Marking the 35th year of Belfast Pride, Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA) has underlined advances in tackling stigma and promoting the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people, while stressing the continuing importance of sexual and mental health.

The PHA is encouraging more open dialogue about sex and mental health to help people make informed choices that protect their wellbeing.

Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: "We want to get as many people as possible talking openly about their sexual health – this includes discussing and understanding their options around helping to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), alongside testing and vaccination and how this can have a positive impact on how we all live our lives

"Talking openly with our partners about our likes, dislikes and boundaries, choosing to always use protection and getting vaccinated if eligible to help protect against certain infections are fundamental in supporting positive mental and physical health. They also enable us to have healthy, loving relationships. Speaking openly with your partner to understand each other's sexual history can also help end the stigma associated with STIs.

"Over the past five years, diagnoses of some STIs in Northern Ireland have increased, reflecting wider UK trends, and although early data suggests the situation may be improving, it shows how we all still need to be alert to the risks and take steps to help protect ourselves.

"The good news is that access to and take up of testing for HIV and other STIs has increased in recent years with access to free home testing kits alongside the support offered from GUM clinics and GPs." Recent developments in prevention and care are helping to reduce transmission and improve outcomes. HPV vaccination has contributed to a 50% fall in first diagnoses of anogenital warts between 2019 and 2024. A gonorrhoea vaccination was introduced in Northern Ireland in 2025. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) was also introduced in 2025 for specific groups and, if taken after unprotected sex—ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72—has been shown to lower the risk of syphilis and chlamydia. Advances in HIV treatment mean that someone diagnosed early can access highly effective, free therapy and live a full, healthy life; a person on treatment cannot pass HIV to a sexual partner or anyone else. In response to a global rise in mpox, vaccination is being rolled out to protect against all types of mpox, with eligibility including gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple partners, those who participate in group sex or attend sex-on-premises venues, as well as relevant staff and close contacts of confirmed cases.

Testing and early treatment remain essential. SH24, available as part of health services in Northern Ireland at www.sh24.org.uk, offers free access to STI testing and sexual health information.

Shauna Houston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: "Taking care of our mental and sexual health is a positive action that we all can take to help look after one another. We know that people who are part of LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and other mental health issues due to various societal issues including discrimination and social isolation.

"If you are concerned about your own or someone else's mental health, the PHA encourages you to reach out for help and support. Talking to someone is often the first step towards feeling better. It is vital to start the conversation with those around you. You might be hesitant, but talking really does help."

Lifeline, Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline for people in distress or despair, is available 24/7 on 0808 808 8000. Calls are free and answered by qualified counsellors. Further information is available at www.LifelineHelpline.info. Additional support for the LGBTQIA+ community can be found at www.MindingYourHead.info, and trusted sexual health guidance is available at www.sexualhealthni.info.