Birmingham LGBT

When asked about their motivations for volunteering with the Birmingham LGBT Centre, most of the volunteers on my training cohort stated that, besides altruistic responsibility, they wanted to meet new people. Having moved back to my hometown in the Midlands and lacking a social life beyond my parents, I too wanted to connect with others like me in my local area. Volunteering with the Centre would enable me to both give back to and gain a community.

When I had first inquired about volunteering with the Centre last December, the coronavirus was something happening elsewhere in the world. Now that we are in the midst of a global pandemic, the Centre has had to adapt its services. I am a member of the first cohort of volunteers whose training has been conducted online over Zoom; a video-telephoning technology, which allows users to host group meetings in which you can see and hear one another. The internet currently marks the limit of our safe social contact. Without a platform like Zoom, we wouldn’t have been able to engage with training.

So it was that in April, sat at home with a laptop, I first met the other volunteers in my training cohort. We appear to one another onscreen in a panel of talking heads; sat variously at kitchen tables and on balconies, in front of band posters and potted plants, with dogs in laps and cats lounged across the back of sofa cushions.

During our first session, we took turns sharing personal details about ourselves: our sexual orientation and gender identity; our relationship to the LGBT community; our motivations for volunteering. In a later session on diversity and inclusion, we discussed whether we had ever had to hide our sexuality and if we had ever been discriminated against or harassed. Without having ever met in person, we have shared our sometimes difficult stories with one another. I have felt safe and at ease to speak openly in these sessions, and I have enjoyed listening to others. I think this speed with which we’ve opened up has been extraordinary.

Unfamiliar situations and new people often make me feel anxious. I have learned to worry about whether or not it is safe for me to disclose that I’m a lesbian, how I can come out to people, and how they might react. I have learned to moderate my posture and the pitch of my voice, like that might provide me with some plausible deniability if I feel the need to disguise my lesbianism. For me, it is a rare experience and one which I do not take for granted to be surrounded and supported by other self-identified LGBT people, where I am able to be myself without reservations. Despite the Centre having closed its doors, volunteer training has provided me with this safe space.

Without having experienced training in person, I wonder whether our quick familiarity and candour among the trainee cohort has been in part facilitated by the video call platform. We are each safely behind our screens; free to turn off our cameras or microphones, to leave the meeting and shut our computers if we want.

But, I cannot deny that I look forward to the day the Centre can reopen as a community centre in the offline world. We all wanted to volunteer so that we could meet new people, and we have, kind of. I still want to meet the people with whom I’ve shared some of my most difficult memories for real, without the pixellated vision of a webcam or the delay of a temperamental internet connection. We’ll be able to complete our training with a tour of the Centre, and maybe we’ll go into the Village afterwards like friends do.

I hope that when we are able to look back on this crisis, we might have a renewed appreciation for face to face social interaction, the irreplaceable value of community spaces, and our responsibilities of mutual care. These are lessons which I will endeavour to remember when I can, at last, fulfil my role as a volunteer.

Hi. I am a Sexual Health Outreach Worker, mainly working with and for South Asian & Middle Eastern men, who may identify as gay, bisexual, or who are unsure how to self-identify.

The men I work with already experience isolation, and the current situation is not helping with this. But I would like to remind you that we are all in this together. We are all doing our bit to help society and consider those who may be more vulnerable than us, by making sure we are: social distancing; shopping sensibly; washing hands properly; staying in touch through the phone, instant messaging and video calling; and refraining from instant ‘hook ups’ and the temptations of party and playing.

In the sexual health and wellbeing one-to-ones I do, as well as in the monthly social support group I run (RANG), I am often reminded of people who are displaced from their own countries, cities, towns, and communities, in relation to religion, faith and culture. They are often unable to use their own language, and find themselves in new surroundings or dwellings which are often not LGBT-friendly, which adds to their exclusion. Some have families who cannot accept their gender expression, identity or sexuality. In the current situation, some people have no choice but to live with their families, and may be experiencing further stress from siblings, parents, or other family members.

But there is hope: more South Asian/ Middle Eastern men, and men in general, are coming to us to talk about their concerns. Group members of RANG feel less isolated and have an opportunity to express themselves in a way that connects them to others.

So, in what ways can we all practice self-care?

