Scene Magazine QX reports that a new business is offering pharamcological services by and for gay men.

A new digital healthcare clinic has been launched with the specific aim of making private, stigma-free treatment more accessible for gay men. Created by the sexual wellness company Friend of Dorothy Wellness, the service will allow patients to consult with doctors online and have prescriptions delivered discreetly to their homes.

The platform will offer treatments for conditions including erectile dysfunction, hair loss and weight management. Patients will first complete an online consultation, after which qualified clinicians can issue prescriptions for delivery, removing the need to visit a GP surgery or pharmacy in person.

Addressing Barriers and Stigma

Founder Oliver James stated the service was developed to address a significant barrier many gay men still face when accessing healthcare, particularly regarding sexual health. He explained that the idea came directly from customer conversations.

“Many gay men, particularly those living outside major cities, still feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health concerns with a local doctor or pharmacist they may have known for years,” James said. “For some people, it feels embarrassing, for others it feels exposing, and that often leads to people avoiding getting help altogether.”

He emphasised that the clinic's goal is to remove these barriers by offering private, judgement-free healthcare designed specifically with gay men in mind. A core part of the vision was building a platform run by members of the community it serves.

“We wanted to create something built by gay men, for gay men,” James added. “By building a service that understands the culture, language and lived experiences of our community, we believe we can create something that feels far more approachable.”

Expansion into Regulated Healthcare

Friend of Dorothy Wellness was founded in 2023 by Oliver James and Azamat Valiyev. Since its launch, the company has built a following in the UK and US with its range of supplements targeting gay men's health, such as products for sexual stamina and prostate health, attracting over 100,000 customers.

The launch of the digital pharmacy marks the company's expansion from selling wellness supplements into providing regulated clinical services. This move comes amid growing national awareness of LGBTQ+ health inequalities.

In July 2025, the NHS announced its first comprehensive review into health inequalities affecting LGBTQ+ communities, examining issues from mental health to barriers in sexual health services.

Complementing Existing Services

James clarified that the new clinic aims to complement existing systems like the NHS, not replace them. “We’re seeing a much wider conversation happening across the UK about LGBTQ+ health inequalities, and that’s incredibly positive,” he said. “But conversations need to translate into real, accessible services.”

“These communities often have very specific health concerns and experiences that aren’t always reflected in mainstream healthcare settings. Our aim is to provide an additional option that feels relevant, informed and built with gay men in mind.”

Alongside the clinic, the company is supporting initiatives to tackle loneliness in the gay community. It is the founding supporter of Toto Together, a charitable initiative pledging £100,000 to fund real-life social events across the UK to help gay men build friendships.

The digital clinic is scheduled to launch later this year via the Friend of Dorothy Wellness website and app.