The Big Lesbian Picnic Party — Women Only • Real Vibes

[LCommunity]

Just wanted to share something that our group is running this Saturday in London, in case anyone here might be interested in joining us. It’s women-only (lesbian and bi), no tickets, no agenda, just a very real gathering for anyone who’s felt pushed out, erased, or like the spaces that used to be ours are gone.

We lost our venue. The council blocked us. They spent millions on a supposedly “inclusive” LGBTQ+ centre. When we asked to rent a disused railway arch and were told no – even though it was legal, female-only, and community-led (under schedule 3).
So we built something ourselves. It’s not a protest. It’s not a club night. It’s a pavement bar. Folding chairs. Cold drinks. A small bluetooth speaker. And women who understand.

It’s happening this Saturday, 14th of June, from 4.00pm to 10.00pm at Potters Fields Park (right by Tower Bridge). Forecast says 24 degrees. We’ll have beer, cider, and lemonade. Four tables, twelve chairs, and whoever turns up.
Come alone or with friends. Bring a picnic blanket or just show up. There are no cliques, no speeches, no pressure. Just space.

If you want to chat beforehand or see who’s going, here’s the open WhatsApp group: chat.whatsapp.com/FCsLSOzgV4C2yUGplyQr5m

(This one’s public – our private ones are for verified members only via thelcommunity.com.)

If you want to understand why this even needs to exist, this explains it better than I can here: thelcommunity.com/the-lie

They wouldn’t give us a roof. So we licensed the street.

I agree with you. Our lesbian sisters have taken the worst of this hatred. Hope you have a wonderful event.

Have fun x

Have a great time! 💜

Wishing you all a fabulous day, ladies, hopefully free of harassment and the spectacle of angry men in lipstick pissing in bottles x

Thank you! That means a lot sending the warmth right back to you. Hope your day’s just as lovely.

Thank you, Valerie it means a lot to see that recognised. The silence around it has been so loud, so every bit of truth like this cuts through. Appreciate the solidarity more than you know.

Straight person who dislikes personal attacks reporting them for you.

Money donated for lesbian events should not have to be spent suing for defamation.

I'm committed elsewhere that day or might have been nearby in support.

Thank you! We absolutely will and hope your day’s just as good wherever you are x

Appreciate that and sending some purple power right back to you 💜

Laughed out loud at that one and yes, that’s the goal: joy, safety, and zero tolerance for nonsense. Thanks for the fire.

Thank you seriously. That kind of clear-sighted backing makes a difference. We shouldn't have to waste movement funds cleaning up lies, but here we are. Grateful you saw it, called it, and stood up.

Of course Rachelle is not a Chatbot, AI hasn't got such a great way with words

Not yet, anyway!

I notice that you've said a few times that 'all women are welcome' - I think the impression was given that it was lesbian and bi women only, and I thank all the straight women who have expressed respect for that while expressing their support for the event.

But my personal opinion is that specifically for an event like this, maybe all women [as in the XX kind, obvs!] should be welcome, especially the mothers and sisters and friends of lesbians who very much want to show their support?

Other social events are different, occasions when it's nice to be just amongst ourselves - I don't think I have to elaborate on that concept here!

That's just what I think, and I'm not even going to be able to attend, so it's not really up to me to say anything but...would you like to clarify, Rachelle?

Again, thank you so much to all the straight women who have been so respectful, it really is heartening to feel understood and supported in having a bit of space to ourselves - not always, just sometimes, from time to time

And to the women who have posted that they wish they could attend but they are straight - hey, the event isn't until Saturday... 😎
😁

I'm very sad I can't make it on Saturday, I'm straight but 100% support what you're doing and hope to be there for another pavement gathering if there is one. It's a great response to a really unfair situation.

I notice that this thread is now on the Charities Noticeboard , and not over on Feminism: Sex and gender discussions, which is where I first saw it.
Can it be on both?

Absolutely happy to clarify that.
All biological women are welcome, whatever your identity or orientation. If you’re coming in solidarity, that matters. Whether you're lesbian, bi, straight if you're a woman and you're showing up with respect for what we're building, you're part of it.
This one’s a space for lesbians, led by lesbians but not one that excludes women who back that up with real support. You’re right: sometimes we need the space just for ourselves. But sometimes, having our sisters and mums and friends beside us is the power.
And thank you for the kind words, Marie genuinely.

We know not everyone can make it in person but knowing you're with us in spirit (and ready for the next one) genuinely lifts the whole thing. Thank you for standing with us.

I originally posted it under Feminism: Sex and gender discussions looks like it may have been moved by a mod or admin. Not sure if it can be cross-listed, but agreed it fits both.

Everyone, please click “Attend” even if you’re not sure yet. It helps boost visibility and shows others it’s real:
www.meetup.com/l-community-lesbian-pub-socials/events/308251671/?eventOrigin=your_events

Why are you deleting screens of Jenny's Crowdfunder, Mumsnet, or is no-one allowed to ask questions?

*This will be deleted too. I'll use the screen on Twitter.