“We demand better, and we need to have each other’s backs”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY ALENA SHEKHOVTSOVA
It’s not a secret that queer spaces have been dwindling over the last couple of decades. Last year, there were only three dedicated lesbian bars in the whole of the UK. Rising rents and the legacy of COVID-19 have led to the closure of some of the most beloved spaces in our community.
But it appears that there is a new sapphic renaissance on the way. The sapphics are taking back the streets.
In March this year, Hackney’s new lesbian bar La Camionera sent sapphics into a frenzy by announcing that it was opening as a permanent venue. And this time, we weren’t going to be sent to the basement. We were finally getting a lesbian bar above ground.
We spoke to Alex, one of the bar’s founders, after their viral first night. “When [the LGBTQIA community] have these nights they’re often in the cheapest place which is a basement,” Alex explained to DIVA. “It’s because we have a tendency to do everything DIY so it’s always coming out of people’s pockets. We have no capital. No power.”
“But there are so many people who have access needs who can’t go up and down stairs. It was so important for us to find a place which is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet.”
La Camionera is one of many queer venues and spaces that have been popping up in recent months. For the first time in years, it feels like we’re getting the LGBTQIA-inclusive venues that we have been begging for. Another such venture is Manchester-based The Get Go.
Olivia Moss, one of the founders of this new space, told DIVA more about why this new event series was so vital.
“Lesbians and other minority segments of the queer community are traditionally tolerant of existing in mixed spaces. But, a big line was crossed in the demise of safe space in the past years, and the negative impact of this is now so deeply felt that we can no longer wait for the wider community to offer space, so we’re having to take it back. What lends hope is seeing multiple projects emerge across the UK to realign the balance. It’s simple – people need a comfortable space to socialise and grow their queerness, and existing spaces are not enough, given the growing population of out queer women and their non-binary and trans siblings. We demand better, and we need to have each other’s backs.”
“I see The Get Go as a homage to the bold steps Canal Street made in the 90s when I was growing up, to open up and combat HIV – that moment of coming together was a momentous turning point for Manchester and I’m proud of what was achieved. This city is my hometown, and it breaks my heart to see the untackled rise in spiking incidents and harassment of women putting them off and going out in what is now known as The Gay Village. It’s time for the district to transition once again, and The Get Go is just one addition to this new movement to ensure queer safe space.”
And it’s not just LGBTQIA bars that are growing. Queer sober spaces are also gaining traction across the country, providing community and spaces for those who want to be at alcohol-free events.
Louise McIvor, Recovery Programme Manager at the LGBT Foundation, told DIVA more about why this is so important. “As things have opened up again, we have seen a real increase in sober spaces. Once a month we have a sober event – karaoke, bingo, drag performances. This month we’ve got a Paint N’ Sip without alcohol. The options are definitely opening up. People are becoming more conscious that not everyone wants to drink.”
“It’s been really supported. At first, there was scepticism about whether these spaces could be as fun as the party atmosphere. But the spaces are more inclusive. It is much more inclusive to offer something for everyone. There are more people coming to use our services and join our groups. It’s not all about that [drinking] culture.”
Alongside new groups and events for LGBTQIA people cropping up, we have also seen the continuation of queer pillars in the community. 96 Festival, which takes place at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, is coming back for its ninth year this summer to showcase some of the most exciting queer shows.
“Inspired by the iconic 1996 Pride festival which took place on Clapham Common, the 96 Festival returns to Omnibus Theatre for a 9th year,” Marie McCarthy, Artistic Director of Omnibus, told DIVA. “As there are more LGBTQIA people living in Lambeth than anywhere else in the UK and following homophobic attacks at the Two Brewers in Clapham last year, we feel it’s especially important to create not only a safe space but a celebratory one for the entire queer community. Through fresh stories; from biopics, live music, comedy and cabaret, we look forward to sharing our glittering line-up of artists with our fabulous audiences.”
From queer sports clubs to community initiatives, sapphics are taking back the spaces that they rightfully deserve. We’re tired of being forgotten, and now it’s our time to build back the community we so desperately need.
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
