I've been teaching self-defense professionally starting in 2001, before that it was without a company. I hold free 4-6 hour classes for the LGBT community in Oregon USA, have been asked to teach in England also. I've sat in on several events where people in the LGBT community have voiced their opinions and various attacks against them and it's not pretty at all.
High level, for the average person, LGBT or cisgender I teach a combination of empty hand and impact tools tactics. There are many reasons to stay away from mace and tasers which if anyone is interested I will list them out.
My credentials are listed here
https://karenpayneblog.com/2016/09/18/defensive-tactics/Besides empty hand and impact tools it's really good to learn verbal judo, how to attempt to avoid a bad situation then with training use the OODA loop.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OODA_loopLastly, before taking any class for personal protection in your area, talk to the instructor, if they are good they will met with you before a class. Also, a good instructor will offer a refund for a class in the first hour of the class if you feel the class is not right for you.