Happy Lesbian Visibility Week from everyone at forum+
For #LVW24 we spoke with Sandra Brown-Springer, founder and facilitator of the Black Lesbian Discussion Group.
My name is Sandra Brown-Springer. I’m a mother, a writer, a singer and in my 9-5 I work as a housing officer. I’m a lesbian who came out at 42 and was told about the fabulous Lesbian Discussion Group at Gay’s the Word bookshop.
Why did you decide to found the Black Lesbian Discussion Group and what makes the group so special?
I attended the Lesbian Discussion Group for a few years before realising that I needed a space like LDG but specifically for Black lesbians. This realisation came about after attending my first Black Pride at Vauxhall in 2019, but it took a few years for the idea to take root and grow.
With help and support from Angie, the lead facilitator of LDG, Jim and Uli from the bookshop, my friend Dirg and my amazing daughter, the group was born in October 2022. We meet monthly and we talk about all things lesbian. Race doesn’t always come into the discussion, but I have been told by numerous attendees how important and needed the space is, a place where we don’t have to police ourselves or justify an opinion or experience, where we can bring our entire selves, which are accepted and understood. It’s brilliant, apart from my children I think it’s some of my best work!
Why is lesbian visibility important?
Lesbian visibility is important because representation matters. Representation is crucial. If I had seen lesbians living loudly, perhaps I would have got over my internalised homophobia in my third decade instead of my fourth. I had to give birth to a lesbian to observe one up close! I now know, we are everywhere. Having lived so long in hiding from myself and the world, to continue to hide would feel like suffocation. I want people to see me and know that yes, middle aged Black women with children can be lesbians, ‘aunties’ can and are lesbians, we are everywhere. At every age. I want young women to see me and hear me and know that they can choose whatever they want to choose. I want to be what I needed to see when I was younger. Lesbian visibility means freedom.
How is lesbian life and the lesbian scene in London?
I feel like there is stuff happening, but not as much as I heard was happening in the 80s and 90s. I love the London International Lesbians, they put on so many events, if you are shy and want to meet women I would recommend checking them out on Meetup, or come to Lesbian Discussion Group or the Black Lesbian Discussion Group! You will plug right into the scene, we love to share information.
Is there a lesbian that inspires you?
I’m inspired by Audre Lorde, Angie from LDG is a superstar who has supported probably thousands of women through the sessions at LDG. The Lesbian Discussion Group has internationally seeded other groups – currently there is an online LDG which was created in lockdown and continues to connect women internationally. Lady Phyll is an inspiration as is my daughter.
What advice would you give to lesbians living in London today?
Life is for living. Love yourself enough to live life to the fullest, whatever that means for you.
Thank you so much to Sandra for speaking with forum+ and check out the wonderful Black Lesbian Discussion Group at www.instagram.com/blacklesbiandiscussiongroup/
