New Year’s resolution idea: do something good for your community. Volunteer with Switchboard and support LGBTQ+ people across Brighton & Hove and Sussex. Induction is at the end of January. Register interest: www.bit.ly/join-switchboard

Now is the time to invest in LGBTQ+ inclusion, not when life feels less busy. Our training links the climate to everyday practice so staff know why this matters and what to do in their role. “It helped me see why we cannot wait.” [email protected] or www.bit.ly/TrainWithPurpose

Our free 30 minute online LGBTQ+ inclusion conversation takes place today at 12.30pm. If you’d like to join us, there is still time to book this morning. Email [email protected], or book your free spot directly here: https://bit.ly/inclusion-training-intro

Hesitation can quietly block LGBTQ+ inclusion. On Mon 15 Dec at 12.30pm we’re hosting From Hesitation to Confidence, a free 30 min online session on simple ways to feel more confident. Email [email protected] or book your free spot: https://bit.ly/inclusion-training-intro

Inclusion works best when it’s shared. On Mon 15 Dec at 12.30pm we’re hosting Inclusion, Done Together, a free 30 min online session on how teams can support each other with LGBTQ+ inclusion. Email [email protected] or book your free spot: https://bit.ly/inclusion-training-intro

Hesitation, not hostility, often gets in the way of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Mon 15 Dec at 12.30pm we’re hosting Creating Confidence, a free 30 min online session for anyone wanting to feel steadier in everyday conversations. Email [email protected] or book https://bit.ly/inclusion-training-intro

Nobody gets inclusion right every time. What matters is how we respond. Our training offers simple ways to apologise, correct and grow together. “I feel less afraid of getting it wrong and more ready to try.” [email protected] or www.bit.ly/TrainWithPurpose

We’re hosting Let’s Talk Inclusion on Mon 15 Dec at 12.30pm, a free 30 minute online conversation about what helps LGBTQ+ inclusion and what gets in the way. If you’d like to join you can email [email protected] or book your free spot directly here: https://bit.ly/inclusion-training-intro

Day 15 of 16 Days of Activism focuses on LGBTQ+ sex workers and violence. Sex workers often face abuse from partners, clients or others, while stigma makes it harder to seek support. If you are in Sussex and need help, email [email protected] or visit www.bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Hesitation can quietly block LGBTQ+ inclusion, even in teams that care. Our training helps staff name and move past their fears so real conversations can happen. “It helped me move from feeling stuck to taking action.” - Contact [email protected] or visit www.bit.ly/TrainWithPurpose

Day 14 of 16 Days of Activism is about trans women and domestic abuse. Trans women face very high rates of violence and identity based abuse. In Sussex and need support? Email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Day 13 of 16 Days of Activism highlights HERSANA, a by-and-for Black femme organisation supporting survivors of gender based violence. If you are LGBTQ+ in Sussex and need support, email [email protected] or visit www.bit.ly/SwitchboardDA and for HERSANA visit www.hersana.org

Day 12 of 16 Days of Activism focuses on neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people & domestic abuse. Sensory needs, routines and communication differences can be used to control or isolate someone. If you are in Sussex & need support, email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Day 11 of 16 Days of Activism challenges myths about domestic abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships, including the idea it only counts if there is physical violence. If you are in Sussex and something feels wrong, email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Day 10 of 16 Days of Activism highlights Cranstoun, who work with people using abusive behaviour and support survivors. If you are LGBTQ+ in Sussex and need support, email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA. Cranstoun: https://cranstoun.org

🌈 Help us support LGBTQ+ refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum through IRIS at Switchboard. We are partnering with the brilliant drag sensation Ophelia Payne, IRIS Crowdfunder Ambassador. Please donate and share: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-lgbtq-asylum-seekers

Day 9 of 16 Days of Activism highlights Galop, an organisation supporting LGBTQ+ people facing domestic abuse and hate crime. If you are in Sussex and need support, email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA - to contact Galop visit https://www.galop.org.uk

Day 8 of 16 Days of Activism highlights Loving Me, a by-and-for refuge for trans, non binary and intersex survivors of domestic abuse. If you are in Sussex and need support, email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA - and to contact Loving Me visit www.lovingme.uk

World AIDS Day and Day 7 of 16 Days of Activism highlight how HIV stigma can be used to control or isolate people in abusive relationships. If you are LGBTQ+, living with HIV in Sussex and need support, email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA.

