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EmailCatherine Dixon, Stonewall Chair
Lesbian Visibility Week holds immense significance for me; it serves as a vital reminder of the power of sisterhood and the unique experiences of LBTQ+ women worldwide.
This week is a celebration of our collective strength and provides us with the opportunity to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard.
In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, it is more crucial than ever for me to stand in unwavering solidarity with LBTQ+ women and non-binary people globally. I proudly identify as #LWithTheT; to me, womanhood will always encompass a multitude of identities and experiences, and the freedom to self-determine should be a fundamental human right.
Lesbian Visibility Week presents an invaluable opportunity to honour who we are, share our stories, and ensure that lesbian voices are amplified—whether in Parliament, in the workplace, or while enjoying time with friends and family. It is a pivotal moment for convening and strengthening our community.
I have experienced firsthand the challenges of visibility and the hurdles of having my voice heard. Discrimination has been a harsh reality for me, and while we often think that laws are in place to protect us, last week we were reminded just how quickly the protections we may have taken for granted can be eroded.
Thus, while being visible can present personal challenges, it has also enabled me to forge important connections within the broader LGBTQ+ community and with our allies, allowing us to support and fight for our equality.
Currently, we are witnessing the erosion of our hard-won rights and a stagnation of progress on a global scale. Lesbians have always existed, and while we may not always achieve the visibility we deserve, it is imperative that we can be true to ourselves without the fear of discrimination or hatred.
I am immensely grateful to our allies at DIVA for organising Lesbian Visibility Week, reminding us of the essential role our community plays in uplifting one another and fostering solidarity among LBTQ+ women.
Equality matters—our concerns regarding access to services, representation, and legal protection are crucial. One pressing issue affecting many lesbians in the UK is family formation, particularly regarding fertility treatment. Lesbians face unjust economic and emotional barriers; for instance, in 90% of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England, lesbian couples are required to self-fund a minimum of six cycles of artificial insemination before qualifying for NHS IVF treatment. In some regions, this requirement escalates to twelve cycles, with each cycle costing around £1,500. These prohibitive costs can swiftly accumulate to tens of thousands of pounds, placing fertility treatment out of reach for many.
At Stonewall, we have been fighting to eradicate these financial barriers through our IVF for All campaign. We were thrilled when the government finally committed to addressing this issue in a recent announcement.
Everyone should have the chance to start a family if they wish, and lesbians should not face additional obstacles. IVF is just one avenue towards family formation; many alternative paths to parenthood exist. In honour of Lesbian Visibility Week, Stonewall has launched a new Family Formation Guide, supported by ISS, which outlines various routes to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals considering starting a family and for those who may assist them.
Visibility serves as both a form of resistance and a powerful assertion of empowerment. When lesbians are visible, we can raise awareness, advocate for change, and push for equality. Thus, I conclude this message as I began it: I am a proud, visible lesbian, and like the vast majority of lesbians, I will always resolutely stand in solidarity with all LBTQ+ women and non-binary people worldwide.
Let this week serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and the necessity of intersectionality in our quest for justice. We must amplify our vices and celebrate our shared experiences while recognising that inclusivity strengthens our community.
As we take pride in being visible and lesbian, let us also reaffirm our commitment to fighting discrimination in all its forms. Together, we can forge a world where love, acceptance, and self-determination are not privileges for a select few but inherent rights for everyone, regardless of identity or sexual orientation.
Happy Lesbian Visibility Week! Let us unite in our pursuit of equality and respect for all.
