Artigenda
International Lesbian Day
When: Annually, October 8.
International Lesbian Day is a day dedicated to the lesbian community, worldwide and it takes place annually on October 8.
The day is dedicated to the lesbian community worldwide. To draw attention to the position of this community of girls and women, worldwide. For their struggles, problems and the issues they face. In addition, it is a moment to reflect on acceptance and show solidarity. It is also a moment to stand up against hatred, discrimination, violence and sexism. So, this is an important day!
Lesbian culture
It’s also a day to reflect on lesbian culture and the history that goes with it. An important part of that history was the development that led to the moment when it came to the creation of a day for the lesbian community.
Origins
The New Zealand version is said to have originated on International Women’s Day (8 March 1980), while the Australian version is said to have originated on a day closer to the one now held, which is 13 October 1990. The difference is in participation and how you want to look at it. Forty women participated in the march that took place in Wellington, New Zealand. More people took part in the gathering in Melbourne. That was a real event. LGBTQIA+ Health Australia cites this event as the start for the international version of International Lesbian Day, as you can read here. The only downside is that yet another source, one from New Zealand, believes that Day really is from New Zealand after all, as you can read here.
Sources
The downside of both sources: no older sources are cited. Does that matter for the importance of the day? No, because the day is here and is important enough!
Proud
Girls and women belonging to the lesbian community are often victims of hate, discrimination, violence and sexism. Incidentally, this applies to more members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is only on this day that the lesbian community takes centre stage. Logically, because today is International Lesbian Day. A day to stand up against issues that need to stop. In addition, it is a day to be proud. Whether it is about yourself or your family members or friends.
