It’s A Smear – Trans and Non-Binary

Posted 3rd September 2026

We all deserve intimate care that is trauma informed and culturally sensitive

We believe that everyone – no matter your background or experiences – deserves cervical screening that respects your dignity, your body, and your voice. That is why we have partnered with Nottingham Women’s Centre to deliver the It’s A Smear Campaign.

About the Campaign

The campaign was set up by Nottingham Women’s Centre set up with funding from Rosa ‘Voices from the Frontline Fund’. It aims to bridge the gap between how healthcare professionals deliver cervical screening and the real needs of women and people with a cervix, who may or may not feel able to access screening.

Research shows that different people are less likely to attend cervical screening. These include people from the LGBTQ+ community, people who are Black, Asian or from minoritised ethnic groups and people living in deprived areas. We also know that some people may not be aware that they can attend screening, which can include people who are trans.

Trans men and those assigned female at birth are recommended to attend cervical screening if they have not had a full hysterectomy. However, people who are registered as male with their GP, will not routinely be called.
Trans women and those assigned male at birth do not need to attend cervical screening, but may still be invited for screening that they do not need, if they are registered as female with their GP.

At Notts SVSS we know that experience of sexual violence can be a huge additional barrier to gynaecological healthcare. Cervical screening can saves approximately 5,00 lives a year. Uptake for screening is on the decline and Nottingham screening rates are lower than the national average. While self-screening might increase access, barriers for certain groups will still remain. We believe that screening should be available to everyone, in the way that feels most comfortable to them.

How

The campaign will work with Nottingham City Primary Care Networks (PCN) to bridge the gap between what patients need and what is currently delivered. We have been collecting information via a survey and are also holding separate listening groups for different people. While the main survey is now closed, we have created a special link for trans and non-binary people to respond.

Information provided through this route will be sent to the EDI Lead at Notts SVSS, who is themself knowledgeable about issues that specifically impact trans and non-binary people. This will be collated into its own section on the report, to highlight needs associated with trans cervical healthcare. We do not ask for identifying information. Any identifying details shared in the survey will be anonymised and published in a report jointly with Nottingham Women’s Centre. You can read our Privacy Notice here and find out more about Nottingham Women’s Centre’s campaign involvement here.

If you would like to be part of a trans/non-binary listening group, or have a one-to-one conversation about this, please email feedback@nottssvss.org.uk

Information collated will be written into a report, delivered to local healthcare groups. Through this we hope to:

Ensure consistent quality and care: which is culturally sensitive and trauma-informed
Create learning resources: empower women and people with cervixes with knowledge and confidence and support they need to access gynaecological appointments with trust and understanding.

Even if your experiences have been good, or you have chosen not to attend smear testing as part of your transition, your opinions are still valid and we would like to hear from you.

GO TO SURVEY