How to be an ally this Lesbian Visibility Week

I’ve always said that London’s diversity is its strength. That’s why I’m proud that our new City Hall is flying the Lesbian Pride flag today, on Lesbian Visibility Day. This week is Lesbian Visibility Week and we’re celebrating London’s lesbian communities as well as the contributions of bisexual, trans and queer women and non-binary people to our city’s past and present. 

As someone who has faced abuse and prejudice based on my background, I recognise that visibility can be a double-edged sword. But London is a city for everyone, where our diversity is not only acknowledged, but celebrated.

I’m continually inspired by the legacies of lesbians who’ve lived against the grain and fought for their right to exist and love. They’ve made our city a better place for everyone. 

Lesbian visibility benefits all of us but ultimately, lesbian visibility must benefit lesbian and queer women whose sexuality and gender expression has been marginalised, fetishised and punished for centuries. 

It’s up to all of us, as allies, to help create a safer, more inclusive society in which all LGBTQ+ and non-binary people are free to be who they want to be and love who they want to love.

Tips for being an ally

In the workplace and in all areas of our lives, it’s important that we don’t allow homophobia or misogyny to take root by giving a pass to harmful assumptions about lesbian and queer women. Here are a few tips on how to be a better ally. 

• Challenge the assumption that all women are straight. Don’t automatically assume that someone’s partner is a man or that their co-parent is a father. 
• There's no right or wrong way to look like a lesbian. The way lesbians dress, look and act is as diverse as any other group.
• Google is your friend. When it comes to the most common questions you have about LGBTQ+ people, it’s more than likely that you can find the answer online first. 
• Be aware of intersectionality. Not all lesbian and queer women have the same experiences or face the same challenges. Be mindful of the fact that people may suffer multiple levels of discrimination based on a range of background characteristics, including ethnicity, disability, mental health and others.

Happy Lesbian Visibility Week.