Good hygiene – Obviously, washing hands properly is very important, but it’s also helpful to generally try to stick to your usual daily cleansing routine. This includes having a bath/shower, brushing your teeth (before bed encourages a better sleep), and manicuring and looking after your hands and feet.
Eat well – Although it is very tempting to comfort eat (I admit it’s been tough but I have decided to cut our crisps and chocolate for now), try to have a balanced diet where possible. Remember your ‘five a day’ – mine are bananas, especially in banana cake. Stay hydrated – water is best, but try mixing water with some cordial if that helps! And less alcohol, as it can dehydrate, and while it might make you feel good it can often leave you feeling not so good. And it doesn’t count as a five a day!
Exercise – This is something I am struggling with at the moment, but I am trying to do 15 minutes of cardio every other day. Unfortunately for some people, it’s even harder to exercise if you have no garden space and are unable to venture out for your daily one-hour walk. There are lots of videos on YouTube on alternative exercises to try at home. Always make sure you are not over-exerting yourself, and start off gently.
Stay in touch – It’s very easy to stay in touch via instant messaging and social media, but perhaps try video calling (Zoom, Skype, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc), or sending a sound file, writing a letter, or perhaps phoning a friend, neighbour or family member. Most people will be thankful that you have made contact.
Take up a hobby – Personally I have started to read again, and it is probably the most relaxing thing I have done for some time. So, how about reading, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, games (actual and online), knitting, collaging, writing your thoughts, planning for the future, brushing up on that tired CV, potting plants, cooking, and perhaps listening to your favourite music and compiling a playlist for others?
Ask for help – It is very common at the moment for people to be experiencing higher levels of anxiety and stress than usual. So, try to ask friends, neighbours, and family for help if you need it. They may be able to help with food shopping, picking up medicines, or taking time to talk with you. You also may be able to support others too. Just keep in mind social distancing and, where possible, staying at home.
Screen time – This is another one I struggle with, but do try to discipline yourself to limit the amount of time you are spending on your mobile devices, and of course online TV. Have a break every two hours to stretch your legs and make a drink.
Sleep well – At this difficult time, our sleep will likely to be affected. I’m certainly having strange dreams of late, but I realised I was watching far too much TV just before bed. So now I switch off my telly two hours before bed, and so far this is helping. Try to stick to a good sleep routine and this may help.

Thank you for reaching out to us here at Birmingham LGBT. We are here for you.

People ignore their cervical screening letter invitation for many reasons; a worry of how long the screening may take, a fear of judgement from the nurse doing the screening, but for many it can be the fear of the unknown. We know that Lesbian and Bisexual Women in particular are up to 10 times less likely to have had a cervical screening test in the past 3 years than heterosexual women. This of course puts this group of women in a higher risk categories for certain types of HPV-Due to not getting their screening done.

I want to ease any worries that you may have around screening with this blog and hopefully encourage more people with a cervix to have their cervical screening.

What is Cervical Screening?

A cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a free health test available through the NHS as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme. During the test, a nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix using a small, soft brush. This is sent to the lab to test for high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and any cervical cell changes. A cervical screening is not a test for cancer.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human Papillomavirus is the name of a common virus that can infect the skin and any moist membrane such as the cervix, lining of the mouth and throat, the vagina, vulva and anus. Around 8 in 10 men and women will get HPV at some point in their lives but in most cases the immune system will get rid of it without causing any problems. HPV is usually spread through skin to skin contact which could include vaginal, oral and anal sex. Although rarer, HPV can also be passed on through sharing sex toys and touching in the genital area.

Who should have a Cervical Screening?

Anyone who has a cervix should have a cervical screening. However, you may not receive an automatic invitation from the screening programme if you are transgender or non-binary and registered as male with your GP but have a cervix. In the UK you will be automatically invited by your GP for cervical screening if you are registered as female with your GP and you are between the ages of 25-64.

How often should you have a Cervical Screening?

People aged 25 to 49 should have a screening every 3 years. People aged between 50 to 64 should have a cervical screening every 5 years. Screening stops at the age of 64 as it is highly unlikely that people over the age of 64 who have been regularly screened will go on to develop the disease. This is because it is estimated that it takes between 10 and 20 years for HPV infection to develop into abnormal cervical cells. However, any person aged over 64 who has never had a screening or hasn’t had one since they were 50 are entitled to be screened.

What will happen during your Cervical Screening Appointment?

