LGBTQ+ Deep Engagement Partner (DEP)

Meet the LGB and Trans+ DEP

Birmingham LGBT was established in 2002 and is an award-winning charity delivering services to the LGBT community in Birmingham. Their mission is to develop a vibrant, diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community in Birmingham in which individuals can realise their full potential and have equal access to all the city has to offer.

From the start, Birmingham LGBT aimed to raise awareness of issues that affect Birmingham’s LGBT citizens through consultation, community engagement, advocacy, strategic engagement, and lobbying.

Research found that the LGBT community faced significant issues including:

  • hate crime
  • homophobic bullying in schools and at work
  • domestic violence
  • a lack of support services as they age

The LGBT community also experiences significant health disparities, including:

  • higher levels of smoking
  • higher levels of substance misuse
  • poor sexual health
  • higher levels of suicidal ideation
  • higher levels of self-harm
  • poor mental health.

A clear need for culturally appropriate and sensitive services was identified.

The organisation has grown significantly since its inception. In January 2013 Birmingham LGBT opened the first LGBT Health and Wellbeing Centre in England and Wales. This was supported by the Big Lottery Reaching Communities strand, and capital investment from Birmingham City Council. 

Since opening in 2013, the organisation has continued to grow quickly and in 2015 secured a contract to deliver sexual health services in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust. 

Birmingham LGBT utilises a community asset based approach to addressing health inequalities within the LGBT community. They operate from a holistic model of wellbeing which aims to provide services to address risk factors such as poor mental health, prejudice and discrimination.

It also builds community resilience and protective factors through providing non-scene-based events, arts and cultural events and sports and wellbeing activities.

Visit Birmingham LGBT's website for more information

Page last updated: 25 April 2025

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