas for those who seek support and friendship through transitioning.
As Reading’s longest-running Trans inclusive support and social group, we’ve built a trusted rapport with our members based on trust, sensitivity and respect, being a fully inclusive and supportive service.
ReachOUT is the Youth Club in Reading for young people aged 13-18 who are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual or Transgender, or Questionning).
The club is held every Wednesday, in a town-centre location, from 6.45pm to 8.45pm, and provides a safe space for young people to come along, participate in fun activities and events, and meet other young people in a similar situation to themselves. They can also receive support from the volunteers and staff at the club on a range of issues they would like help with.
ReachOUT is really keen to hear from any LGBTQ young people living in the Reading area, so please get in touch!
Support U is a LGBT+ wellbeing centre. They make a lasting difference to people's lives rather than simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems; without fear of discrimination or segregation, and through building self-confidence and offering support and guidance when they need it the most.
The Thames Valley Gay Chorus (TVGC) is a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from around the Thames Valley who enjoy singing. They are based in Reading but perform all around the area. A voluntary group, the Chorus helps develop people with a desire to sing and read music, and enables LGBT people to express themselves through music. Singing has recognised health benefits including respiration, mental health, self-confidence and memory.
For more than 30 years the team at Thames Valley Positive Support has worked hard to make a significant difference to people living with HIV across Berkshire. Originally an amalgamation of several different HIV support groups in the area, TVPS now stands proudly as the only HIV charity in Berkshire. Our work spans prevention, testing and post-diagnosis support.
Based in Overton, Hampshire, TVTVTG is a social and support group for the Transgender community in the Thames & Test Valleys. We hold monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at St. Luke's Hall in Overton from 7.00pm. It is a friendly, safe venue where all diversities within the Transgender community are welcome; this naturally includes their partners and supporters.
A collection of staff and volunteers, run with, and for, young people who need a safe space to explore their feelings and gain a better understanding of themselves. Particularly those (13-19) who are LGBT and for young people who are questioning their sexuality. Friends are also welcomed to their first couple of meetings for support.
The Swindon TG Group is a local Transgender support group that exists in order to provide information and help to those who are either confused about gender or who are simply looking for a safe and friendly environment in which to ‘dress’ regardless of age, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, ethnicity or any other totally irrelevant factor.
Hello and welcome to Transgender Therapy. We are both Therapists with a compassion to provide support in a world where understanding and NHS therapy can sometimes be a challenge.
I'm John and I was born female (transition completed) and this is Lin who was an exceptional partner during my transition and is now my best friend.
Both of us have a personal understanding of what it is like to live with Gender Dysphoria and now combine this with our professional roles as Therapists to create a unique and nation wide service to the Trans community.
Any questions or you feel you need support send a message or write an email and we will be happy to help. :-)
South West England
The Intercom Trust is a community-led lesbian gay bisexual and trans community resource in the South West of England, founded in 1997.
Intercom provides confidential help, support and advocacy around homophobic and transphobic prejudice, crime and discrimination, and the other issues that affect Trans and LGB people in the South West.
Intercom also supports local independent grassroots groups and helps to develop local LGBT communities.
Originally the brainchild of Terry Starr, ShoutOut is an LGBT radio show created by Terry, Mary Milton (an experienced sound recordist) and Andy Shilton (a web developer with a history in radio who pioneered one of the first ever internet radio stations).
Nowadays, ShoutOut boasts a wide and diverse team from all over the South West producing one main show, and a specialist "AfterDark" show that are broadcast on six FM stations as well as four online stations, to an average audience of over 90,000. All our shows are available to download as podcasts via our website and most podcasting services.
A social and support group aimed at trans folk whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes but is not exclusively limited to trans women, trans men and non binary folk.
This can be summed up as IDENTITY not EXPRESSION.
West Midlands
London
Hi there and welcome to Tranz Sista Media. We specialise in affordable photography, videography, video shoots both on location and with green screen either in a Central London Video Studio that we can hire out or we have a portable green, white or black sheet studio that we can bring to you. We have a number of packages and deals that are tailored to suit your needs. We pride ourselves on having the lowest prices we can offer. You will be hard struck to find someone to make music videos and green screen from such low prices for our basic packages.
East of England
TRANSLIVING INTERNATIONAL is an international support group and lifestyle magazine for the cross-dressing and transgender community. Although we are based in Essex, the United Kingdom we do have members and readers all over the world. Our events see both members and non-members travel from all over.