Lezbehonest, we’ve all been waiting for this virtual dose of visibility, now – what’s on the line up?
BY DIVA MEDIA GROUP
As the leading media group for women-loving-women in Europe, DIVA Media Group reaches an audience of 250,000 users every month. (Wild, eh?) And, with the growing engagement that’s come over the last 26 years, we’ve increasingly found that LGBTQI+ women (still) feel that they’re misunderstood and under supported.
Now, one of the aims of Lesbian Visibility Week is to show our solidarity with every woman within the LGBTQI+ community, as well as to celebrate lesbians specifically – as we kick off this Monday 20 April, culminating the week-long event on Lesbian Visibility Day, 26 April 2020.
What’s happening, when?
We’re glad you asked. There’ll be a diverse range of online events taking place everyday from 20-26 April 2020, including free online Women At Work sessions with panels, seminars and workshops on topics ranging from career-focused masterclasses to wellbeing and resilience from leading LGBTQI+ speakers and experts…
💠 MONDAY
🏙OPENING SESSION
BBC newsreader and journalist Jane Hill introduces Lesbian Visibility Week and gives the lowdown on what’s in store for this groundbreaking, celebratory week (excited much?)
🏙TIPS FROM THE TOP
Hear from some amazing senior role models about the lessons they have learned in their careers, top tips for being successful and what they wish they knew earlier in their journey. Panel members Julia Streets, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Baroness Liz Barker & Margot Slatery.
🏙LAYERS OF INVISIBILITY
In a time of social distancing, how do we do the opposite and ensure that everyone within our community is valued and visible, and that we are lifting each other up? Hear some amazing and emotional stories of what it feels like to belong as well as top tips to ensure we are creating a community we can all thrive in. Panel members Nour Fayad and Mandi Mavado.
🏙THE GLOBAL VIEW
It’s not easy to think beyond our own bubble, especially, at the moment. But what is the lived experience for women across the world? Hear from some women who live in fascinating and challenging environments. Panel members Judith Airiohuodian, Deborah Beckenbridge, Bibi Bilodeau and Karen Hultzer.
🌃DIVA DOES TALENT (HEAT ONE)
The first of two heats: Drop in and watch some of the incredibly talented people in our community. Vote for the people we want to see in the final on Sunday! From 7.30pm.
💠 TUESDAY
🏙RESILIENCE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
We often talk about resilience as if it is something we have or don’t, but is it something we can learn and build? In these uncertain times, what can we do to ensure our resilience is high? Facilitator, Claire Harvey.
🏙THREE WOMEN, THREE STORIES
A high paced conversation between three fearless queer women who are deconstructing stereotypes for a modern world. Panel members Laila El-Metoui, Andreena Leeane & Maria Goldsmith.
🏙THE POWER OF WOMEN’S NETWORKS
A discussion about what LGBTQI networks within companies can do to support diversity and inclusion at work.
🏙POSITIVE SEXUAL HEALTH
Recent stats show 34% of women are worried that their desires or sexual appetite are not normal. Leading expert Karen Gurney, author of Mind The Gap, talks about healthy sexuality.
🌃DIVA DOES TALENT (HEAT TWO)
The final heat: Drop in and watch some of the incredibly talented people in our community. Vote for the people we want to see in the final on Sunday! From 7.30pm.
💠 WEDNESDAY
🏙WOMEN IN PRIDE
A panel discussion, hosted by ITN newsreader Minnie Stephenson, on how Pride events can better support LGBTQI women. Panellists include chairs from Pride In London, Norwich Pride and the founder of UK Black Pride. With Ali Camps, Jo Caulfield and Minnie Stephenson.
🏙DIVA SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
As part of the first ever Lesbian Visibility Week, DIVA Media Group has teamed up with Kantar to bring you The DIVA Survey: LGBTQI Women’s Insight 2020. The results of this brand new piece of research capture the diversity of our community, highlight the unique challenges we face as women-loving women and reveal our vision for the future…
🏙PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Psychological safety is the key to a healthy workplace, relationship and life. In this webinar, the concepts and core pillars of how to create psychological safety will be uncovered and unpicked. Facilitator, Gina Battye.
🏙KEEPING LOVE ALIVE
Whether you are in isolation together or apart, keeping the romance and spark alive with your loved one at the moment can be hard work. Take some tips from an expert in all things romance. Facilitator, Lorna Reeves.
🌃NINA’S HEAVENLY DELIGHTS
DIVA managing editor Roxy Bourdillon talks to director Pratibha Parmar about her iconic film – an exhilarating, comedy drama with a touch of magical realism and a sprinkling of Bollywood spectacle. From 7.30pm.
💠 THURSDAY
🏙DIFFERENT SECTORS, DIFFERENT VOICES
A chance to hear about the lived experience and top career tips from people whose jobs or sectors might not be those you have considered as a career and where women are underrepresented. Panel members, Kulbir Shergill, Natalie Coleman and Samantha Nelson.
🏙COFFEE WITH… SOPHIE WARD
DIVA editor-in-chief Carrie Lyell chats to Sophie Ward about the importance of visibility, staying sane in lockdown, and reimagining our realities post-Covid. Panel members Sophie Ward and DIVA editor-in-chief, Carrie Lyell.
🏙LGBTQI+ IN CHARITIES
Find out how charities are tackling gender and LGBTQI diversity internally.
🏙LONDON WOMEN’S CLINIC FERTILITY AND ME
Professor Nick Macklon, Medical Director of London Women’s Clinic, visiting Professor at the University of Copenhagen and editor of Reproductive Biomedicine Online (RBMO) discusses fertility options for lesbian women, including egg-sharing, donor insemination and shared motherhood. The LWC has pioneered many of the routine techniques used to help lesbian women and same sex couples today. This talk explores tests and diagnostic procedures, how the treatment works, the different methods available and the legal implications of using donor sperm to conceive.
🌃DIVA’S COMEDY NIGHT
Roll up, roll up and meet some of the funniest women in town. We’ve lined up some top top talent to entertain you this evening, so grab a drink and a snack and join us at the virtual DIVA Comedy Club! From 7.30pm.
💠 FRIDAY
🏙WELLBEING MASTERCLASS
My grandma used to say “you can’t make tea from an empty kettle”. This session gives you hints and tips to ensure you are REALLY looking after yourself, both mentally and physically. Facilitator Claire Harvey.
🏙MENTAL HEALTH COFFEE MORNING
🏙SHELLY MCNAMARA FROM P&G
🏙PILLOWPOD ON PODDIVA
Join actress and podcast producer, Rachel Shelley, in a candid, entertaining and informative conversation with Ky Hoyle, owner and founder of Sh! Women’s Emporium, where the two cover everything from perceptions of lesbian sex to how to navigate lust during lockdown.
🌃THE BIG GAY DIVA QUIZ
Just as it says on the tin! Brain box? Join Team DIVA for a mega quiz of all things LGBTQI and all things DIVA. Hosted by the glamorous, Roxy Bourdillon. Also from 7.30pm.
So, what are you waiting for?
We’ll see you there, virtually of course. And remember, all of the information relating to the individual sessions will go live on the day, so keep popping back over in the coming days to find out more. (Sessions will be hosted through various channels including YouTube and Zoom).
Find out more at lesbianvisibilityweek.com. Please note, all sessions are subject to change, updates will be given on our social media channels.
Like many businesses, DIVA has been hit hard by the economic impact of coronavirus and we need your help to keep the presses rolling throughout the pandemic. Visit our PayPal fundraising page and give what you can. Your support means the world.
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