Beyond the Binary: A Sexual Health Guide

Sexual health is a right − not a luxury. But for many non-binary people across the UK, getting respectful, accurate, and inclusive sexual health care can be a struggle. As we move towards a more inclusive NHS and public health system, it’s vital that all bodies and identities are recognised and supported – your body, your identity and your pleasure matter.

Where traditional STI advice falls short

Most sexual health education in the UK has historically been geared towards cisgender, heterosexual people. This can result in:

• The erasure of non-binary identities – assuming everyone fits into ‘man’ and ‘woman’.
• Misgendering or discomfort during appointments.
• Anatomy being linked to gender, which can feel dysphoric or wrong.
• Queer and gender diverse relationships being ignored, leaving you out of the conversation.
• Barriers to your care, with many clinics and providers not trained to meet your needs. This results in assessments that are based on assumptions, not actual behaviours and a lack of inclusive resources or affirming care.

What inclusive sexual health looks like – for you

Let’s talk about what affirming, accurate, and inclusive sexual health can look like when it centres you.

Language that reflects you

You shouldn’t have to translate health information to make it fit. Look for (and ask for) language that:

• Talks about “people of all genders” instead of just “men and women.”
• Describes bodies using terms like “internal/external genitals” or “people with vaginas/front holes”—not assumptions.
• Respects your pronouns and self-defined identity.

Autonomy and consent on your terms

You know your body best. Inclusive care means:

• Describing your body in your own words – not what’s written on a form.
• Having open, respectful conversations about what feels good, what doesn’t, and what boundaries you want to set.
• Being supported in navigating dysphoria, pleasure, and everything in between.

Medical information that’s actually relevant

Sexual health advice should reflect your real life. That includes:

• How hormones or surgeries might affect your sexual health.
• Contraception and fertility options that don’t assume your gender or who you’re sleeping with.
• Cancer screenings and other care that’s based on your anatomy – not assumptions.

Space for joy, pleasure, and connection

Sexual health isn’t just about avoiding disease – it’s about feeling good in your body, your relationships, and your identity. You deserve:

• Resources that celebrate non-binary joy and intimacy.
• Stories that reflect your experiences, not just cisnormative ones.
• A community that sees your pleasure as valid and important.

Inclusive STI prevention: what you need to know

Understand your sexual activities – not just your identity

The likelihood of you getting STIs is linked to what you do, not who you are. Ask yourself:

• What types of sexual contact do I have?
• What body parts are involved?
• Do I or my partners use protection (e.g. condoms, dental dams)?

This helps tailor prevention to your actual needs – not stereotypes.

Use protection that works for you

• External and internal condoms help prevent many STIs.
• Dental dams are useful for oral-vulva or oral-anal contact.
• PrEP protects you against HIV.
• DoxyPEP helps protect you against syphilis and chlamydia and the 4CMenB vaccine helps protect you against gonorrhoea.
• If you have a penis and have sex with other people with a penis, make sure you are vaccinated for hepatitis A and B and remember there is treatment that clears hepatitis C.

Choose what is best for you and your partners.

Get tested regularly

NHS guidance recommends:

• At least once a year for anyone who is sexually active.
• Every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners.

Ask for tests that match your anatomy and sexual practices – not just your gender marker.

Talk to your GP – or find a better fit

• A good provider will ask about your pronouns, name, and sexual practices without judgement.
• If you’re misgendered or dismissed, you have every right to seek care elsewhere.
• Look for clinics that advertise LGBTQ+ inclusive services or contact organisations like LGBT Foundation or Terrence Higgins Trust for information.

Open conversations with partners

• Talk about STI status, testing history, and what protection you’re comfortable with.
• In some parts of the UK, Accelerated Partner Therapy (APT) is used, where a healthcare professional assesses partners remotely (usually by phone) before the patient they are seeing then delivers antibiotics and self-sampling kits to their partner/s.

Mental health and STI stigma

Non-binary people often face double stigma – for their gender identity and for seeking sexual health care. Remember:

• STIs are common and treatable.
• Getting tested is a sign of self-care, not shame.
• You deserve healthcare that respects and affirms who you are.

Resources for you

Visit our HIV and STI pages for more information. Here are some more UK-based and global resources:

• NHS Sexual Health Services
• Terrence Higgins Trust and their page on trans sexual health  – LGBTQI+ inclusive sexual health information and support plus information about STI testing, DoxyPEP guidance, and PrEP. Call THT Direct Helpline on 0808 802 1221 for support, advice and information or email info@tht.org.uk
• Brook – inclusive sexual health support and advice for young people in the UK.
• LGBT Foundation 0345 330 30 30 – Inclusive health services and provider directories for services.
• Gendered Intelligence or email admin@genderedintelligence.co.uk – education and support for trans and non-binary people.
• Scarleteen – sex ed that’s queer, trans, and non-binary friendly.
• CliniQ or email admin@cliniq.org.uk – a London-based holistic sexual health service for trans and non-binary people.

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