Many people go through the week of April 21st as it is any other week. Celebrating Easter, stressing about the end of the semester, or enjoying nice weather and the last couple of weeks with friends. But, a lot of people don’t know that there is one day, dedicated to a group associated with the LGBT+ community. That day is, April 26th, Lesbian Visibility Day.
Lesbian Visibility Day started on April 26th, 2008 as an annual day to celebrate, recognize, and bring visibility to lesbians around the world. While it is not definite who or where it started, we can only give gratitude to the internet for it being celebrated the way it is now today.
Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall, explains the importance of the day to her:
“We’re still not mainstream and not all lesbians are visible. Representations of diverse lesbian identities continue to be extremely limited. There’s so much to be done before lesbians from all backgrounds feel included and see themselves reflected in society.”
Phyll Opoku-gyimah, Co-Founder and Executive Director of UK Black Pride, describes why she celebrates the day
“As a black lesbian woman, I love my complexities, nuanced ways, and richness. They allow me to amplify my voice and be heard and seen 365 days of the year when other parts of society wish to erase my lived experience. We have a great deal of work to do in amplifying the experiences of all lesbians, which has to take an inclusive approach.”
DJ Ritu, Disc Jockey and LGBTQ+ Activist states:
“This celebration is a day when we can rejoice in who we are, and every aspect of ourselves. A day to be out, proud, and fully resplendent as women that connect with other women. Every day should be like this.”
DJ Ritu is right, every day should be a day for lesbians to celebrate who we are. So as we honor April 26th take it as a day to be out, proud, and loud. Feel connected to other lesbians and allow yourself to feel the love about something that makes up a part of your identity.