LVW interview: Megan Caulkett-Ridd

What does ‘lesbian visibility’ mean to you, and why is it important?

Lesbian Visibility is about making sure that lesbian voices are heard, their stories are told, and their rights are recognised through representation, awareness, education and advocacy.

What does “being visible” mean to you?

Being myself, being an advocate in the workplace and society to not be identified or judged based upon my sexual orientation. 

What are the key challenges LGBTQI women face today?

There is still a lot of social stigma and discrimination like microaggressions or outright acts of hate or violence towards lesbians. Lesbians still have Healthcare barriers under various elements and not exhaustive but stigmatisation through providers like inadequate or disrespectful treatment, lack of knowledge around LGBTQ+ health issues and fertility treatments & mental health. It’s extremely worrying that countries that were pro LGBTQI+ are u-turning and reducing rights of those from the community. 

What would your advice be to other women who might be struggling to come to terms with their sexuality and how that might affect them in the workplace?

I was once asked at work, ‘when did you decide you were gay’, and I remember responding, ‘when did you decide you were straight’. When I responded to my colleague with that answer, I felt quite smug about it, thinking that was the end of the conversation. But it wasn’t. I had never really ever been asked to discuss my sexuality, I was about 18 when I came out, and at 19 being asked this question, which I hadn’t really ever thought about stopped me in my tracks. I suppose it was from this point onwards that I inadvertently started being more open, being prepared to talk to anyone who asked the question, and I found that in most cases, people responded positively. Because I appeared not to be ‘hiding anything’ it almost felt like it became a ‘old story’ to people, I wasn’t the centre of gossip because I was in the middle of it all. Whilst this is my lived experience and being in the hospitality industry, which is notorious to have an eclectic range of people and a little more accepting, I still to this day find it a bit odd that I am accustomed to talking freely and expect to be probed or asked about my sexuality. I think because we all have different experiences and personalities we process things differently, I would encourage you to not feel pressured to ‘come out’, it’s a saying that has always baffled me, you don’t need to come out of anything. My advice is to find a safe person or event such as this, who can help you play back your worries or concerns and remind you that you are valid. 

What’s the main message or tips you’d want to give to any queer women or allies reading this?

For my fellow queer women, I salute you! Whether you are openly queer or happy sitting in the back of the crowd- you do you, that’s what makes us unique and special! As for those brave allies out there, standing shoulder to shoulder with their daughters, friends, and colleagues, I salute you too. You carry on being the confidant, the support and the voice for others to just get on board with PEOPLE LOVING PEOPLE!