On World AIDS Day we stand with everyone living with HIV and we remember those we have lost, whose lives and love shaped our community. Switchboard remains committed to challenging stigma and creating a future where everyone living with HIV feels safe and respected. #WorldAIDSDay #HIVAwareness

Day 6 of 16 Days of Activism highlights older LGBTQ+ people who may be experiencing domestic abuse. If you are in Sussex and worried about your situation, contact our Domestic Abuse Team at [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Day 5 highlights disabled LGBTQ+ people and how disability and domestic abuse can intersect. Disabled LGBTQ+ survivors often face extra barriers to getting support. If you are in Sussex, contact our Domestic Abuse Team at [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA.

Day 4 of 16 Days of Activism focuses on familial abuse, when harm comes from family members instead of home feeling safe. For some LGBTQ+ people this is their reality. Our Domestic Abuse Team can offer confidential guidance at [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Day 3 of 16 Days of Activism looks at how to support a friend when something does not feel right at home. Listen, believe them and avoid putting pressure on them to leave. For guidance you can email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/SwitchboardDA

Inclusion becomes real in the small moments, not just in documents. Our training explores everyday interactions in services and workplaces so staff can see where LGBTQ+ people might feel excluded and how to change that. To talk about training, contact [email protected].

Day 2 of 16 Days of Activism: Switchboard’s LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Service exists so LGBTQ+ survivors in Sussex do not fall through gaps in mainstream support. We offer 1 to 1 support, safety planning, advocacy and referrals. Email [email protected] #16Days #LGBTQ+

Today marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. At Switchboard we are highlighting the realities of LGBTQ+ domestic abuse, and sharing support, stories and resources across Sussex so no one has to face it alone. #16Days #16DaysOfActivism #LGBTQ+

We’re in Churchill Square all week on the lower ground floor under the Apple Store. Come chat with the Switchboard team and meet MindOut who are joining us today. And if Christmas shopping is stressing you out, stop by for a calm moment with us.

🕯️ Today is Trans Day of Remembrance 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️ We honour the trans and non-binary people lost to violence and hate, and we hold close those living with the impact of transphobia today. We at Switchboard stand with our community in Brighton & Hove, Sussex and beyond. 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Awareness Week Luke (he/him), a consultant on our Domestic Abuse Team, shares his message: “Championing the voices of trans and non-binary survivors of domestic abuse.” Full video: www.transinthecity.co.uk/i-stand-with-trans #IStandWithTrans #TransRights #LGBTQ+

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Awareness Week Ives (they/them), our Safe Accommodations Domestic Abuse Caseworker: “Pledging to support trans and non-binary survivors of domestic abuse find safety, dignity, and a place to call home.” Video: www.transinthecity.co.uk/i-stand-with-trans #IStandWithTrans #TransRights #LGBTQ+

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Awareness Week Chris (he/him), Head of Operations, shares his message: “Pledging to keep the welfare of trans and non-binary people at the heart of my work.” Full video: www.transinthecity.co.uk/i-stand-with-trans #IStandWithTrans #TransRights #LGBTQ+

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Awareness Week Claudette (she/her) Engagement Support Worker for our Bereavement Team, shares her message: “Pledging to welcome every queer person into an inclusive and non-judgemental safe space.” Full video: www.transinthecity.co.uk/i-stand-with-trans #IStandWithTrans #TransRights #LGBTQ

