#LVW Theme 2024: United, Not Uniform
Lesbian Visibility Week #LVW2024, celebrated from April 22-28, is a time to recognise and honor the contributions, achievements, and unique experiences of lesbian women around the world.
Why Do We Need Lesbian Visibility Week?
The origins of Lesbian Visibility Week can be traced back to 1990, when it was first conceived by the West Hollywood Lesbian Visibility Committee and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. The organizers sought to raise awareness and gain more visibility for lesbian women, who often felt overshadowed by the higher public profile of gay men. Research shows that lesbian women are less likely to be out at work compared to gay men, and their stories and experiences are sometimes sidelined in broader narratives. The week also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and discrimination that many lesbians continue to face. Lesbian women, particularly those with intersecting marginalized identities, often encounter barriers to acceptance, visibility, and equal rights.
This Year's Theme: United, Not Uniform
captures the essence of the lesbian community. Lesbians come from all walks of life, with diverse ethnicities, backgrounds, and expressions of their identities. This week is about celebrating that beautiful spectrum while recognising the power of solidarity within the LGBTQIA+ community.
List of Famous & Influential LGBTQIA+ People
Here's a list of famous LGBTQIA+ people* spanning various fields and disciplines, whose contributions and achievements have left significant marks on society and culture: *This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the individuals who openly identify within the lesbian spectrum. Movie & TV Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster ©Georges Biard Two-time Academy Award winner known for her powerful performances in films like "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Taxi Driver." Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart ©Georges Biard Rose to fame in the "Twilight" saga and has since established herself as a critically acclaimed actress in independent films. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres ©Angela George Emmy Award-winning comedian and talk show host who famously came out as lesbian in 1997, breaking barriers on television. Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes ©Greg Hernandez Award-winning comedian and actress known for her sharp wit and outspoken voice. Sara Ramirez Sara Ramirez ©The Heart Truth Played Callie Torres on "Grey's Anatomy" and is a prominent bisexual activist. Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley ©redryu82 on DeviantArt Played Poussey Washington on "Orange is the New Black" and is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon ©Nick Step via Flickr Star of "Sex and the City" who is openly lesbian and a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Angela Robinson
Angela Robinson @Zak Krevitt for WIRED While primarily known as a filmmaker and television producer, Angela Robinson is also a prominent lesbian figure in Hollywood. She directed several episodes of "The L Word" and has created and produced other LGBTQIA+ inclusive series such as "The L Word: Generation Q" and "The Real L Word." Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon ©ABC, Walt Disney Television An actress and comedian known for her work on "Saturday Night Live," McKinnon is openly lesbian and has become one of the show's most beloved cast members. Ruby Rose Ruby Rose ©Eva Rinaldi An Australian model, actress, and DJ, Rose gained widespread recognition for her role as Stella Carlin in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black." She has been open about her gender identity and sexual orientation, identifying as genderfluid and lesbian. Portia de Rossi
Portia de Rossi ©Pulicciano An actress known for her roles in "Ally McBeal" and "Arrested Development," de Rossi is married to Ellen DeGeneres and came out publicly as a lesbian in 2005. Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne ©Gage Skidmore Actress and model Cara Delevingne is known for her work in films like "Suicide Squad" and "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets". Tig Notaro Tig Notaro ©Gage Skidmore A comedian, writer, and actress, Notaro is known for her deadpan comedy style and her openness about her experiences, including her breast cancer diagnosis and her marriage to actress Stephanie Allynne. Sarah Paulson Sarah Paulson ©Gage Skidmore An actress known for her roles in various television series and films, Paulson is openly lesbian and has received critical acclaim for her performances. Music Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe ©IHEARTHIPHOP A genre-bending artist known for her futuristic concepts and flamboyant style. Identifies as non-binary but has expressed attraction to women. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish ©Icebox Billie Eilish is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of pop, pop-rock, and alternative styles. While not explicitly stating her sexual orientation, she has spoken openly about being attracted to women. Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman ©Hans Hillewaert Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and soulful vocals. While not explicitly stating her sexual orientation, her songs like "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason" have become anthems for the LGBTQIA+ community. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah ©Sister Circle TV While primarily known as a rapper and actress, Queen Latifah is also a talented singer. Though not publicly stating her sexual orientation, she has been a positive role model for many. Peaches Peaches ©Eric Silva from Somerville Canadian artist Peaches (Merrill Nisker) is an electroclash icon. Known for outrageous live shows and a blend of punk, electronic music, and theatrics. King Princess
King Princess ©Orioq Rising star in the music industry known for her unique blend of pop, rock, and R&B. Openly lesbian and her music often explores themes of queer love and identity. St. Vincent St. Vincent ©Raph_PH St. Vincent (real name Annie Clark) art-rock music and theatrical performances challenge traditional gender norms and identifies as queer. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge ©Angela George Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her powerful rock anthems. Came out as a lesbian in the early 1990s and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights ever since. k.d. lang
k.d. lang ©Charlie Llewellin Canadian singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and openness about her sexuality. Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara ©TABERCIL PHOTOGRAPHY Twin sister duo known for their catchy pop songs and exploration of LGBTQIA+ themes in their music. Brandi Carlile Read the full article
