LESBIAN VISIBILITY DAY – 26th April 2022

Lesbian Visibility Day started in 2008 as a time to celebrate lesbians, a day of unity that highlights lesbians, especially those women from marginalized communities.

We want to live in a world where services are inclusive and everyone is accepted, and we call on all those who share our vision to stand up and support their LGBT friends, family, and the wider community.

Celebrating Lesbian Visibility Day gives you the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your support.
So please use all your digital platforms to make your support clear and to welcome lesbians who may not feel confident to bring their whole selves to your services.

2.2% of the UK population reportedly identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual in 2018 – an estimated 1.2 million people aged 16 years and over. While there are no figures recording the lesbian population in Tower Hamlets, a proportionate estimate suggests at least 2,000 lesbians living in the borough. Given the discrimination still faced by lesbian, gay and bi people in the UK, the number is of course likely to be higher.

Statistics suggest a generational divide in how comfortable LGB people feel in coming out. With 6.6% of 16–24-year-olds identifying as LGB compared with only 1% of those over the age of 65, it is possible that older lesbians are more wary of coming out, while younger generations are experiencing greater freedom.

What helps people to come out and be their true selves is knowing that they will be supported and seeing greater visibility and acceptance of people like them. Support service information follows. But all of us are part of the chain of support.

Sarah the Chair of elop said:
“We welcome that The Tower Hamlets Women’s Network and account3 are highlighting Lesbian Visibility Day. Marking days to celebrate the LGBT community and showing  your support improves the wellbeing of the community. Health statistics show that lesbians face many health inequalities including seeking support late due to the fear of judgement or worse.Visibility and well informed staff and volunteers  who are confident in supporting lesbians make a difference and will help to end inequalities faced by so many. If you need support to be better informed about the needs of lesbians, then contact lgbtforum@elop.org to find out how the tower hamlets LGBT+ community forum can help”.

Please tweet and post your solidarity and promote the day as one to celebrate widely.

INFORMATION AND REFERRALS Lesbian Visibility Week events are FREE and will be live streamed through Facebook and Youtube. Sessions will be available to watch after the live stream on our YouTube and Facebook channels:
https://www.lesbianvisibilityweek.com/lvw-events-2021

For more information about our LGBT community:
https://www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history-resources-sexuality-gender-identity-guide

For East London LGBT forum and various activities try ELOP – East London Out Project lesbian and gay centre that offers a range of social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities:   http://www.elop.org/

For London wide activities for and with older members of the LGBT community try Opening Doors contact:
https://www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk/Listing/Category/groups

Step Forward in Bethnal Green Road provide free & confidential services for all young people aged 11-25, living in & around Tower Hamlets, East London: http://www.step-forward.org/

Leading Queer Muslim charity Hidayah (هداية) means guidance. They support and serve queer Muslims, promote social justice and educate the wider community to counter discrimination, prejudice and injustice.  https://hidayahlgbt.com/