Hello everyone! This week marked Lesbian Visibility Week 2024, so we wanted to put together a post to help raise awareness and keep the conversation going. Dedicated to celebrating the power of sisterhood by uplifting incredible LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people from every generation, across all fields, and from every corner of the globe, it's a pretty special week.
At Hyvä, we embrace our inclusive culture (25% of our team & leadership are LGBTIQ+) and this week resonates deeply with our commitment to diversity and empowerment. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, share our stories, learn from each other, and continue pushing forward for equality and recognition.
For this post, I’m joined by Sanne Bolkenstein. We’re proud members of the LGBTQ+ community and passionate advocates for inclusion at Hyvä. We’re here to share our experiences, insights, and the importance of visibility in the workplace.
Can you start by telling us what Lesbian Visibility Week means to you personally?
Sanne: To be honest, I didn’t know about Lesbian Visibility Week, but it makes sense. Men seem to dominate the LGBTQ+ space (amongst others), and when you go to any city, the men or mixed gay bars are always outnumbering the women gay bars. Thus, it’s rare for lesbians to see role models, and that’s something I’d like to change. I would want any little girl today, regardless of her sexual orientation or gender identity, to believe that she can become anything she wants.
Rebecca: For me, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the lives and contributions of lesbian and queer women, especially those who often go unnoticed. It's a celebration of who we are and an important reminder of our community's strength, and it inspires me to continue to advocate for inclusivity and equality, both personally and professionally.
Given the importance of visibility, do you have a story where being visible as a member of the LGBTQ+ community had a beneficial impact on your life or work?
Rebecca: Each success in my career stems from the freedom to be my authentic self. There is no bigger load to bear than the weight of hiding yourself, if I’d had to I would not have been able to grow, learn and progress in the ways that I have.
One fond memory I do have is from when I was working at Jaguar Land Rover, I became a voluntary member of the PRIDE Network Committee and helped with various initiatives and events, which included marching with my partner in the Birmingham Pride Parade in 2021 - a very visible & very proud moment! If I hadn’t felt comfortable to be myself, I would have missed out on this opportunity to not only celebrate my identity, but also promote an inclusive culture that also encourages others to be themselves.
How has Hyvä helped you feel validated and respected as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
Sanne: I’ve always been open about my sexuality and it’s never been a problem for me, but what I love about working for Hyvä is that it’s the safest space to be yourself I’ve ever experienced. There are no assumptions, no judgments, and the fact that I spend my life with another woman is so normal that it’s not even a topic. This way, you don’t need to “come out” to your colleagues, because nobody expects you to be in any kind of closet. Very refreshing and inspirational!
Rebecca: Although I’ve never felt marginalised or like I had to hide my sexuality at any of my previous jobs, I’ve also never felt more comfortable in being myself at work than when I joined Hyvä.
I’ve always said that the “closet” that we come out of as LGBTQ+ people has spring hinges, and every time we meet someone new or start a new job we have to “come out” all over again, which can cause a lot of anxiety. But it didn’t feel like that at Hyvä, it felt like the closet door was never shut and no assumptions were made, so I could just walk in as my authentic self and that was enough. It’s a wonderful feeling, I’m extremely grateful and proud to work for Hyvä.
At Hyvä, we're committed to creating a friendly, open and welcoming culture. By raising awareness and celebrating all identities, we keep building a community where everyone can be themselves. Our goal is to continually nurture this environment where diversity is not just recognised, but celebrated and everyone’s voice is heard.
Education is a powerful tool for change. What is one misconception about the lesbian community that you feel needs more awareness?
Sanne: One misconception I sometimes run into is that I would dislike or even hate men because I’m a lesbian. The one thing I hate is categorizing people and reducing them to one single aspect of their identity. I love working with people in general, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Another misconception I have experienced is that I would take joy in objectifying women. Just because I’m attracted to women, doesn’t mean I want to objectify them or take pleasure in jokes that do. After all, I’m still a woman myself, so that’s where my loyalty lies.
Rebecca: One that I often encounter is the stereotype that our identities and experiences are all the same. There’s a wonderful diversity among us, spanning any and all backgrounds, professions, and cultures. No two gays are the same! It's crucial to understand this as it enriches our collective narrative and challenges the one-dimensional, biassed views that can often dominate mainstream perceptions. Raising awareness about our varied lives helps foster greater acceptance and appreciation for all unique individuals and identities.
Finally, if you could give a piece of advice to someone struggling with visibility and acceptance, what would it be?
Rebecca: My advice is to just keep being yourself, you are worthy of the space you take up and deserve to be accepted for who you are. It’s not always about big statements, sometimes it's just simply about living authentically and finding joy in who you are - you never know who’s watching and being inspired by you.
You can find out about more about #LVW24 events and activations on their website lesbianvisibilityweek.com.
