On October 8th, the lesbian community and our allies celebrate International Lesbian Day. This day is reserved for honouring women who love women and everything that comes with the title. This day is for us, from the culture and history to the immense diversity within our community. Although there was no official date when this day started, many believe it originated in New Zealand in 1980. However, others claim it began in Australia sometime during 1990.
In any case, the day is now widely recognized and celebrated worldwide. Every year on this date, we come together to remember how far we’ve come and all the challenges we still face. We also use this day to educate others about our community and advocate for acceptance and equality.
Regardless of its beginnings, this day has been celebrated by lesbians worldwide with various events, dances, conferences, and more. Things are slowly starting to change, and in recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of the LGBTQ community. While we still have a long way to go, days like International Lesbian Day help bring us one step closer.
The Importance of Inclusivity
When discussing inclusivity within the lesbian community, it’s important to remember that many different kinds of women identify as lesbians. The list includes women of colour, disabled women, and trans women. And while the mainstream media would have you believe that all lesbians are white cisgender women who love Birkenstocks and U-Hauling their partners on the second date – that isn’t true. Well, maybe it is for me, but not all of us. Our community is diverse and beautiful; every woman should feel she belongs.
That’s why days like International Lesbian Day are so meaningful. They remind us that we are not alone and that others understand and accept us for who we are. They also give us a chance to celebrate our unique identities. There is no right way to be a lesbian; we create our own rules – which makes our community special. We come in all shapes, sizes, colours, and gender identities, and we should celebrate that!
Let’s take a moment to celebrate all the incredible women in the lesbian community. We should celebrate our diversity, strength, and resilience; at the end of the day, we’re here to stay!
