In this section, you will find advice designed to help the LGBTQ+ community.
Although the vast majority of our advice is the same regardless of your sexuality or gender identity we are aware that there are specific areas that affect those within the LGBTQ+ community disproportionately compared to others. These areas are:
- Homelessness, particularly teenagers who may have recently told their family about their sexuality.
- Domestic Abuse/Violence
- Discrimination (for example from your landlord or neighbours)
Homelessness
Those within the LGBTQ+ community can be at risk of homelessness around the time when they tell their family about their sexuality or gender identity. This is particularly true of young people.
If you have been made homeless or are worried that you may be made homeless you can find information about what to do here.
Domestic abuse/violence
If you find yourself homeless as a result of domestic abuse, you may be able to get emergency housing help.
Search here to find specific agencies that can advise you regarding domestic abuse.
Discrimination
Discrimination because of a person’s sexuality or gender identity is against the law, and it can sometimes lead to homelessness. Your landlord should not treat you differently because of your sexuality. Read more about homelessness as a result of discrimination here.
For lots more information and advice take a look at our designated LGBTQ+ housing advice page and our young person’s advice portal.
Further advice
There are many organisations that provide advice to those within the LGBTQ+ community covering many different areas. For advice on other housing issues please see the ‘Get Advice’ link at the top of the page. If you would like to contact other organisations for advice please see some useful links below:
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ADVICE & SUPPORT
Stonewall Cymru
Provides advice for people those within the LGBTQ+ community and also ways that you can get involved in making change happen. This page also includes a search facility to find tailored advice services near you.
Umbrella Cymru
You can request support via a self-referral, and they offer practical advice, counselling, advocacy, advice and guidance, information and signposting. They can also help support you with a deed poll application. They also have a range of support groups which you can join:
- Embrace is their support and social group for parents, carers, guardians, friends and family members of trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people. The group meets online on the last Tuesday of the month. It runs from 7pm until 8:30pm. Register your interest here.
- #FreeToBe is a social and peer support group aimed at LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 11-18 in Wales. Register your interest here.
- #UnderTheUmbrella is a closed Facebook group that shares LGBTQ+ news and information and is a space for people to share and chat with others.
You can text them for support at 07520645700, call their office on 0300 302 3670 (leave a voicemail with your contact details if no-one answers and they will call you back). You can also email support enquiries to [email protected] or general enquiries to [email protected].
Welsh Women’s Aid
If you or a friend are experiencing domestic violence/abuse and would like further information.
Dyn Project
Provides advice and support to heterosexual, gay, bisexual and transgender men who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse.
Trans*form Cymru
A project funded by the Welsh Government supporting trans* young people to understand their rights and to support youth-facing operations to address discrimination.
Trans-Aid Cymru
Trans Aid Cymru aims to help Transgender, Non-Binary and Intersex (TIN) people through mutual aid support. The project is run by TIN people for TIN people, making it inclusive and understanding of the community needs.
They have events such as meetups, meal shares, swimming, gardening and a whole host of other activities. You can find out more about their current projects here.
They also offer grants to help with medication costs, food, bills, transport to counselling etc. You can find out more about the application process and how to apply here or email [email protected].
G(end)er Swap
G(end)er Swap is a UK based LGBTIQ+ clothing outreach organisation and community interest company that supports trans and gender non-conforming individuals to access clothes and community with bespoke pop-ups, LGBTQ style workshops and exhibitions that support trans individuals with style, makeup and wellness resources.
Their website has a wide range of online resources on styling for the season, how to do your hair and makeup, guidance on tucking and safe binding.
You can also join their G(end)er Swap n’ Shop Facebook Clothes Exchange Group (for UK/EU folks only).
LGBT Cymru Helpline
The LGBT+ Cymru Helpline is a service based in Swansea that provides counselling services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Allies & families in Wales. They can offer support with legal services, relationship mediation and counselling, for those that cannot afford private access to counselling in all types of therapies free of charge or £15 per session for those that can afford to make a contribution.
Their helpline operates every Wednesday, between 10am and 3pm. Please leave a voicemail outside of these times, they’re checked regularly, and they aim to have a response for you within 24 hours. Their freephone is 0800 917 9996.
