The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) have released a series of short films aimed at encouraging lesbian and bisexual women to access cervical screening services. The Youtube “screenings” pay tribute to Gone With The Wind, Star Wars, Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman.

Each film features a cast of animated dolls who add a “sapphic twist” to the original concept whilst dispelling myths about cervical screenings for lesbian and bisexual women. They are part of a wider campaign supported by the NHS and The University of Salford.

Annie Emery of the LGF explained: “Over the years, some lesbian and bisexual women accessing screening have experienced homophobia, assumptions that they are heterosexual, inappropriate treatment and, most damaging of all, misinformation about their health when it comes to cervical screening. Therefore it is crucial that LB women know that they do need cervical screening, and that they have the confidence to access services and get the kind of test that works for them.”

Research carried out last year in the North West demonstrated the extent of the problem. Over a third of the 600 participants were told that they did not require cervical screening, and one in six women were actively discouraged from having a test by a medical professional. 40% of participants had either had a screening test later than recommended, or had not had a test at all.

You can find information on cervical screening at the LGF website.

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