On the 26th of April, we observe World Lesbian Visibility Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the stories, struggles, and successes of lesbian* women. Its aim is to show that lesbian women are everywhere – in public life, schools, academia, the arts, politics, sport, etc – and that their voices and stories matter.
Visibility can save lives. For lesbians* who are struggling with themselves and are yet to come out, it means a lot to see role models and stories that tell them: you are not alone. Representation gives strength, builds confidence, and helps with overcoming feelings of isolation.
Visibility also makes a difference at a societal level: hearing lesbian women’s stories, seeing faces on the front pages, seeing honest narratives in films and TV series erodes prejudices and makes society more accepting.
The first Lesbian Visibility Day was held in the UK in 2008. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, celebrated around the world with a variety of events: community campaigns, talks, art programmes, and online activities.
The aim of the day is not only to celebrate, but also to encourage dialogue on how to give more space to lesbian women in public life, in the media, in the workplace, and how to present diversity in an authentic way.
How can you celebrate? Read, watch, listen to the work of lesbian* artists, follow artists who are helping to make lesbians* visible through their own stories or the stories of others. Or simply celebrate, support the lesbians* in your life, tell them how important their presence is, because stories have power.
Translation by Zsófia Ziaja
