Today, August 29, is marked by the National Day of Lesbian Visibility. In fact, the date was established after the 1st National Lesbian Seminar (SENAL), held in 1996, organized by the Lesbian Collective of Rio de Janeiro (COLERJE).
The theme addressed on the occasion was “Visibility, Health and [da comunidade]”, focusing on sexuality, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, HIV / AIDS, work and citizenship. Since then, the date has set a milestone in the fight against lesbophobia, as well as reinforcing the importance of representation in the daily struggle of these women.
And what do the numbers tell us?
Just to give you an idea, according to the Lesbocídio Dossier, a document created by the Social Inclusion Center (NIS) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), in 2018 at least 126 lesbians were killed in Brazil between 2014 and 2014. Of these crimes, in fact, 83% were committed by men.
And the sad statistics don’t stop there, as since the start of the Gay Group of Bahia’s 1983 registration of lesbian deaths in Brazil, the numbers have increased dramatically. From 2000 to 2017, for example, the increase was 2700%.
Regarding sexual violence, an average of six lesbian women were raped per day in 2017, for a total of 2,379 cases recorded, according to a survey by Gênero and Número. And in 61% of reported cases, the victim was raped more than once.
And what can I do to help?
We agree in the mid-21st century, it is UNACCEPTABLE for prejudice to continue to spread, right? So no, the world hasn’t gotten more boring or people more sensitive – as many still insist.
On the contrary, the world has evolved (or at least tried!) And no longer tolerates any kind of lesbian phobia disguised as a comment (no malice) or a boring joke, you know? The new generation decided to raise several pertinent discussions that, before, had not been done so often. After all, there is NEVER too much information.
taking advantage of the National Day of Lesbian Visibilitya Today separate 5 lesbophobic phrases to never repeat them, in case you’ve ever said it. Come and see!
“Are you a lesbian? It doesn’t even look like it!”
Hence, this type of comment reinforces the problematic idea that people should conform to the standards set by society. The sentence emphasizes an image that lesbian women have a certain fixed appearance or way of being and behaving.
“But who are the woman and the man in the relationship?”
The speech, in addition to being sexist, translates the old story of a heteronormative relationship. In short, it is as if the novel were valid only when it is composed of a male and a female. You can’t, right?
“What a waste!”
Waste? Only if it’s really quiet! The comment is too offensive and goes so far as to underline the idea that a woman’s happiness depends on a man.
“But are you bringing your friends too?”
The big question here is: do you, straight, want to go out with all your friends of the opposite sex? No? Well, why insist on this question for lesbian women?
“You just haven’t found the right man!”
No! Basically a lesbian woman is not looking for a man. Everyone knows very well what is best for them. Lesbians just love other women.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
