In light of the upcoming Lesbian Visibility Day on April 26, we spoke with lesbian volunteers about their experience with SAMESH and their views on the needs of LGBTIQ women.
Why did you choose to volunteer with SAMESH?
Ellie: I had been back in Adelaide for a few years after living in Victoria and felt disconnected from the LGBTIQ+ community. I wanted to be part of something that connected me but also gave me the opportunity to give back.
Katie: I have a really strong passion for public health that stems from my connection to the queer community and our history involving health advocacy during the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This interest has brought me to university, but I also really wanted to connect with the local community, and put my interest to good use by volunteering, and helping out where I can.
What’s it been like to volunteer with SAMESH?
Ellie: I have met so many wonderful people. I am so fond of the conversations I have had with some of the older LGBTIQ+ Adelaide locals, and feel so lucky to have heard first-hand stories of life in Adelaide for the queer community over the decades. I have also been a part of various community events which has been super rewarding and such a nice way to connect with people of all genders, ages, and sexualities. I feel like I am growing and learning every time I volunteer.
Katie: Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, and it’s been great getting to meet other LGBTIQ+ people of all ages, identities and backgrounds from the local community.
Can you speak to the history of lesbian volunteers in our LGBTIQ communities during the HIV/AIDS epidemic?
Ellie: I think the AIDS epidemic is not spoken enough about to begin with, but I think that discourse tends to be around men. I know that the “Blood Sisters” were a vital source of care and support during the epidemic, especially when patients were being refused treatment. The lesbian community were also a big part of advocacy around HIV and AIDS. Transgender women were a huge part of LGBTIQ+ rights movements.
I think it is important to acknowledge the effects of the epidemic on lesbian women, as so many lost close friends and loved ones. HIV/AIDS was and is not only exclusive to men who have sex with men (MSM), and lesbian women were also affected.
Katie: During a time where many gay men were ostracized by both the healthcare system and often their own families due to their illness, lesbians banded together to provide care and comfort to those dying of AIDS. Lesbians also have a history of donating blood during times of crisis for the queer community, including during the AIDS crisis. This was explicitly to show support to queer men, after men who have sex with men were banned from donating their own blood. I would love to learn more about lesbian history, and especially about their volunteering efforts during the AIDS epidemic.
What do you think are some of the health issues facing LGBTIQ women that aren’t adequately addressed?
Ellie: I think there is still a bit of a myth around health, sexual health in particular, for same-sex attracted women. I know a lot of women who don’t get regular screening and assume because they aren’t sleeping with men that it isn’t as important.
A lot of doctors don’t know enough about sexual health of same-sex attracted women. I have been told my multiple GPs “you don’t have anything to worry about because you are a lesbian woman”. But we know this isn’t the case.
It’s important to acknowledge that people often have multiple sexual partners, which is great, that not all women who sleep with women are lesbian (Bi and Pan women exist, and we LOVE them), not all women have vaginas, and there are STIs that are possible to contract through oral sex and use of toys.
Katie: There is very little education about safe lesbian sex, which coupled with the pervasive idea that lesbian sex is somehow safer than other forms of sex, means that we might not be staying as safe as we should be! Lesbians are often left out of conversations about STIs and safe sex.
Take condom use for example! Lesbians who use penetrative toys or have sex with trans women should be using condoms. Likewise condoms can be used to make dental dams for safe oral sex. So it’s sad to see condom talk generally only involving heterosexual couples and men who have sex with men.
What would you say to other women who might be considering volunteering with SAMESH?
Ellie: Volunteering with SAMESH is such a wonderful experience. There is no pressure to be available for every event, but you’re always welcomed when you can be there. It is a great way to learn about the community and get involved. We are all involved because we’re passionate about promoting sexual health and care deeply for our community.
Katie: You should definitely give it a try! SAMESH is such a wonderfully diverse place that your presence can only improve. The perspectives of women are really important in community led health programs like SAMESH, and volunteering is a great way to connect with other people and share ideas. It’s also just fun getting to sit down with some free snacks and know that you’re helping improve your community, even if it’s only a little bit.
