Why Oban Lesbian Weekend is reclaiming the word “lesbian” as an inclusive term
BY MAZ GORDON, FOUNDER OF OBAN LESBIAN WEEKEND
The Highlands of Scotland are known for breathtaking scenery on our islands, mountains and wildlife, but not for lesbians! When I moved back home to Oban from Brighton in 2019, I never thought that three years later I would be welcoming another 300 lesbians and their friends to my third festival, Oban Lesbian Weekend, this September.
Oban, Scotland is a picturesque fishing port and a coastal tourist resort, and from 13–16 September and much of that week, nearly every hotel in town will be fully booked with LGBTQIA women and non-binary people. It’s been brilliant to see this new Festival thrive in the most unlikely of places.
However, there has been chatter on the socials ever since the first event back in 2022. In all the Facebook groups, and in real life at the Weekend, the community has asked: “Why is it called a lesbian event in this day and age? It’s an inclusive event, so why not call it Oban LGBTQIA Weekend?”
When I first launched Oban Lesbian Weekend back in 2021, my idea regarding the name was simple – it was a mini festival for women who like women, and it’s a long weekend in Oban, so hey let’s call it Oban Lesbian Weekend!
It never crossed my mind that calling it Oban “Lesbian” Weekend might make some think that you had to be a lesbian to come or that some trans women might question if it was for them. In my mind, inclusion meant that all LGBTQIA and non-binary women, including our trans siblings, were welcome, and that was the default setting. After all, the use of the word lesbianism has been used to describe erotic relationships since 1870, in honour of the bisexual poet, Sappho.
Trans women have been at all our events, and we have trans women on the crew. Mates of lesbians, whether they are cis men and women, non-binary folk or trans men are all very much welcome and have joined in the fun. Everyone is welcome!
In the last few years, with the rise of transphobia and tensions running around the GRA, the term “lesbian” has been misused and weaponized at times, creating a sense of exclusion for those who don’t fit a narrow definition. However, with Oban Lesbian Weekend, we are aiming to use the word lesbian as an inclusive word, meaning all women who are attracted to women, whether they are cis, trans or non-binary.
However the most important reason for using the name Oban Lesbian Weekend is that all the locals in Oban and people worldwide know exactly what that word means, so they instantly know it’s a festival for lesbians, as opposed to any other kind of festival. It’s fair to say that Oban, like many small towns, might not be the easiest place to grow up and live as a gay woman. Personally, in the 90s the only place I could find a lesbian in Oban was in my Oxford dictionary. Even now, many folk who live in Oban don’t really know what queer or non-binary or trans means. Life is different outside cities and big towns.
By covering the town with the word “Lesbian”, everyone in Oban knows, without any doubt, for three nights or even up to a week, my small, stunning town will be overrun with lesbians and queer women.
Part of the mission of my festival is to make Oban an easier place for me and my friends to be queer. Therefore using the word “lesbian” in the title of the weekend is the bravest and the most powerful word I can use. There is nothing more visible than wearing an “Oban Lesbian Weekend” t-shirt or handing out a flyer with the word “Oban Lesbian Weekend” on it!
Attendees of Oban Lesbian Weekend are encouraged to respect one another’s varied identities. The name “lesbian” doesn’t negate the existence of other identities. Rather, it invites dialogue and understanding. Many attendees bring badges with their pronouns. One has even asked to get her OLW t-shirt printed with the bisexual colours on it, so as to signify inclusivity. We love it!
Oban Lesbian Weekend is a friendly, inclusive festival. It combines elements of a package holiday and a mini festival, creating a unique experience where the focus is on exploring the islands, the world-class seafood and Scottish charm like their women’s ceilidh, while making new friendships or maybe even picking up a new girlfriend. Locals have embraced Oban Lesbian Weekend, and the sense of community and new friendships among attendees is heartwarming.
The festival itinerary includes a women’s ceilidh (a Scottish dance), performances by LGBTQIA DJs Tor Lloyd and Eliza Pink, live music, boat trips, wildlife, paddle boarding, lesbian book workshops and much more. So, whether you’re cis, trans, or non-binary, come join the sea of women who like women at Oban Lesbian Weekend!
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