At King's we are dedicated to uplifting every member of our community to help them achieve their highest potential.
This article was authored by an LGBTQ+ student at King's who offered their insights and advice on accessing support, engaging with LGBTQ+ student groups, and making the most of their experience at King's.
Get involved in King's LGBTQ+ community
Creating a community is a vital part of settling into university life. It can be validating to find people who have had similar life experiences to you. The different KCLSU student groups and networks at King's provide safe spaces to make friends and meet likeminded people.
- King's LGBTQ+ society: A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students and allies. King’s LGBTQ+ organise diverse events from club nights to panels, for students to meet, campaign on behalf of the LGBTQ+ student community, and promote awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.
GKT LGBT society: A society for all healthcare students. GKT LGBT society hosts casual social events based on Guy's Campus.
KCL QTIPOC society: A society representing and supporting the unique needs of Queer, Trans, & Intersex Students of Colour at KCL.
KCL LGBTQ+ network: A collective of students and societies who share the common goal of working towards LGBTQ+ liberation.
Explore community spaces outside of King's
You can also make connections outside of King's to feel integrated into the wider LGBTQ+ community. This can give you a chance to escape the university bubble, especially during stressful times like exams season. There are many LGBTQ+ charities and spaces in London. Here are a few:
- London LGBTQ+ Centre is an intergenerational, LGBTQ+ sober space that organises events, including Queer chat and craft and language exchange groups. The centre runs community events on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open 11:00 - 20:00 Wednesday - Sunday for drop-ins. You can keep up to date by visiting London LGBTQ+ Centre: What's On.
- Dalston Superstore caters to London's diverse LGBTQ+ community with different events, a café, gallery, and club nights. Find out what's happening by visiting Dalston Superstore: What's On.
- The Common Press is a queer intersectional bookshop and café, providing access to titles by authors from a range of marginalised backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ+ events. Keep up with what's happening by visiting The Common Press: Events.
Take care of yourself
To make the most of your time at university, you need to take care of yourself.
Taking care of your physical health
Exercise can help boost your self-esteem, reduce stress and increase your mood. If you are struggling to exercise regularly, here are some services that can support you:
- King's Sport & Wellness offer a range of support for your physical and mental wellbeing. The Wellness Scheme provides free 1-2-1. For more information, please read our article What does King's Sport & Wellness have on offer.
- The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre offers free meditation and exercise classes on a regular basis. You can find more information about classes by visiting their website.
You can also read our article Top tips on managing your physical health while studying for guidance on looking out after yourself and using the NHS to support you.
Taking care of your sexual health
If you are sexually active, it's important to take measures to protect your health. There are specialised LGBTQ+ services available to help you feel more comfortable:
- 56 Dean Street offers a range of services including STI screening, PrEP and HIV services. They also run a clinic for trans and non-binary people every Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:00.
If you'd like to know more about support for your sexual health, please check out our article Where can I get support for my sexual health?
Taking care of your mental health
If you'd like to speak to someone about any issues affecting your mental health or wellbeing, King's offer a range of services to support you. Online guidance is also available 24/7 at King's Health and Wellbeing.
If you’re seeking counselling, you can explore the King’s Counselling & Mental Health Support Service and what it has to offer. We have lots of guidance you can refer to:
Important to know: If you think it might help, you can request an LGBTQ+ counsellor after registering.
Queer Identities
King’s Counselling and Mental Health Support service run a therapy group for queer and questioning people at King’s. Queer Identities is a safe space for students to share their experiences and have therapeutic conversations about identity. Please email the service to express your interest.
External Support services
Alternatively, you can access mental health and wellbeing support outside of King's:
- London Friend is an LGBTQ+ charity that offers low cost counselling and regular socials support groups
- Mind OUT is an LGBTQ+ charity based in Brighton and Hove that offers online services such as peer support groups, online support chats and low-cost counselling.
- Switch board LGBT+ helpline is available between 10:00 and 23:00.