In April, LGBT Foundation conducted a survey of trans people experiences of sexual health services with the support of the MAC AIDS Fund. We receive an amazing 317 complete and eligible responses, making it one of the largest surveys of trans people on sexual health ever conducted. This is significant as there is very little research into the sexual health needs and experiences of trans people in England.

LGBT Foundation will conduct further analysis of the responses we receive however our initial analysis has given us some important information which enables us to make important and much needed recommendations for professionals, commissioners, policy makers, and other stakeholders linked to the provision of sexual health services. You can read our full briefing by clicking here.

Key Findings

· Trans people are accessing sexual health services but many experience barriers and there are indications some lack awareness of risks.

· 14% of respondents said they had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection

· Trans people have diverse but largely poor experiences whilst using sexual health services.

· Staff have low levels of knowledge and competency in relation to the sexual health needs of trans people.

Recommendations

· Trans people should be proactively involved in the design and continuous improvement of sexual health services

· All staff in sexual health services should receive mandatory trans awareness training

· Services should provide, pilot or support trans specific sexual health clinics.

· Services should ensure their processes are gender neutral

· Non-gendered facilities should be available

· Cisnormative language should be removed (e.g. 'a person with a vagina' as opposed to 'a woman')

· Trans inclusion should be made visible

· Services should have equality policies which explicitly include trans people, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and public sector equality duty

· Services should expect to welcome a diverse range of service user, including at targeted clinics