Last day to apply. Applications close at midnight tonight. 🌈 Become a Switchboard Trustee. We’re seeking passionate people with experience in fundraising, marketing, comms, governance, or lived experience of LGBTQ+ communities. To apply and full details visit www.bit.ly/join-trustee

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Awareness Week 13-19 Nov 🏳️‍⚧️ The first in our video series from Switchboard. CEO Rob Sainsbury shares how he stands with our trans community: advocating for rights, tackling inequalities and challenging oppression. #IStandWithTrans #TransRights #LGBTQ+

Day 31: Le Gateau Chocolat (he/they). British-Nigerian drag artist and operatic baritone. Works include “BLACK”, “ICONS”, “DUCKIE”. Credits span Royal Albert Hall, Barbican and Sydney Opera House. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 30: Josef Cabey (he/him). Artist based in Brighton. Works across painting and digital with text. “Conversations” links Black queer past and present; projects shown with SEAS, Phoenix and BMECP. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 29: Yasmin Benoit (she/her). Asexual and aromantic activist and model. Co-founded International Asexuality Day in 2021 and partnered with Stonewall on the Ace Project and Ace in the UK report. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

🌈 Become a Trustee at Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard – one of the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charities. We’re looking for people passionate about inclusion, with skills in fundraising, marketing, comms or governance. Apply by 14 Nov: [email protected] - details here: www.bit.ly/join-trustee

Day 28: Tarana Burke (she/her). Founded “me too.” in 2006 to support survivors. In 2017 the hashtag spread worldwide and the Silence Breakers were TIME Person of the Year. Author of “Unbound” (2021). #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 27: Georgina Beyer (she/her). First openly transgender mayor (Carterton, 1995) and first openly transgender MP (Wairarapa, 1999). Backed sex work decriminalisation in 2003 and civil unions in 2004. Died in 2023 at 65. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 26: Marsha P. Johnson (she/her). Activist and drag queen. Co-founded STAR and ran STAR House for homeless LGBTQ youth. Stonewall protester. Died in 1992; death later reclassified “undetermined”, with renewed attention in 2012. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 25: Ivor Cummings (he/him). Colonial Office official who met the Empire Windrush in 1948, fixed beds at Clapham South, issued travel warrants and linked people to work in London and beyond. Often called the gay father of Windrush. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 24: Justin Fashanu (he/him). First openly gay professional footballer in the UK. Norwich City’s 1980 Goal of the Season v Liverpool. £1m move to Nottingham Forest in 1981. Hall of Fame in 2020. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025

Day 23 of Black History Story. ALOK Vaid-Menon (they/them) - writer and performer; author of “Beyond the Gender Binary” (2020). Touring work that blends poetry, comedy and social commentary. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth

Day 22 of Black History Story. Tarik Elmoutawakil (he/him) is Founder and Co-Artistic Director at Marlborough Productions in Brighton, and the creator of Brownton Abbey centring disabled queer people of colour. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth

Day 21 of Black History Story. Stormé DeLarverie (she/her) was a drag king with the Jewel Box Revue, a Stonewall veteran, and a Village guardian who kept people safe outside lesbian bars. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth

Thank you to all our partners who joined our LGBTQ+ 50+ Services Showcase! We’re already thinking about what’s next. If you’re part of a group or service that supports older LGBTQ+ communities, drop us a line – we’d love to hear from you: [email protected] #LGBTQ50Plus #BrightonAndHove

Day 20 of Black History Story. Son of a Tutu (he/she/they) is a British Nigerian drag artist, actor and activist. Drag Idol UK 2011. Helped lead the Soho vigil after Orlando in 2016. Iris Prize 2023 for “Lemon”, in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth

Day 19 of Black History Story. Aneesa Chaudhry (she/her) is a Brighton singer, conductor and voice coach. As Musical Director of Rainbow Chorus she builds community through music and takes LGBTQ+ voices to Pride, Trans Pride and World AIDS Day. #BlackHistoryStory #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth