Lesbian Visibility Week arrives amid international anti-LGBT rights backlash
Events are planned in the U.S., U.K. and France, where Afro-Caribbean lesbians will march.
In the midst of an anti-LGBT+ backlash that crosses international borders, Lesbian Visibility Week (April 21-27) has taken on renewed importance.
In the United States, more than 850 anti-LGBTQ bills have been filed so far in 2025, according to the TruthOut news service. In the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court ruled on April 16 that trans women aren’t legally women. In Hungary, Pride marches have been outlawed.
Against that background, Lesbian Visibility Week will be celebrated internationally:
- In the United States, the week’s events include a speaker series, films, panel discussions and a presentation of market research about LGBTQ+ communities.
- In the United Kingdom, where Lesbian Visibility Week was first celebrated, the schedule of events includes a reception at the House of Commons, celebrations of lesbians’ achievements and contributions to society, and a mix of international events, including a Dyke Trivia Night in Long Beach, California.
- In France, celebrations include a “Drama-Dykes” presentation of art and music last weekend and a march planned for next Saturday starting at 2 p.m in front of the Gare de l’Est in Paris. All lesbians are invited to take part in the march — “particularly Afrolesbians and translesbians”, says Pierrette Pyram-Ambrosio, president of Diivines LGBTQIA+, an Afro-Caribbean LGBT+ association.
In an interview with Erasing 76 Crimes, Pierrette Pyram-Ambrosio discussed the importance of the Paris march:
Lesbian struggles in Paris in all their diversity
Erasing 76 Crimes : What are the lesbian, Afrolesbian and translesbian demands this year?
Pierrette Pyram-Ambrosio : For the fourth edition of the march, our slogan is ”Against the Fascist International. Lesbians, Afrolesbians, Translesbians, let us revolt”.
First of all, we denounce a fascist stranglehold that is tightening around the world, with the rise of fascist regimes in the United States; Hungary, where the Pride March has been banned; and elsewhere in the world.
We also believe that France is not immune to this, when we hear the natalist overtones of Emmanuel Macron and the conservatives, or when society is asked to provide soldiers for the nation.
Finally, there’s a whiff of war about Europe at the moment.
As Afroqueers, blacks and lesbians, we have a front-row seat to feel the air of the times to come.
In this context, we denounce policies that we perceive as LGBTphobic, lesbophobic, transphobic, racist and anti-social, as well as the media at work supporting them through tycoons such as Pierre-Edouard Stérin or Vincent Bolloré.
Then we demand an end to the exclusion of trans people from reproductive rights laws, as well as an end to discrimination in housing and employment.
That’s why, on April 26, 2025, we’re gathering for a committed, determined and festive march, following the launch of our manifesto, because the mistakes of the past can be repeated at any time if we’re not careful. And so we pledge to stand firm.
And the LGBTQIA+ Diivines are mobilized in every field of commitment and communication to make this event a success. We won’t waver from any of the demands made in the appeal.
This year’s march is co-organized by 10 collectives and organizations, as well as independents. We hope to be numerous, because united we will win. Last year, there were between 4,000 and 5,000 demonstrators. Next Saturday, we’re expecting more people.
