Three minute read
In this short guide, we highlight resources and support for LGBTQ+ people, and the people close to them, which help answer questions about planning a funeral and end-of-life care.
We also include sources of information and training for professionals who want to understand and meet the needs of gender diverse, trans and LGBTQ+ people.
The sections in this guide are:
- LGBTQ+ funerals guidance
- Advice and resources for funeral professionals
- Physical and mental health support for LGBTQ+ people
- LGBTQ+ later life and retirement
- End-of-life care resources for LGBTQ+ people
- LGBTQ+ advocacy
You can also read our LGBTQ+ guide to funeral choices to learn more about how we can support you.
LGBTQ+ FUNERALS GUIDANCE
Ash Hayhurst is the author of this excellent resource for people in the LGBTQ+ community as well as their friends and family members. The guide covers a huge range of questions and is a must-read for people in the funeral sector.
ADVICE AND RESOURCES FOR FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS
A research project into trans and gender diverse funeral care, including training for funeral directors and other death care professionals.
Ceremony Matters provides professional development training for funeral celebrants. Subscribers can still access webinars from their 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Online Super Conference, which included a conference on LGBTQIA+ identity.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
The charity GIRES works to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people across the UK. As part of their mission, they provide training to businesses. GIRES also has resources that are aimed at health professionals, many of which are relevant to the funeral sector.
The Diversity Trust is a social enterprise working to promote equality, diversity and inclusion. They offer training opportunities for workplaces and have helpful research reports.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE
CliniQ provides physical and mental health services for trans people in London, as well as their friends and family. They also offer trans awareness training.
The charity Switchboard operates a confidential helpline for people in the LGBTQ+ community, their friends and family members. They’ll listen to anything you’d like to talk about and can offer support.
Switchboard in Brighton also runs the Grief Encounters project for LGBTQ+ people experiencing bereavement. Read our blog about the project here.
QUEERCIRCLE is a LGBTQ+ led charity that champions the arts as a tool for systemic change. They run events bringing people together to explore grief through art and community, and share resources to support LGBTQ+ people navigating grief and loss.
London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre runs monthly meet-ups for 50+ trans and non-binary people (these meet-ups are not a crisis support service).
