Author: Sam Harrison

Liverpool’s Pride 2026 GoFundMe is now LIVE

We’re bringing Pride back to Liverpool — and we need your help to make it happen.

Sahir and LCR Pride Foundation have joined forces to deliver Liverpool’s Pride 2026, taking place on and around Saturday 25th July 2026. Together, we’re building something that truly belongs to the LGBTQ+ communities of Liverpool and the wider city region: a Pride that is inclusive, accessible, joyful, and rooted in the lives of the people it celebrates.

Why this matters
Pride in Liverpool isn’t just a party. It’s a moment of visibility, solidarity, and belonging for LGBTQ+ people across our city and region — many of whom face real challenges, isolation, and inequality every day. When Pride is strong, our communities are stronger.

In 2025, Sahir stepped in at the last minute to ensure Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ communities could still come together, be seen, and feel supported. That moment showed us what’s possible when communities pull together — and it’s inspired us to build something more permanent, more powerful, and more ours.

What your donation will help fund
Your support will go directly towards making Liverpool’s Pride 2026 a reality — from the parade, muster, local performers and artists to community stalls, accessible spaces, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes a safe, welcoming event possible. Every pound raised goes back into our communities.

A Pride shaped by us, for us
Liverpool’s Pride will be led locally, shaped by lived experience, and accountable to the communities it serves. Sahir will lead on overall coordination and delivery, while LCR Pride Foundation will lead on the parade, muster, and community stalls. We’re also establishing a community forum so that partners, allies, and individuals from across Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ communities can help shape what Pride looks like.

This is your Pride. We want you involved — not just on the day, but in building it.

Stand with us
Whether you can give £5 or £500, your contribution makes a difference. Help us create a Pride that Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ communities can be proud of — one that’s here to stay.

DONATE TODAY and be part of Liverpool’s Pride 2026.

Let’s Get Real About HPV

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common group of viruses. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives.

In most cases, the body clears HPV naturally without causing any problems.

However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types can cause changes in cells that may, over time, lead to cancers such as:

    • Cervical cancer

    • Anal cancer

    • Penile cancer

    • Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer

How HPV Spreads

HPV spreads through close skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

It can be passed on through:

  • Oral sex

  • Genital-to-genital contact

  • Anal sex

  • Sharing sex toys

  • Any skin contact in the genital area

HPV does not require penetrative sex to spread.

Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk but do not eliminate it completely, as HPV can live on surrounding skin.

The most effective protection is:

  • HPV vaccination

  • Regular screening (where appropriate)

HPV can affect people of all sexual orientations and genders.

Information for People Living with HIV

Why This Matters

If you are living with HIV, your immune system may find it harder to clear HPV. This can mean:

  • HPV infections may last longer

  • There may be a higher risk of cell changes

  • There may be an increased risk of certain cancers

The good news is that screening, vaccination, and early treatment make a significant difference.

What You Can Do

  • Stay up to date with your HIV treatment and care

  • Attend all recommended screening appointments:

    • If you have a cervix, you should have annual cervical screening

    • Ensure your screening form mentions HIV

  • Ask your HIV or sexual health clinic about HPV vaccination (often available up to age 45 for eligible people)

  • Report new symptoms early, such as:

    • Bleeding after sex

    • Bleeding from the back passage

    • Unusual discharge

    • New lumps or warts

    • Persistent pain

Early action protects your long-term health.

Information for LGBTQ+ People

Why This Matters

HPV affects everyone regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Groups who may have a higher risk of certain HPV-related cancers include:

  • Gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men

  • Women (cis and trans) who have anal sex

  • Trans women and trans men

  • Non-binary people

  • Anyone who has receptive anal sex

  • Women who have sex with women (HPV can still pass through skin contact)

HPV is about exposure, not identity.

What You Can Do

  • If you have a cervix, attend cervical screening when invited:

    • If you have not received an invitation, you can book through your GP or local sexual health clinic

  • Ask about the HPV vaccine:

    • Available to young people through schools

    • Available to many adults through sexual health clinics

  • Seek medical advice if you notice:

    • Bleeding

    • Pain

    • New lumps or warts

    • Any symptoms unusual for you

Trust your body if something feels different, get it checked.

HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective at protecting against the types of HPV most commonly linked to cancer and genital warts.

It:

  • Does not treat existing HPV

  • Works best before exposure

  • Still offers protection even if you are sexually active

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak to:

  • Your GP

  • Your local sexual health service

  • Your HIV clinic (if applicable)

Find Out More

For trusted information, visit:

If you live in the Liverpool City Region, contact your local sexual health service or HIV clinic for advice about vaccination, screening, or symptoms.

If you have urgent health concerns and cannot get an appointment quickly, call NHS 111 for advice.

A Final Message

HPV is common.
HPV is preventable.
HPV is manageable.

Talking about sexual health openly helps reduce stigma and protects our communities.

If you have questions, your local sexual health service is there to support you confidentially and without judgement.

New Partnership Expands HIV Testing, Treatment, and Support Services on the Wirral

A new collaboration between Wirral Ways and Sahir is set to expand HIV testing, treatment, and support services throughout the Wirral. This initiative will continue Sahir’s established HIV outreach and support services in the region while Wirral Ways will take the lead on HIV testing, including STI screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. The partnership is expected to enhance the region’s ability to prevent and manage HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Wirral Ways, part of Change Grow Live, will offer free and confidential HIV and STI testing at various locations, ensuring that individuals have easy access to essential sexual health services. Sahir will complement these efforts by providing vital support through 1:1 practical and emotional support, counselling services, peer support groups, and educational outreach for people living with HIV.

The initiative also includes education on the use of HIV prevention tools such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). PrEP is a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, while PEP is an emergency treatment that can prevent infection if taken within 72 hours of exposure. Both treatments will be available as part of this comprehensive new service.

Knowing your status through regular testing is a critical component in preventing the spread of HIV. The partnership will promote the message of U=U, which stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. This means that individuals with HIV who adhere to treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to others. The message is simple: with proper treatment, HIV becomes a manageable condition, and those who are undetectable pose no transmission risk.

In addition to testing and treatment, Sahir will run support groups designed to offer emotional and peer support to people living with HIV. These confidential spaces will help reduce stigma, and encourage open discussions about sexual health and living with HIV.

 

Ant Hopkinson, Sahir’s Chief Executive said that “At Sahir, we are dedicated to supporting individuals living with and affected by HIV. Our partnership with Wirral Ways enables us to extend our reach to even more people in need. By combining our expertise in HIV support and prevention with Wirral Ways’ testing services, we can create a stronger safety net for the community. This collaboration not only supports those living with HIV but also plays a crucial role in reducing stigma and promoting education around prevention tools like PrEP and PEP.”

Sharing his excitement of the new partnership, Gerry Pangalis, Service Manager for Wirral Ways said, “At Wirral Ways, we are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, and this partnership with Sahir represents a significant step forward in addressing the prevention and treatment of HIV on the Wirral. By combining our local expertise in providing accessible testing services with Sahir’s extensive support and counselling experience, we are ensuring that more people can receive the care they need. This initiative will not only help reduce the spread of HIV but also challenge the stigma that still surrounds the condition. Together, we are building a safer, more informed community.”

This new partnership is part of the national effort to reach the UK’s goal of zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. By making testing, prevention, and support more accessible, the Wirral community will be better equipped to manage their sexual health and reduce the spread of HIV.

For further information on services or to book a test, visit www.sahir.org.uk/wirral.