The idea
It’s About Bloody Time (for Trans Healthcare to get Better) is a community-led project providing free, in-person blood testing and support for trans and gender-diverse people in West Oxfordshire, delivered in partnership with West Oxfordshire Trans & Non-Binary Support CIC. This project will have a focus on people of colour and asylum seekers who face the greatest barriers to mainstream healthcare. Each event offers accurate venous blood testing for hormone monitoring delivered by trained staff, alongside free HIV testing provided by Terrence Higgins Trust. While waiting, participants can attend talks on trans healthcare and mental health run by Trans Health Research UK, share knowledge with peers, and enjoy screenings, meals, and live music celebrating trans communities. By combining essential healthcare with cultural activities and peer connection, It’s About Bloody Time reduces isolation, builds trust, and creates a model for inclusive care.
What we'll deliver
- 4 events focusing on trans healthcare
- At least 160 trans people accessing free blood tests for HRT and HIV
- A safe space for community exchange
- Each event will include: 3 lectures on trans healthcare topics, 1 short film screening, 3 bands playing at the end
Why it's a great idea
The project will improve access to essential blood tests for trans+ individuals, especially those on hormone therapy, reducing health risks from unmonitored treatment. By delivering services in friendly, community-led settings, it increases engagement, trust, and health equity. Training community members as researchers builds local capacity, empowers participants, and ensures culturally sensitive care. Data collected will inform best practices, support advocacy for systemic change, and generate evidence for scalable, community-driven healthcare models. Overall, it enhances safety, inclusivity, and long-term wellbeing for trans+ communities.
Steps to get it done
- Film-makers secured for all of the events
- Bands secured for all of the events
- Community space confirmed
- Facilitators trained from West Oxfordshire Trans & Nonbinary Support CIC
- Nurses trained via Sapphic Bison
- First event organized and run
- Onboard feedback from first event to ensure rest of events are run as smoothly as possible
- Onboard feedback to ensure next Trans Health Research UK lecture series are delivered based on community needs
- Set up the rest of the 3 events to run smoothly
- Gather fundraising and ensure fundraising supports this project beyond the funding
