New data on mortality by sexual orientation makes sobering reading
New data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) looks for the first time at mortality analysed by sexual orientation and makes sobering reading. As we’ve long suspected lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB+) people are more likely to take their own lives or die through alcohol or drug use. Suicide is the second most common cause of death for all LGB+ people, especially for younger LGB+ people. The figures also showed that the risk of dying from drug poisoning was 2.8 times higher for LGB+ people than those identifying as straight, and 1.8 times higher from alcohol-related causes. It’s always
Joint statement: Calling on MPs to scrutinise the EHRC Code of Practice
Today, along with over 80 partner organisations, we are writing to MPs across the UK calling for robust Parliamentary scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) forthcoming Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations. Joint letter from trans+/LGBTQ+ orgs If Bridget Phillipson, Minister for Women and Equalities, does not make provision for a debate, this new Code — a likely bathroom ban — will come into effect automatically, without any democratic debate or a vote in Parliament, 40 days after she publishes it. This is despite the fact that it could mark one of the most significant
An Open Letter to our Communities following recent Meta updates
We are proud to stand alongside the LGBT+ Consortium and our peer organisations with the following Open Letter to our LGBTQ+ communities, in light of recent changes to Meta’s social media policies. You can read the full letter here.
Farewell and thank you to Toni, our Antidote Manager
Today we bid a sad but fond farewell to Toni, our Antidote drug and alcohol service manager who is retiring. Toni was a volunteer with Project LSD, an LGBTQ+ drug and alcohol service that was set up in the 1990s. In 2002 it merged with LGB Alcohol Project and expanded to form Antidote. Toni joined Antidote as a trainee counsellor, later becoming our first full-time drug and alcohol worker, and then in 2007 took over as Antidote Manager. Toni’s many achievements include developing Antidote’s first response to the emerging issues of chemsex in the late 2000s as newer drugs changed
The HIV and Sexual Health Manifesto for the General Election
We’re standing with over 20 charities to urge the next Government to deliver on historic goal of zero HIV cases by 2030. With just five years until 2030, our joint manifesto One Parliament Left, sets out the urgent actions Parliament must take to achieve this commitment. We can end new HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030 and ensure everyone living with HIV can live a long, healthy life. We could even be the first country in the world to do so. But there are less than 6 weeks until polls open and the UK elects the parliament that will
London Friend welcomes Mubeen Ahmed as its new Chair
This week marked Matt Horwood’s last day as Chair of the Board of Trustees for London Friend. Mubeen Ahmed, who joined the board in 2023, was this week voted by Matt and the wider board as our new Chair. Matt has provided pivotal support since joining the board in 2018 and stepping up as Chair in 2021. This has included him leading the recruitment of a brand new board, helping to steer the development of London Friend’s new brand identity and working to bolster our communications efforts in particular when we celebrated our 50th birthday in 2022. Matt said: “Being
