'Visibility Matters: Celebrating Lesbian Voices' panel recap
April 24, 2025In honor of Lesbian Visibility Week, myGwork hosted a discuss the vital importance of representing lesbian and LGBTQ+ women in the media, workplaces, and communities.
Featuring myGwork's Michelle Raymond as host, the panel also featured Eleonore Murauer from Reckitt, Khatoun Abdmasih from Criteo, Riya Bains from ViiV Healthcare, Sam Banna from Entain, and Mélissa Brette Ogée from Hyatt UK & Ireland. The conversation delved into how prominent visibility can build a better understanding and promote equality within the LGBTQ+ community.
“Visibility is everything.”
Mélissa Brette Ogée from Hyatt UK & Ireland opened the discussion with a powerful statement. “Visibility is everything. Existing and being visible in a patriarchal system, regardless of where we are in the world, is political. It’s a statement.”
This assertion set the tone for the panel, emphasizing that the act of being visible transcends mere representation; it is a constant act of resistance against oppressive norms.
“It’s about being positively represented.”
Eleonore Murauer from Reckitt expanded on this idea, stating, “It’s about being positively represented. Not just having more representation, but more visible and diverse representation. Visibility of queer women is very important because it gives us a sense of possibility. When I realised I was queer I thought I have to behave a certain way, but I don’t - it’s my choice.”
Eleonore's reflections highlighted the need for authentic representation that truly reflects the diversity within the community, inspiring others to embrace their identity without predefined limitations.
“It immediately opens the door.”
Riya Bains from ViiV Healthcare contributed a valuable perspective on the dynamics of representation in LGBTQ+ spaces, underscoring the historical disparities faced by queer women in visibility and representation compared to their male counterparts.
“In events and panels, when you have someone who is a queer woman or from a different group within the LGBTQ+ community, it immediately opens the door and sends a message that this is more inclusive. Understanding historically that gay men have had more space than lesbian women tend to, and just trying to navigate that consciously can have a huge impact.”
“Visibility is an invitation.”
Khatoun Abdmasih from Criteo shared personal experiences from queer events, noting a prevalent gender imbalance on many occasions. Khatoun emphasized that the inclusion of women and non-binary people in programming significantly alters the demographic and atmosphere of these gatherings.
“Whenever there are queer events and I would go, very happy to be a part of the community and meeting other people, I would oftentimes find that 80-90% are men. And when the moment a woman or a non-binary person is part of the program team, there is a much more diverse group of people attending those events. Visibility is an invitation whenever we show up.”
“Owning our story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
Sam Banna from Entain brought an empowering message towards the end of the panel, passionately declaring, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through the process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do. Do not allow people to dim your shine because you are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses because we were born this way.”
Sam's words resonated with many in the audience, who reacted with love and support to the encouraging sentiment of pride in one's identity as an integral element to creating a more inclusive society.
The panel concluded with a call to action for everyone present to support and uplift lesbian voices and queer women in their communities. Prioritizing visibility and diverse representation means we can pave the way for a more equal future where the stories and experiences of all people are recognized and celebrated.