LETTERS
SAFE SPACES
I am what you might call an “old skool scene queen”. I moved to London in 2005 and attended every lesbian night possible. I’ve basically done my time on the scene, and it was not without a cost. I developed an addiction to substances and an alcohol problem. I spent a year in rehab and had to take a hiatus from my lesbian life of fun and frolics, as recommended by my counsellor. Now that I am strong in my recovery I can navigate those places again. I have come across some lesbians who have had similar issues in socialising in sobriety and don’t know how to meet women. I don’t know the answer to this as I am still on that journey, but it would be great to open this conversation up. How can we as a community be more inclusive to these people? Can we have safe/sober areas at large events? I have made such a suggestion to one lesbian festival and am waiting to hear back from them. We may only be a small community but nevertheless, it is our duty as a community to make sure these people feel included. SANDY C