Today is the start of Lesbian Visibility Week, running up to Lesbian Visibility Day on Saturday 25th April.
Hi Ane! Why is Lesbian Visibility Week important to you?
First of all, I think it’s important to focus on the challenges of all queer women. We are a group that is way too often underrepresented in media, in organisations, basically in all parts of society. So I think it’s great that we’re taking steps to emphasise the existence of queer women.
Do you have personal experience of feeling erased? What was that experience?
I don’t necessarily feel erased, but I feel that I often have to fight harder than others to have my voice heard, even within the LGBTI+ community. I think that is something all women within the community struggle with to a certain extent.
Copenhagen Pride has been championing visibility of all groups in the LGBTI+ community for many years. What lessons do you think other organisations can learn from Copenhagen Pride’s approach?
Even though Copenhagen Pride has worked very hard to empower and include all groups within the LGBTI+ acronym, we are also very aware that this is an eternal process that we constantly need to reevaluate and develop in order to be as inclusive as possible. So I would say that the lesson here is that the work with inclusivity is a never-ending process.
What aspects of Copenhagen 2021 are you particularly excited about in the way they will increase lesbian, bi and trans women’s visibility?
I am very excited to experience how Copenhagen 2021’s focus on intersectionality will influence the program and I think it will lead to a stronger representation of women, as well as other minority groups within our community.
Who is your lesbian or bi hero or inspiration?
I don’t think I have a specific queer icon. I have been lucky to encounter numerous, inspirational queer women throughout my life – from the first activists I met to female leaders and representatives from queer organisations.
They have all influenced me in their own way and taught me lessons that I have been able to pass on to others.
Find out more about Lesbian Visibility Week here.