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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 27m

The Simon Dennis Awards are open to applications from grassroots and community groups supporting LGBTQ+ and racialised people. Grants are up to £2,500.

Deadline: 10 November 10. Apply 👇

https://f.mtr.cool/xrhsxudofn

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 1d

The Trans Learning Partnership who do research on trans people's living experience and push for policy change release a new report and are organising free events in London, Manchester and Glasgow on trans people's experiences of housing.
https://f.mtr.cool/xeikrhpblz

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 4d

Looking to get tested for HIV? Or just to ask some questions about your sexual health?

Every week, we go around London, visiting public libraries, community centres, and town halls and we talk all things sexual health. Check out where we are this week:

https://spectra-london.org.uk/all-events/

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 6d

Our trans health advocates visited the MSI West London Regional Treatment centre last week!

They provide NHS funded abortion, vasectomy and contraception care across 60 clinics in the UK and abroad.🏳️‍⚧️

Find out what services are available in your local area:

https://www.msichoices.org/

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 7d

The Simon Dennis Awards are open to applications again!

Grass-roots groups in Greater London are invited to apply for up to £2,500 for initiatives that benefit LGBTQ+ and racialised people.

https://spectra-london.org.uk/charity/

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 10d

For one more year, Spectra will be running at the World AIDS Day Red Run on 22 November at Victoria Park in East London. Red Run is an opportunity for charities in the HIV sector to raise awareness and vital funds for life-changing support for our communities.

Join here 👉 https://www.redrun.org.uk/

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 11d

ESEA Heritage Month highlights the histories, achievements, and unique identities of East and South East Asian people.

Spectra offers culture-sensitive services and information coming from people with similar cultural backgrounds as you.

To access our services, visit: spectra-london.org.uk

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 12d

Freshers' Week all around London is coming up to an end, but you can still find our outreach workers all around South-West and North-West London, talking all things sexual health, and always equipped with those free HIV and STI tests for you.
Check where we will be next week:

https://bit.ly/3WaZ5PI

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 13d

It's World Contraception Day!

Contraception isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy, manage your cycle, or affirm your gender identity, there are options for you.

Ask questions and support others in making informed decisions about their bodies and futures.

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 15d

Our trans health advocacy service is closed for referrals for now, but we are available for signpostings and enquiries nationally. We can chat with you over email, or arrange a twenty minute phone call with an advocate.

Get in touch if you need support🏳️‍⚧️💞 on advocacy@spectra-london.org.uk 📩

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 15d

We LOVE hearing how much our services mean to you 💬

From free HIV & STI tests to counselling, Spectra is here for you. But to keep our services free, we need your help.

Support Spectra. Donate today. Every contribution helps us reach more people who need us.

https://spectra-london.org.uk/donate/

A screenshot from Grindr where Spectra reaches out saying that we offer free and confidential rapid HIV and STI tests, and that we are available to chat. Someone responds with 'Hey team, this is great, such a good idea reaching out on here. Really cool. Thanks for all you do.'

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 16d

September is World Suicide Prevention Month - a time to raise awareness, offer support, and remind each other that help is always available.

At Spectra, we’re here to support you.

Feel free to reach out to us via a DM or via info@spectra-london.org.uk

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 18d

Spectra provides free HIV and STI tests to multiple locations around London.

Check out where we will be next week:

https://spectra-london.org.uk/all-events/

For any questions about your sexual health, we are always here for you!

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 19d

We have a few DYI HRT-focused needle exchange meet-ups in the next two months.

Come for a tea and a chat while you pick up injection supplies for HRT. We give out supplies for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections. We can take in your used needles and we have spare sharp bins if you need some.

Flyer for DIY HRT-Focused Needle Exchange event at House of Annetta, dated September 23, October 2, 9, 30, November 13, 27, 5:00-7:30pm. Hosted by Spectra Trans Health Advocacy.

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 20d

Sexual Health Week 2025: tip 3

💊 Did you know some medications can affect your sex life?

Some meds can change how you respond to intimacy. They might lower your desire, make arousal more difficult, or change how sex feels.

