Happy Lesbian Visibility Day!

If you didn’t know, today is a pretty cool day. It marks the 12th anniversary of Lesbian Visibility Day, which has been observed on April 26 since 2008. Though its origin is unknown, it’s gained traction and popularity primarily through word-of-mouth, a supportive community, and all the glorious corners of the internet. This year, the UK-based Diva Media Group decided a single day wasn’t enough to create awareness (we agree), and instead designated a full, awesome week to spreading the word. And since we’re such a big fan of this initiative, we thought we’d share it with our community. It’s all about increasing visibility, after all.

Lesbian Visibility Week(!)

This year’s newly coined Lesbian Visibility Week is a chance to celebrate lesbians and show solidarity with all women in the community and beyond. It spotlights many of the everyday struggles lesbians and bisexual women face, like the fact that they’re much more prone to anxiety than heterosexual women, are less likely to get tested for STDs due to shame, are more susceptible to corrective rapes and hate crimes, and, in general, feel misunderstood and marginalized. By offering support and unity, Lesbian Visibility Week is on a mission to lift up ALL women, helping each be their truest self whether at work, at home, or socially.

The Visible Lesbian 100 List & The Diva Survey

Diva Media Group is working to do this in several awesome ways. For one, they’ve unveiled the Visible Lesbian 100 list, which honors 100 women (actually, it’s 110—why cap it?) who have made it a little easier for others to come out and express themselves freely. Open-hearted, diverse, and tenacious, this group of women stands as a collective symbol of progression—a reminder to stand proud and confident in our labels. Additionally, Diva Media Group researched the lives of LGBTQI women to publish the The Diva Survey, which offers valuable insights on the everyday challenges women-loving women face as well as hopes for the future. 

Live Panels & Seminars

The week was also jam-packed with panels and seminars on work, wellness, resilience, and so much more, all led by incredible, influential women. The best part? All of the content is free and available to watch right from our couches (because where else would you be right now?).

Stay Visible, Strong, & True

Considering how stressful and disconcerting the last couple weeks have been, it’s uplifting to discover a bright spot in an initiative that’s moving culture forward, celebrating diversity, and spotlighting individuality. We find it inspiring and empowering, and hope you do to, too. To our own community: stay visible, strong, and true, and, as always, comfortable in your own skin.