Supporting LGBTQ+ patients through inclusive sexual health care
For Pride Month, our sexual health services in South West are taking practical steps to make sexual health care more inclusive and easier to understand for LGBTQ+ patients. This includes clearer information, visible support in clinics, and outreach that meets people where they are.
Emma Henriksen, a Sexual Health Nurse for the Sexual Health South West London (SHSWL) service, has developed a new set of clinic posters to show that LGBTQ+ communities are central to care, not an afterthought. The posters focus on key sexual health tools such as PrEP, doxyPEP, vaccines and dental dams. They also use colours from different pride flags to reflect a range of identities.
Alongside the posters, clinics are displaying pride flags and reading materials, as well as signposting to trusted organisations such as TransActual and The Love Tank. The aim is to make it easier for patients to find support beyond the clinic.
Emma has already been extending this work online, with social media channels to reach younger people in a space they already use. Content is designed to be clear, direct and welcoming, with a focus on practical sexual health information. Continuing their work as the winner of last year’s ‘Promoting Diversity’ award at the Staff Awards 2025, Emma is also speaking at the 0-19 conference on supporting trans youth.
Emma went on to say: “The aim with this year’s posters is to signal to patients within the community that we deliver culturally informed care and that the LGBTQ+ community are far from an afterthought in the delivery of our services. I didn’t want to produce another generic Happy Pride poster!”
Creative skills have also played a role in the campaign. Emma has used their own illustration work to produce the artwork in a style that connects with younger LGBTQ+ audiences, helping messages feel more relatable.
The work brings together in-clinic visibility, community signposting and digital outreach. It helps ensure LGBTQ+ patients see themselves reflected in services, while also getting clear and practical information to support their health.
