Trans Londoners
Trans people deserve healthcare that is inclusive, respectful, and rooted in their lived experiences. HIV prevention and treatment services are no exception – and we aim to connect people with the options and services that suit you.
Take charge of your health
Trans people are too often left out of mainstream HIV prevention messaging, and stigma, discrimination, and lack of gender-affirming care can make it harder to get tested or access PrEP and PEP. But your health matters, and you have the right to care that sees and supports you. That’s why it’s so important to get tested regularly, ask about PrEP and PEP, and advocate for the care you deserve.
How often should I test?
If you’re sexually active, testing once a year is recommended—and more often if you have multiple partners. Testing is generally recommended after any unprotected sex with a new partner. Regular testing is a key part of staying healthy and preventing transmissions, so consider testing today.
PrEP: Protection that suits you
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that can stop HIV before it starts. It’s safe, effective, and works for everyone —regardless of your gender identity, hormone use, or surgical status. You can take it daily or on-demand, depending on what works best for you.
If you’re taking hormones, you can still take PrEP. There’s no evidence that PrEP interferes with gender-affirming hormone therapy, and you don’t need to change your hormone dose to use it. You can take PrEP daily or on-demand, depending on what works best for your body and your sex life.
Dosing matters:
- If you’re having anal sex only, you may be able to use “event-based” or on-demand PrEP (also known as 2-1-1 dosing).
- If you’re having front hole sex, you’ll need to take PrEP daily for full protection.
- When in doubt, talk to a professional to make sure you’re doing what’s right for you.
Services like the ones listed below offer PrEP in a trans-affirming environment, with staff who understand your needs and won’t make assumptions. You deserve care that fits your life.
PEP: After potential exposure
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a course of emergency medication that can stop HIV after a possible exposure. It must be started within 72 hours—ideally as soon as possible—and taken every day for 28 days.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, don’t wait. Go to a sexual health clinic, A&E or contact one of the services listed below and ask about PEP. You don’t need to explain or justify your gender identity to get the care you need.
PEP is safe to take alongside gender-affirming hormones, and it’s available for all genders and bodies. Whether the exposure was through anal or frontal/vaginal sex, PEP can help protect your health—if you act quickly.
Support for Trans Londoners
If you’re trans and living with HIV, newly diagnosed, or looking into HIV prevention options, these are just some of the organisations offering support that centres your experience:
- CliniQ
CliniQ is a holistic sexual health and wellbeing service for trans people, including HIV testing, PrEP and PEP access, counselling, and hormone-informed care.
https://cliniq.org.uk - Spectra
Spectra offers peer-led sexual health services for LGBTQ+ communities, including trans-specific support, HIV testing, and PrEP navigation.
https://spectra-london.org.uk - NAZ Project London
NAZ Project offers culturally sensitive HIV support for Black and minority ethnic communities, including trans people of colour.
https://naz.org.uk - Terrence Higgins Trust – Trans Services
THT provides tailored information and support for trans people around HIV, including access to testing, treatment, and peer support.
https://www.tht.org.uk - Gendered Intelligence
While not HIV-specific, GI offers support and advocacy for trans people and can connect individuals to inclusive health services.
https://genderedintelligence.co.uk
Living well with HIV
Learn about accessing free treatment, and the support groups and information for people living with HIV.