I’m thrilled to have been asked to be part of Lesbian Visibility Week, powered by DIVA, and even more excited that we will be putting Black women and non-binary people front and centre as we celebrate our amazing lesbian community. Long before UK Black Pride became the world’s largest celebration for LGBTQIA people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent, its origins were in Black Lesbians in the UK (BLUK), a sisterhood of Black women who wanted to come together, be seen and celebrate our queerness. The incredible diversity, power and visibility of UK Black Pride today stands on the shoulders of BLUK. That desire to be seen, when the world tries so hard to make Black LGBTQIA people invisible, still burns bright within me. That’s why it’s so important to turn the spotlight on the Black lesbians who exemplify leadership, positive influence and support within our community.

UK Black Pride’s We Will Be Heard survey found that 82% of LGBTQIA people of colour don’t feel represented by queer media. UK Black Pride is working with DIVA to change that. Thank you to everyone who nominated an inspirational Black lesbian. This groundbreaking list ensures that our amazing community is seen in all its Diversity this Lesbian Visibility Week.