126
Creating the UK's Only TIM-Free Lesbian Venue
Hi there. My name is Jenny Watson. This summer, my long-standing lesbian speed-dating event was cancelled for…banning men:
I know someone else posted about this before but I wanted to take the time to do so myself :)
Despite pressure from trans groups and the pub manager, I knew I had to stand my ground. In my seven years of organising lesbian events, I've seen an increasing encroachment of men intruding into our spaces, and I realised I couldn’t compromise our community's integrity any longer.
With the help of the LGB Alliance, the pub owner (Stonegate, the UK's largest pub operator) reversed their decision. This move validated the legitimacy of women-only lesbian events, marking a significant victory.
We stood our ground and spoke the truth. They will use shame and ridicule to silence you, but remember: the truth will always prevail when we stay strong. Never give in, never apologise.
But ever since, finding venues for our other events has become very difficult. Responses shifted from direct cancellations during the speed dating controversy, to excuses like "double booked" or unfeasible minimum spends. Most of my other events have simply ground to a halt.
I’m an optimist though and this sparked an idea that has since consumed me: there is an urgent need for a dedicated space for lesbian and bisexual women in the UK.
Believe it or not, there are no dedicated venues for lesbians/bi women in the entire country. Even the so-called lesbian bars (x2) admit TIMs with open arms. London’s only lesbian bar even has a 'No TERFs Allowed' sign.
It's become clear to me: we not only need our own space, but we must try to create it. And if no one else will, who will?
So, together with a business advisor, I created a business plan for a private members' club in London. By making it a private members club, we can legally refuse males.
'L Community' project aims to extend beyond a typical bar, providing physical and digital spaces for lesbian/bi women in the UK. To ensure sustainability, the space will function as a hybrid workspace during the day, accommodating women of any sexuality Mon-Friday until 5pm, when other such venues are typically closed.
I believe this initiative holds historical significance, standing against prevalent gender ideology that has led to no dedicated venues for lesbians in the UK.
Any support in advancing this project would be greatly appreciated. There are various ways you can help, but the most crucial one is spreading the word - our message is the most important part.
If you're a lesbian/bi woman, you have the option to become an early-bird member (although this is not mandatory; you can wait until our opening). Early-bird membership offers project updates, a membership card, and access to a variety of events and services once we open.
There's also the opportunity to invest. I have a detailed 50-page business plan and a pitch deck available for those interested.
A significant milestone has been achieving our project's first investor, a Canadian businessman. His motivation stems from shared concern about gender ideology in Canada (where even attempting this would be highly unlikely).
Tomorrow, I'll be speaking with Canadian feminist Meghan Murphy on her podcast, 'Feminist Current.' Our discussion will centre on our respective fights against gender ideology, stressing the importance of creating these spaces in the UK.
No one else is doing it, so why not us?
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Website: https://lcommunity.co.uk/about/
You can also follow the project’s journey via my Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/dnalerinrehtron
Jenny
This is amazing. YOU are amazing. I love the idea of a daytime workspace for women of any sexuality during the day.
I'm from the States (and straight) but visited London in late September and went to one of Kellie Jay Keen's Standing for Women events in Hyde Park--and I saw you there! I didn't say hi, just admired you from afar (and saw Mr. Menno there, as well).
Just donated what I can afford right now and wish you all the success.
Thank you so much for your kind words and donation. Remember, it's the positive vibes that keep us going strong. I really appreciate your words, thank you again.
I honestly thinkI would be star struck if I saw all three of those ppl irl
So glad to see you here, Jenny! :D You are a warrior for women, and I'm so glad England has you. (Though I'm straight and US-based, whatever my full support is worth, you certainly have it.)
...also, to the other Ovarites, here's a sad thing: I actually know a fairly prominent, moderately-famous London-based lesbian with quite a lot of community-based clout who, a decade ago, I would have had no hesitation about contacting instantly, knowing she would lend her support. I would have been certain, happy even, to send her a link.
And today I'm hesitating because said lesbian recently declared herself "non-binary" and... I just don't know if she'll lend her support, or do the reverse...
We live in fucking twisted times.
Thank you for your kind words and support!
What a shame. These certainly are twisted times, but we're going to give it our best shot at untangling some of it.
Thank you for standing up for lesbians. You don’t see this kind of pushback from gay men dating groups (because they’re men). Please know that you have our support from the US.
And thank you! Exactly, men wouldn't entertain this for a second.
When I first came out and started going to lesbian bars in Texas around 1980, this is what we did. Houston had several private lesbian bars that I started going to regularly. No men allowed, though we couldn't stop the creeps who lurked outside. Private clubs work great, and I wish you every success with this!
Thank you very much! I hope to update the Ovarit community on the project's progress so stay tuned!
Hi Jenny, So good to see you here and a massive THANK YOU to you for all you do (and have done so far)!
A private venue is a brilliant idea. TiMs might get away with 'identifying' into womanhood, but there is no way they can 'identify' into private club membership. As long as 'woman' isn't a protected category, we sadly need loopholes like that.
Anyway, I wish you tons of support and unstoppable success! You're writing history here.
Your support is what fuels this. Thank you immensely!
Thanks for being a badass against the TRAs Jenny! It's funny how that user who was making accusations against you, without proof ofc, disappeared in a puff of smoke once you showed up. It looked like a legit account too. The amount of opposition against same-sex attracted women who dare to want to gather without men, is truly unbelievable.