For free counselling: https://spectra-london.org.uk/counselling/

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 21d

Yesterday, Spectra headed to Birmingham for the HIV Prevention England conference, joining voices across the sector to tackle inequalities in PrEP access. 💊

We discussed new data on HIV and PrEP, heard powerful lived experiences, and connected with inspiring projects driving change.

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 22d

Sexual Health Week 2025: Tip 2!

💭 Have you ever noticed how your mental health can affect your sex life - and vice versa?

Spectra offers a range of counselling, for which you can apply below:

https://spectra-london.org.uk/counselling/

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 23d

We’re running the World AIDS Day Red Run to raise funds for our services, from sexual health and HIV support to wellbeing workshops.

Your fundraising will directly help people in London who are too often excluded from healthcare and support.

📢Sign up to fundraise for us: https://www.redrun.org.uk/

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 23d

📢 We have signed an open letter, led by @decrimnow.bsky.social , calling on the UK Government to act on the poverty crisis driving more people, especially women, into s@x work.

Read more:

https://spectra-london.org.uk/2025/09/15/women-in-poverty-sx-work-spectra-open-letter/

A protester in a mask holds a sign reading "Benefit cuts drive women into prostitution." Text below urges government action to prevent women being forced into sex work due to poverty.

Red background with white text stating, "76% of sex workers who responded to a recent survey by Decrim Now said that financial need was the main reason they entered sex work."

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 24d

It's Sexual Health Week!

This week we'll share tips on sexual health 101.

This year's theme is ‘Chronically Online: Love, Sex and Relationships’ and we will also deliver some online trainings on menopause, hepatitis and HIV. Book your slot via:

http://bit.ly/3K1IU4B

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 25d

📍 Next week you can find us on:

16 September
15.30-18.30: Pollard's Hill Library, CR4 1LT

18 September
11.00-15.00: Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 5TN
13.00-17.00: Circle Library, SM5 1JJ

19 September
13:00-16:00, Whitton Library, TW2 7BB

https://spectra-london.org.uk/all-events/

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · 26d

The Preventx team walkes 15miles last week to fundraise for Spectra and the Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (SRASAC).

Yes - the target was reached 🥳

More funds = more capacity to support more people.🫂

You can also donate at:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/preventx-sheffield-walk

Reposted by Spectra

TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · Sep 9

A new report from TransActual shows that trans and cisgender people face job loss, violence, vigilantism and wholesale exclusion following the Supreme Court Ruling and EHRC guidance.

Read the report at: tinyurl.com/trans-segreg...

#Trans #Transgender #Nonbinary #EqualityAct #EHRC #TransRights

Text reads: “I went to use the ladies toilets. As I entered a woman with two children under 10 were walking towards me. The woman said "You're not allowed in here." I swore at her and continued walking past her. I think she said some more things but my hearing isn't great and I was moving away from her.

I am a cisgender butch lesbian. I currently sport a short haircut that some would define as masculine and I wear masculine clothing.

I felt invalid and embarrassed. I am painfully aware my experience was a glimpse of what the trans community are suffering every day. Going forward I will be more hesitant and anxious about using public toilets, but I will continue to do so. It's sad that at 47 I'm back to my life and appearance being a political statement in the UK.”
-Able-bodied, cisgender, butch lesbian who faced issues in public toilets in England. tinyurl.com/trans-segregation-in-practice

Image of front cover of the trans segregation in practice report report on blue background

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Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · Sep 8

🏃‍♀️The World AIDS Day RED RUN is back on 22 November at Victoria Park and Spectra is part of it!

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your support helps drive real change in the HIV sector.

Sign up today to support Spectra:
👉 http://redrun.org.uk

#RedRunUK #WorldAidsDay #Spectra

Spectra @spectra-london.org.uk · Sep 7

How easy is it to roll on a condom? 🍆

We tried different sizes on different veggies 🥕 (yes, with these nails 💅) and they hold up!

Safe, sturdy, and a bit funny. Come get some for free at any of our next week's sessions:

#Spectra #SpectraLondon #SexualHealth #Condoms #VeggieTest