Christmas can be a challenging time for many people within the LGBTQ+ community, and safe spaces are especially crucial during this period
If you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and are looking for support around the festive period, we have provided a quick guide of where you can find it, as well as enjoy a traditional Christmas celebration.
LGBTQ+ Christmas events in Kingston
Kingston LGBTQ+ Forum, a charity for LGBTQ+ people within Kingston, is holding a free LGBTQ+ Christmas Day Virtual Chat on Zoom, December 25 from 3pm to 4.30 pm, where there will be a chance to talk to other LGBTQ+ individuals in Kingston.
The forum is run by unpaid volunteers and is funded by the Kingston community.
Tickets are available here.
LGBTQ+ Christmas events in London
London LGBTQ Centre, a community centre for LGBTQ+ people in Blackfriars, will be hosting a free Christmas Eve Community Dinner on December 24 from 1pm to 6pm, where you can join others in the LGBTQ community to not only celebrate Christmas, but also enjoy a Christmas meal provided by The Food Chain.
Tickets are available here.
LGBTQ+ support helplines to contact during the Christmas period
Switchboard
Switchboard is an LGBTQIA+ run support line, for LGBTQIA+ people, specialising in topics relating to sexuality and gender identity.
Their support line is free and open every day from 10am 10pm.
Helpline: 01273 359042
Email: hello@switchboard.lgbt
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation is a national charity who support LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing.
They currently offer support from LGBTQ+ people, on LGBTQ+ topics, with services that include talking therapy, sexual health support, helpline and email support, domestic abuse and sexual violence support, community safety, recovery support, befriending and peer support and trans advocacy.
Their helpline is not open on Christmas Day, but otherwise will be available from 9am-9pm on weekdays, and 10am-6pm on weekends (excluding other bank holidays and religious festivals).
Helpline: 0345 3 30 30 30
Email: helpline@lgbt.foundation
Mermaids
Mermaids is a charity who support children and young people who identify as transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse. They also provide support for families who are involved in care for these groups.
Their helpline and web-chat that is open from 1pm-8.30pm on weekdays, and will be open until 6pm on Christmas Eve and then will open again at 1pm on 2nd January.
They also offer a text service, run by trained volunteers, that is open 24/7.
Text chat : 85258
Helpline: 08088 010400
Webchat: https://secure.callhandling.co.uk/cc2/WebChat
Email: info@mermaidsuk.org.uk
