Created by Friend of Dorothy Wellness, a sexual wellness company built for gay men, the new online clinic aims to make sexual health treatments easier to access privately and without stigma.
The service will allow patients to consult with doctors online and receive prescriptions delivered discreetly to their homes, without needing to visit a GP or pharmacy in person.
Treatments available through the platform will include erectile dysfunction medication, hair loss treatments and weight management support. Patients will complete online consultations before prescriptions are issued by qualified clinicians and delivered directly to their homes.
Friend of Dorothy Wellness says the service was created to address a barrier many gay men still experience when accessing healthcare — particularly when it comes to discussing sexual health.
Founder Oliver James says the idea came directly from conversations with customers.
“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,” he explains.
“For some people, it feels embarrassing, for others it feels exposing, and that often leads to people avoiding getting help altogether.
“Our digital clinic aims to remove those barriers by offering private, judgement-free healthcare designed specifically with gay men in mind.”
The company says building a healthcare platform run by members of the community it serves was an important part of the vision.
“We wanted to create something built by gay men, for gay men,” James says.
“Healthcare can sometimes feel impersonal, especially when discussing intimate issues. 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.”
The Meaning Behind “Friend of Dorothy”
The company’s name also reflects an important piece of LGBTQ+ cultural history.
The phrase “Friend of Dorothy” has long been used as coded language within gay communities. During periods when homosexuality was criminalised or heavily stigmatised, the expression was sometimes used as a discreet way for gay men to recognise one another without openly discussing sexuality.
Today, the phrase is widely understood as a reference to gay identity and LGBTQ+ community history.
Friend of Dorothy Wellness says the name represents openness, connection and shared understanding within the community it serves.
Building a Gay Men’s Wellness Platform
Friend of Dorothy Wellness was founded in 2023 by Oliver James and Azamat Valiyev with the aim of improving sexual health, confidence and wellbeing for gay men.
Since launching nearly three years ago, the company has built a growing following in both the UK and the United States through its supplements and sexual wellness products designed around gay men’s health.
More than 100,000 customers have already tried Friend of Dorothy Wellness products across the UK and the US.
The company’s product range includes supplements designed to support sexual stamina, prostate health and overall sexual wellbeing.
The launch of the digital pharmacy marks the company’s expansion from supplements into regulated healthcare services.
The launch also comes amid growing awareness of LGBTQ+ health inequalities across the UK.
In July 2025, the NHS announced its first comprehensive review examining health inequalities affecting LGBTQ+ communities, looking at issues ranging from mental health to barriers to accessing sexual health services.
James says the company hopes its digital clinic will complement existing healthcare systems rather than replace them.
“We’re seeing a much wider conversation happening across the UK about LGBTQ+ health inequalities, and that’s incredibly positive,” he says.
“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 isn’t to replace traditional healthcare like the NHS, but to provide an additional option that feels relevant, informed and built with gay men in mind.”
Alongside its healthcare services, Friend of Dorothy Wellness is also supporting initiatives aimed at addressing loneliness within the gay community.
The company is the founding supporter of Toto Together, a charitable initiative pledging £100,000 to fund real-life social events across the UK designed to help gay men build friendships and stronger community connections.
The digital clinic will launch later this year through the Friend of Dorothy Wellness website and app.
For more information, visit friend-of-dorothy.com
