Queer women and non-binary people – unsurprisingly – feel left out of LGBT+ spaces
(Stock photo)
Queer women and non-binary people in the UK have, perhaps unsurprisingly, revealed that they feel gay men have more visibility than they do, and that and most LGBT+ offerings are not aimed at their interests.
Respondents to a new survey said they wanted to see more social, community-building events revolving around quieter and relaxed spaces that provide more alternatives to pubs and clubs.
They also expressed a desire for more dating opportunities exclusively for LGBT+ women and non-binary people.
The research quizzed 300 women and non-binary people, with 79 per cent in agreement that gay men have more visibility and are better catered to. It was conducted by Sappho Events, a new LGBT+ company that runs safe, sober and social events for women and non-binary people who love women.
Founder Maryann Wright said she hopes Sappho Events will “help build community, offer LGBT+ women and non-binary people the opportunity to make new friends, and maybe even love for those who are single”.
She added: “It has been particularly tough for many during lockdown as people are increasingly isolated, and cut off from their usual social networks.
“I’m hopeful that Sappho Events will help ease the discomfort of lockdown and offer a fun and sociable outlet, and build a lovely community of LGBT+ women and non-binary community that can enjoy meeting together in person as soon as we can.”
The company has four upcoming online events to bring LGBT+ women and non-binary people together during the current lockdown including an LGBT+ quiz night, a boxing class, speed dating and a “crafter noon” making vulva decorations.
The issue of female and non-binary visibility and inclusion in queer spaces is far from new, nor is it exclusive to the UK.
In October 2020, a campaign was launched to save the 15 lesbian bars still in operation across the entirety of the US.
A survey conducted by The Trevor Project in 2020 found that LGBT+ youth have experienced increased loneliness since the beginning of the pandemic.
