COVID-19 GUIDE
The Essential Guide to LGBT Rights and Covid-19 answers some of the questions you might have during this time of change.
In March 2020, everyone in the UK was asked to change the ways in which we go about our daily activities. New rules about where we can go, when we can leave the house, and who we can see have left many of us wondering about what our rights are in the time of Covid-19.
Who this guide is for? This guide has been developed for all lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people, our supporters, allies, families and friends. Many of us have questions about what we can expect during this time of change. Can we still get the healthcare and support we need? What should happen if we are worried, concerned or in danger? This guide will try and answer these questions. All our experiences and needs are different. This guide has been written to support people to understand the situation and make informed choices that are right for them. If you’d like more information, further support, or to talk to someone about what is right for you, call LGBT Foundation’s helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgbt.foundation
Can I get sexual health testing? Sexual health services are still running but they may be operating differently or open during different times. If you need sexual health support or need a sexual health test, you should contact your local service or check their website for opening times. Many sexual health services are offering telephone appointments. They will only see patients in person when this is absolutely necessary, and you should only go to a service if their staff tell you to. They might send you a testing kit or some medication by post. You can also get a HIV home testing kit by visiting www.freetesting.hiv/. If you are having trouble ordering one, you can call us on 0345 3 30 30 30. Services are prioritising urgent cases, such as:
If you have had a reactive result on a HIV test
If you need PEP because you may have been at risk of HIV
If you have been sexually assaulted
If you are under 16
If you need emergency contraception because you may be at risk of being pregnant.
If any of these things apply to you, you can call your local sexual health service for support and they may ask you to come in for an appointment. Can I get my medication? If you are taking prescribed medications, including HIV anti-retroviral medication, then you should be able to pick these up at your pharmacy like you normally do. If you are shielding and you cannot leave the house you should contact your pharmacy and ask for your medication to be sent to your home. If you are struggling to get your HIV medication, you can contact Pride in Practice on pip@lgbt.foundation or 0345 3 30 30 30. Can I still get PrEP from the Impact Trial or monitoring tests if I’m ordering PrEP myself? If you are on the PrEP Impact Trial you should still be able to get your PrEP. Sexual Health Clinics have changed the way the Impact Trial is delivered. You should check your clinic’s website for information about how to get a PrEP appointment. Most PrEP Impact Trail clinics are not accepting new people on to the trial at the moment. If you are ordering PrEP yourself, you should still be able to get monitoring tests. Visit your clinic’s website for information about how to get an appointment. Many people are choosing to pause taking PrEP if they are not having sex. If you would like to speak to someone about using PrEP, you can email our sexual health team at sexualhealth@lgbt.foundation. They can call you back if you leave your number. Can I get my hormones? If a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) has prescribed you hormones then you should be able to pick these up at your pharmacy like you normally do. You should still be able to get your hormone injections at your GP practice. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Guidelines encourage GPs to continue working as close to normal as possible. Your GP might suggest that you change to a different kind of hormone medication like gel or an injection which doesn’t need to happen as often. If you are shielding and need to have your hormone injection, you can ask for a video consultation with a GP or nurse to teach you how to do your own injections at home. Your GP will be able to prescribe you needles, syringes and a sharps box. You can ask your pharmacy to send these to your home. You might not be able to get your normal blood tests at your GP practice. If you are worried about this, you can contact your GP practice and get a phone or video appointment to talk about it. If you are struggling to get your hormone medication, you can contact Pride in Practice on pip@lgbt.foundation or 0345 3 30 30 30. What about my Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) appointment? Some GICs are offering telephone and video consultations, and many are still taking on new patients. You can find out the most up to date information about GICs by checking the Trans Health UK website or by checking the website of your GIC. Currently, all transition-related surgeries have been postponed. Can I get help if I’m being hurt by someone who I live with? Reports of domestic violence towards LGBT people have increased since the start of Covid-19 restrictions. Everyone has the right to live free from violence. This includes whether it is from partners, family members or other people you live with. You have the right to be free from:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Psychological abuse
Financial abuse
Sexual abuse
Cultural/identity abuse (including abuse for being LGBT)
Even though many services are changing and focusing on Covid-19, help and support is still available. Your right to be safe remains as valid today as it has always been. If you are experiencing or living in fear of domestic violence contact the organisations below:
If you are in immediate danger, call 999