Funny indeed! I actually recognise that user from Twitter (they gave too much info away). They're part of a group involved in a smear campaign against me. They genuinely seem to believe the narrative set by the original smearer (mentioned in their post). I suspect their conviction has gained strength because they're kind of 'bouncing off each other' (if that makes sense).
If their claims surface here, I'm more than happy to share supporting evidence with Ovarit's moderators—things I can't post publicly on Twitter,.
Thank you for your kind words and support.
I was wondering about them, I guess they really were pulling their "sources" out of their ass!
This user and the group they align with tend to use selective screenshotting/take things you say/do/type out of context and use it against you. Good thing with Ovarit, rather than Twitter, is that there are moderators here so I'll gladly provide them with supporting evidence if these claims surface again (links to posts, screenshots showing the full context, even the business plan and/or pitch deck.
Thank goodness, I was worried they would come in here and start shit
Should they do so, I'm more than willing to provide evidence to Ovarit's moderators—details that aren't appropriate to share publicly on Twitter (I'd just end up in ridiculous Twitter spats!)
This is amazing. Well done, thank you so much, and I hope the space is a roaring success - so much so that it expands to other venues across the UK too! I’m sick and tired of seeing lesbians forced underground for nothing other than being who they are. No more!
You are very, very brave, Miss Watson. Thank you for fighting for the rights of lesbians. You have me inspired.
I do worry about vandilism with these types of places. I hope it will be smooth sailing for you.
Thank you for your support! I've been thinking about this! Got a few ideas for the inside (anti-graffiti clearcoat for example), outside we're going to need a good roller shutter etc. I think vandalism will be something we'll have to tolerate.
First off, what you have gone through is stupid and horrible, and makes many of us furious.
I truly hope this club works. Maybe today it can, but many such clubs closed in San Francisco, even the ones that included 'transfeminine', nb, etc--which, of course, is all of them. I am guessing these closings were more an effect of COVID than the fact that they were not strictly for actual women, but maybe your club can shed light on that? I went to the Assembly once for yoga; it was in a gorgeous church building. https://www.theassembly.com/ The Wing also closed.
The ones that succeed have transwomen on their board and identify membership (I typo'd "membershit"--Freudian slip?) as: "Double Union began in 2013 with the membership gender criteria of people who “identify as a woman in a way significant to them”. This, despite the fact that they proudly appropriate radical feminist ideas from Jo Freeman in founding their space.
Of course, all the supposedly women's spaces here aren't women's spaces at all. For example, the "woman-only" space of the Hivery isn't: "We believe that inclusion is inclusion and while we are fully committed to women’s empowerment, all gender identities are welcome in The Hivery Circle. You are welcome here for who you are, exactly as you are; we promise. Every person should come to The Hivery as their authentic kind self". At The Ruby, they refuse to use the word woman altogether! Women are now "woman-identified" and its listed last!-- "The Ruby is a space for nonbinary, transfeminine and woman-identified creatives".
The Chief is only for executives--so totally elitist. Membership with Chief doesn't come cheap — women at the vice presidential level would pay of $5,800 annually and C-Suite executives would pay $7,900. But sure, totally committed to DEI.
I send these to you to see how others got it totally wrong, and how your idea could actually change things up (fingers crossed).
Thank you for this info. Making my way through the links now, very very helpful.
'Woman-identified' Jesus Christ.
I can't believe it's you! I've been following your story from the beginning, often with dread. Welcome!!
Creating a private members' club is a brilliant solution to a very sticky problem. I mean, it's also sad, that lesbians have to meet in private to avoid harassment from males... I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same...
I wish there were a similar movement in my neck of the woods. I'm not from the UK. But, maybe others will be inspired by you?
Also, I was hoping to set up a recurring donation. Will that feature be added later? Unless I missed it, at checkout, it only said "one time donation."
Keep doing what you do! Stay safe!
Thank you so much for your support and warm welcome!
Expanding this movement beyond the UK would be incredible. I really do hope for that, it'd be an amazing step forward.
And yes! I'll set up recurring donations soon. It's just been a crazy couple of months putting the business plan together and creating the website etc but it's on the to-do list (which has now become very long!)
Thanks again for your support.
Daytime workspace for women of any sexuality This is great. By giving GC women a place to hang out and find other GC women, you will be building a strong foundation to 'backup' the lesbian space. Wishing you the best, and wishing I worked in London, I'd have signed up for a daytime spot.
That's it, we need to get creative if we want it to be sustainable. Thank you for your kind words!
I cannot describe in words how great it would be to have a place like this to meet like minded women
Thank you so much for doing this and for standing up for same-sex attracted women. As a lesbian myself, I can’t express how much it would mean to me to be able to go to a place like the one you’re creating, and no doubt many other same-sex attracted women feel the same way. Though sadly I live in the States.
Thank you! I really hope that these sorts of projects start to pop up worldwide. In fact, I'm not just hoping; I'm confident they will.
Not exactly the same objectives, but they might be able to offer some advice and support:
What a fantastic idea. The best of luck to you with this project!
You are so brave, I'm such a huge fan. I literally said "holy shit, it's HER!" When i read your post
Haha, aw! <3 i wouldn't have got through it without support from people just like you.
I can already hear the mouth foaming men in dresses screech " Transphobia"
"So, together with a business advisor, I created a business plan for a private members' club in London. By making it a private members club, we can legally refuse males."
This is what we did 50 - 60 years ago. This is what we must do again. There are some of us still around who remember how we did it - what worked and what didn't.
I would love to have a conversation with you, if you would be open to that. There's undoubtedly a lot we can learn from women who navigated similar challenges in the past.
Message me.
Done! :)