In launching the Lesbian Culture Club, I knew that, despite my best efforts to get the messaging right on our site, the topic of inclusion would be a necessary conversation. On our site, I say, “We are a space/collective for the contemporary lesbian community, welcoming all who identify with and find value in that.” What I mean is, you may not identify as a lesbian, but you may have before, you may be partnered with someone who does, or you may feel that this community resonates with you in some other way. I position the wording this way to ensure that we are not here to exclude anyone; you can decide if this space is for you.
I started the Lesbian Culture Club because I felt that opportunities to connect with folks in a specific community I wanted to grow and get to know more were pretty limited. I wanted a place where I could get to know someone over an intimate dinner, playing sports, at an art show, or a workshop. The idea was to create options beyond just hooking up and partying (though I’m totally here for that too).
The term "queer" has taken prominence over the years for many good reasons and is a convenient way to identify many people with varying nuances in their self-expression and sexuality who do not feel straight or cis fits. I want to be clear that I think queer is good and take no issue with queer identity for anyone. However, for me personally, "queer" is not how I identify. My identity is not just not straight; it’s very specific and I prefer to name that specificity for myself. The term “Lesbian” communicates a woman that is attracted to women. That being said, I believe “woman” can be as broad as we want it to be—inclusive of all genders and all bodies who feel a connection to that word.
I am a very inclusive person at heart, but I also recognize that sometimes being overly inclusive to accommodate all nuances can mean that many people lose the shared experience from the community they want and need. This club is open to all who find value in being part of the Lesbian Culture Club; if you do not find value in that, this club may not be right for you, but that is up to you to decide. There are many clubs that I love and respect that are not for me.
I also want to mention that I work in collaboration with many people who identify as straight, queer, trans, and non-binary to build the Lesbian Culture Club. This is a business, and I have been fortunate to work with incredibly talented people over the years. I have called on these individuals to help get this community started and thriving.
To our trans and non-binary friends: we welcome all trans women, trans men, and non-binary individuals who feel a connection to our community. Your experiences and identities are valid and valued here. We strive to be a space where all can feel a sense of belonging and support and have fun.
