Lack of lesbian representation

Dear Dr MacVarish,

I am writing to express my disappointment at the lack of lesbian representation on the panel at your event in Belfast on Friday.

The bill under discussion has significant implications for lesbians, and particularly for butch lesbians. Yet despite this, there was no lesbian panellist available to speak from that perspective or to put forward the specific concerns and experiences of lesbians.

That seems like a significant omission at an event addressing an issue that directly affects this group. It is not enough for lesbians to be discussed or spoken about by others; they should have the opportunity to articulate their own case and challenge assumptions from their own lived experience.

I would therefore urge the Free Speech Union to consider more carefully who is represented on panels dealing with issues affecting particular groups. If the organisation is committed to ensuring that different perspectives can be heard, lesbian voices should not be absent from these discussions.

I would be interested to hear why no lesbian was included on the panel and whether you intend to address this in future events.

Best wishes,
Joanne Scannell
A life long lesbian.
Founder of Fantastic Lesbians
Organiser of LGBA Edinburgh & Glasgow Friends group.
Member of LGBA Belfast Friends Group.