Lesbians Meet To Discuss The Gay Perspective (Press, 28 November 1984)
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Summary: Lesbians Meet To Discuss The Gay Perspective (Press, 28 November 1984)
On 28 November 1984, a conference of elderly lesbians took place in London, where participants demanded the establishment of all-woman cemeteries. The attendees highlighted that not enough attention had been given to death from a "lesbian perspective." The conference, which received support from London’s Labour Islington Council, also advocated for the creation of lesbian-only housing for elderly individuals and called for a charter to safeguard against workplace discrimination aimed at lesbians, particularly those employed as teachers of young children. The delegates expressed their frustration over the presence of heterosexual teachers who openly shared aspects of their personal lives, such as wearing wedding rings and discussing their relationships at school functions. They argued that this behaviour was not inclusive of the diverse experiences of lesbian educators. Despite the serious nature of the discussions, the proposal for lesbian cemeteries was met with criticism from local politicians, including Mr David Hyams, the opposition leader of Islington council. He referred to the idea as “dead dotty,” asserting that death is a universal experience that does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, and the emotional impact of bereavement was the same for everyone. A representative from the Gay Switchboard highlighted the challenges faced by gay individuals during times of bereavement, noting that they often encounter difficulties with their deceased partner's family, who may prevent them from attending funerals despite long-term relationships. The conference aimed to address these specific issues while promoting a broader understanding and acceptance of the experiences of lesbians in society.
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