LGBT+ Cymru Helpline & Counselling Service also run GoodVibes in collaboration with YMCA Swansea. GoodVibes is a safe and friendly place for LGBT+ young people and allies, from the ages of 11-25, to hang out and make new friends, in a confidential environment, to be away from prejudice. This project runs every Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm in the YMCA in Swansea.
You can find out more about this project by emailing [email protected]. To find out more you can email [email protected] or call 01792 650777.
Rainbow Bridge
A specialised support service for victims of domestic abuse who are a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+) community. We are run by Victim Support and have been funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Our mission is to support victims of domestic abuse from the LGBTQ+ community; To empower and increase confidence levels of the LGBTQ+ community to access support and Criminal Justice agencies; To raise awareness of the issue and increase referrals for support across the board.
We provide face to face support for victims of domestic abuse that is victim led and individually tailored to meet individual need. We also provide support through Advocacy, Personal and Home Security, Practical Support, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Assistance. For more information and support call 0300 3031 982.
Swansea Bay Regional Equality Council
If you need advice or want to report an incident SBREC can support you with expert and unbiased advice.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
This is a helpline service that you can call to get support and information. Nothing is off limits and everything is completely confidential.
The LGBT Foundation
A national charity that offers a range of support including advice surgeries, counselling services, a befriending scheme, a sexual health programme and a substance-misuse project.
AKT
This homelessness charity can help you by offering housing advice and support if you are currently homeless, are at risk of becoming homeless, or perhaps are living in a hostile or abusive environment.
Constellation
Constellation in a wellbeing project for trans, non-binary and exploring young people aged 12-16 and 17-25 in central Cardiff.
You can find out more by calling 029 20344776 or by emailing [email protected].
Galop has been working with LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence for more than 40 years. Your support means we can be here for those who need us when they need us most. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 0800 999 5428. They are open Monday to Thursday 10:00am – 8:30pm and Friday 10:00am – 4:30pm.
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social or our counselling service. You can text THEMIX to 85258. You can access their “Get support” page here and find out more about the text line here.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Pride Cymru
As well as an annual event celebrating all things LGBTQ+ Pride Cymru runs various projects throughout the year to bring those within the LGBTQ+ community together including a youth conference and regular coffee mornings.
CETMA (Llanelli LGBT)
If you’re looking for community support and connections, this organisation in Llanelli helps LGBTQ+ people interact with their community and challenge perspectives in the media. They run regular events, meet ups, and organise Llanelli LGBTQ+ day.
Glitter Cymru (South Wales)
Glitter Cymru was set up in June 2016 as a monthly meet-up group for people who identify as either: Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority people and/or LGBT+, meaning Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans. It is a Cardiff-based organisation that offers regular zoom meetings and other themed events.
Rainbow Biz (Flintshire)
This social enterprise encourages inclusion and celebrates differences in Flintshire. If you’re looking to connect with your community they run regular community projects, meet ups and events.
Street Football Wales
Promoting social inclusion, this charity exists to improve the lives and opportunities for socially excluded people in Wales using street football.
Bi Cymru
An all-Wales support network for bisexuals and those who think they might be bi. They run local meet ups and workshops but also provide training to organisations.
Unique Transgender Network
UNIQUE Transgender Network is a voluntary group supporting Trans* (transgender) people in North Wales & West Cheshire. They offer face to face and online meetings, you can find out more information about the next meetings here. For more information contact Jenny Anne [email protected]
Impact LGBT+
A 52 week LGBTQ+ youth group (13-21 years old) based in Cardiff. A friendly and safe environment which allows you to become friends with like-minded people, while socialising, playing sports, doing arts & crafts, taking part in workshops and sometimes trips out and residentials. For more information, contact Sarah Lynn at [email protected]
Viva LGBT+
Youth groups and support across Denbighshire, Conwy, Flintshire, Angelesey and Wrexham for young people aged 11 to 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning. To find out more you can call 01745 357941 or email [email protected].
FOR ORGANISATIONS
Tai Pawb
Promoting equality and social justice in housing in Wales, Tai Pawb offers support to organisations through various training programs to help embed equality into practices, policies and culture.
Welsh Refugee Council
Deliver support services, as well as education and training to asylum seekers, refugees, volunteers and organisations.
Tŷ Pride
Tŷ Pride is a specialist LGBTQ+ project, staffed 24 hours a day, supporting LGBTQ+ young people in the community who were experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. For more information and how to refer you can find out more here.
