Hiya, it’s one of the Birmingham LGBT lesbians speaking.
For this Lesbian Visibility Week I actually decided to google what the theme is. Turns out, in 2026 it’s all about Health and Wellbeing.
As a lesbian working in sexual health and a person who provides wellbeing, of course my first thought is to encourage you to get tested – stats don’t lie, there’s not a lot of lesbians getting tested in comparison to other groups. In my experience (so take it with a grain of salt), much more of us reach out for support regarding wellbeing than for sexual health. Then, I catch myself and remember that it’s easier said than done.
It takes a lot of courage to call and ask if we’re open or to actually come in and say the magical words ‘I’d like a test’ to the receptionist. Even with wellbeing, it’s a big step to ask for support and open up about your situation. Especially if you don’t know if the person you want to talk to is an LGBTQ+ person themselves or if they’re an ally.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that we really are here for you, even though it sounds like a cliché. We do want to make you feel seen, safe, and support you as much as we can. If you’re nervous and don’t know what to expect: call us, email us, grab your favourite person/people and come in together.
And I also do want to take this opportunity to speak about the power of community, and how much good it does for our wellbeing. The possibility to talk to someone who is, first of all, less likely to misjudge you, and second of all, who will simply listen to you and may share experiences with you, is so valuable.
Since I started working at Birmingham LGBT in 2024, I have seen the lesbian scene in the city and across West Midlands grow rapidly. It’s a beautiful sight! From the running club, through supper club, to literally different events in clubs, there is plenty of spaces for lesbians and sapphics looking for community.
Because of that, I will leave with you my main thought for this week, and year, – there really are spaces you can go to and people who care, although it may not be as visible in the first glance.
Kate Zoltak, Sexual Health Outreach Worker
Check out our free sexual health services, provided by LGBTQ+ people for the LGBTQ+ community.
