LGBTQ+ services and resources
We are proud to celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.
Here you'll find information on local services, support networks, events, and resources designed to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ individuals.
Lewes and Eastbourne councils stand with the community - because everyone deserves to live with pride, respect, and equality.
For more information visit our Equality, fairness and inclusion page.
Information and services
Bourne Out LGBTQ+
Bourne Out LGBTQ+ is a not-for-profit registered charity run by a team of volunteers. Their office is based in Eastbourne town centre and has a coffee shop and outside dining area for gatherings and community events.
Bourne Out LGBTQ Facebook page
Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard
Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is a charity by and for LGBT people which provides support, connection, and information. Despite its name, it provides support across Sussex.
It provides LGBTQ+-specific services including services for: domestic abuse, trans/non-binary social prescribing, older people, dementia, bereavement, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants,
The Switchboard also runs a helpline, you can contact them online or by phone:
- Switchboard website, live web chat is available by clicking the help button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
- Helpline: 01273 204 050, the helpline is open 7pm to 9:30pm Monday to Thursday
LGB Alliance
LGB Alliance provides information, community and support to lesbian, gay men and bisexuals people, champions free speech and campaigns on issues that affect same-sex attracted people. Their services include community-building, a network of local social groups, support services, education and support for business leaders.
- LGB Alliance website
- The East Sussex branch of LBG Alliance can be contacted via [email protected]
LGBT+ ALL WELCOME
LGBT+ ALL WELCOME is a campaign running across East Sussex which enables premises to show visible support for the LGBT+ community. This could be businesses, community, educational and hospitality spaces. It promotes an 'All Welcome' message let all LGBT+ people know a location is an inclusive space. The project has created a series of eye-catching marketing assets including bookmarks, stickers, posters, leaflets and badges, that draws people's attention to a clear message of support for the LGBT+ community.
To find out more or sign-up your, contact: [email protected]
Download the LGBT+ ALL WELCOME assets (PDF, 340 KB)
Lunch Positive
Lunch Positive provides supportive peer-led HIV community spaces with a wide range of 'wrap around' support and wellbeing projects. They are based in Brighton but provide services for the wider area.
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern.
Mind Out - LGBTQ+ mental health service
Sussex Police
LGBT liaison officers
- Sussex police LGBTQ+ web page
- Email LGBT liaison officers: Annabella Perfect, Richard Hall
Families and young people
Allsorts Youth Project
Allsorts Youth Project listens to, connects & supports children & young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+) and their families.
Bourne This Way LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group
Bourne This Way is an LGBTQ+ Parent support group based that meets weekly in Eastbourne, East Sussex. They aim to provide a non-judgmental, friendly, inclusive space open to ALL LGBTQ+ parents and their children, as well as prospective parents.
Bourne This Way LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group
Download the Bourne This Way LGBTQ+ support group flyer (PDF, 603 KB)
50+ and older people
Eastbourne Rainbow is an LGBTQ group for the 50+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities living in Eastbourne and the surrounding areas for socialising, making new friends and gaining information about events happening locally.
Services and support for Transgender, Non-binary, and Intersex people
Clare Project
The Clare Project is a registered charity run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-variant and gender-questioning people in Brighton & Hove, West Sussex and East Sussex. They run psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and excursions, as well as providing information and training for individuals and organisations on community needs, and connecting people to affirmative peer support, psychotherapy and healthcare. They also offer some support and advocacy for people who are intersex / have variations in their biological sex characteristics.
The Clare Project website
Send them an email
Phone: 07464 229395 - phone/text (ask for Gray, pronouns: they/them/theirs)
Eastbourne Transgender Association
ETA is a support and social group for TNBI folks in the Eastbourne area founded in 2024.
Their aim is to aid and offer peer support for transgender persons during their transition, signpost useful services and resources for its members, promote inclusiveness and visibility of trans rights, and create a safe space for transgender persons.
Eastbourne Transgender Association (ETA)
Queer Roots
Queer Roots is a transgender and genderqueer artist collective, running at Compass Arts, based in Eastbourne. Compass Arts is an intergenerational, co-creative, artist-led charity for anyone vulnerable to social isolation, lived trauma, mental illness and hidden disabilities.
Queer Roots every Thursday 3-5pm and is free of charge. The group is committed to peaceful dialogue and action, locally and internationally. They explore arts-based conversation and research around queer histories.
For more information, visit www.instagram.com/queerroots_transcollective
Email [email protected]
Community and events
Eastbourne Pride
Eastbourne Pride is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBT community and our allies in Eastbourne. Our mission is to celebrate diversity, embrace individuality, and create an engaging space where everyone feels welcome.
Seahaven Pride
Seahaven Pride was born in 2021 and is an annual event held at the Martello Fields, Seaford.
They celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, educate and promote equality and inclusion so people are free to live and love without fear and prejudice. It is important to challenge inequality and discrimination to build a stronger, safe community together.
Stand Proud in Hailsham
The event is being held to bring the whole community together to celebrate equality, friendship, diversity and inclusivity in Hailsham.
Featuring a variety of live entertainment, the event will include music from acts such as pop, rock and indie band 'Supersaurus', soft rock and upbeat blues singer 'Moss Casa' and cover band 'Hot Parrots'.
Hailsham Town Council Stand Proud
GAYSWAG
GAYSWAG (Gay Sussex Walking Group) is a walking group for LGBTQ+ adults, first founded in 2004.
They run a walk that is usually 5-7 miles in length on Sunday afternoons alternate weeks during the summer and monthly during the winter. They also usually include a short stop for refreshments at a tea room or pub.
They are a friendly group. All LGBTQ+ adults, and their dogs, are welcome to join in.
Find out more on the East Sussex Community Information Service GAYSWAG web page
Lewes Depot Cinema - Queerfest
Cinema provides an opportunity to delve into different life experiences, explore a diverse programme of contemporary and classic Queer cinema.
Queer Heritage South
Queer Heritage South/Queer in Brighton is a digital community archiving project, celebrating and promoting the rich cultural life of LGBTQIA+ people in Brighton and surrounding areas.
Scene Magazine
Scene Magazine is an independent community magazine publication launched in May 2025 which focusses on LGBTQIA+ news, lifestyle, and event listings.
The Queery
The Queery is a co-op in Brighton owned and run by its members, whose main focus is the benefit of the local queer community. The space consists of a bookstore and merch shop, a small library, a small vegan pay-as-you-feel café, and it's available to hire for workshops, talks, classes, meetings, support groups, open mics, film nights and more.
Other events
Find other LGBTQ+ events in the local area on the Eventbrite LGBTQ+ web page