Your whole appointment should last between 10-15 minutes including discussion with the nurse taking your sample. The discussion should include the nurse explaining the process of a cervical screening. If you are comfortable to do so, you may want to discuss speculum sizes with the nurse. A speculum is the plastic (sometimes metal) cylinder that is placed into the vagina. There are different size speculums available. Some sizes may not be suitable if you have not had penetrative vaginal sex before but the nurse will be able to discuss this with you. Smaller speculum sizes may also be used for anyone with vaginismus or anyone who has experienced sexual/physical based trauma. Vaginismus is a condition where the vaginal muscles tighten up on their own if penetration is attempted. Vaginismus can be distressing, but it can be treated.

When you are ready, the nurse will gently insert a new, clean speculum into your vagina. A small amount of water-based lube may be used to make it more comfortable. The speculum is sometimes the part that people may find uncomfortable but always remember that you are in control of the screening and can ask the nurse to stop at any time.

Once the speculum is inside the vagina, it will slowly be opened so that the nurse can see your cervix. Using a small, soft brush the nurse will take a small sample of cells from your cervix. The cell samples will then be put into a plastic container (vial) in order to preserve the cells so they can be sent to a lab for testing. The nurse will then gently close and remove the speculum and give you a private space to get dressed again. When you are ready, the nurse will explain how and when you should get your results.

What happens after your cervical screening appointment?

After the appointment, most people can continue as normal. Some may have some light bleeding (spotting) for a day after. Your cervical screening results should arrive by post within 2 weeks.

If you do have any more questions about cervical screening or you wish to have further support, you can contact the sexual health team on 0121 643 0821 or email sexualhealth@blgbt.org with your enquiry. Alternatively, we also have a Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Worker and Trans Sexual Health Outreach Worker who are both able to work on a 1-1 basis with you to discuss any concerns you may have around screening.

A Birmingham charity that supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT people has won a prestigious national award.

Birmingham LGBT has beaten more than 350 organisations from all over the UK to be one of the eight winners of the 2018 GSK IMPACT Awards, a national award that recognises charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. The charity will receive £30,000 in funding as part of its prize, as well as expert support and development from The King’s Fund.

Birmingham LGBT runs a wide range of services to support LGBT people, who have higher rates of mental anxiety, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviour compared to the general population. Last year its Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham city centre had more than 7,000 visits, more than half of which were for its sexual health services. It has a particular focus on targeting sections of the LGBT community who might not otherwise access services, including LGBT refugees, homeless people and older people who are isolated or victims of domestic violence.

The charity has a good record of working with other charities and health providers, and has been invited by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust to be one of the partners for Umbrella, the UK’s largest sexual health contract. It also builds leaders within the LGBT community through its Leadership Academy, which is open to people who are LGBT or running services for LGBT people.

Katie Pinnock, Director of UK and Ireland Charitable Partnerships at GSK, said: ‘Given that LGBT people have higher rates of mental health problems and can sometimes find it harder to access health services, Birmingham LGBT is doing much-needed work in offering a wide range of support for this community.

‘The judging panel was particularly impressed by the great efforts Birmingham LGBT has made to support some of the most marginalised LBGT communities, and this has helped maximise its impact.’

Steph Keeble, Director of Birmingham LGBT, said: ‘We are delighted to have won this award, as it is fantastic recognition of the work we have done in supporting LGBT people in Birmingham. In particular, it is great that the judges have highlighted our work in supporting some of the most vulnerable people, in particular, as this is a key focus for us.

‘We are also excited about the potential of the award to take us to the next level, both in terms of the financial contribution and the leadership development, and so enable us to do even more to support those who rely on our services.’

Developing leaders in the charity sector is an important aim of the GSK IMPACT Awards programme, which has now been running for more than 20 years, and Birmingham LGBT will have access to training and leadership development tailored to its needs. It will also be invited to join the GSK IMPACT Awards Network, a national network of almost 80 award-winning health and wellbeing charities working together to develop their leaders, find new ways of working, and support others.

Birmingham LGBT will receive its prize at a ceremony held at the Science Museum in London in May, along with seven other GSK IMPACT Award winners.

A Birmingham charity that supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT people has won a prestigious national award.

‘The judging panel was particularly impressed by the great efforts Birmingham LGBT has made to support some of the most marginalised LBGT communities, and this has helped maximise its impact.’

Birmingham LGBT will receive its prize at a ceremony held at the Science Museum in London in May, along with seven other GSK IMPACT Award winners.