Women’s History Month minus lesbians

Another example of how ludicrous and interrupting and contrary it is to try to talk about women or lesbians (or indeed men or gay men) by invoking the alphabet soup.

October is Women’s History Month in Canada. The government tells us:

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history. 

Ok. So far so good.

This year’s theme, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds. It focuses on the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges faced by Indigenous women; women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities; and newcomer, racialized, and migrant women.

Not lesbians, you see, but women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Why not just say lesbians? Why translate “lesbian” to “from 2SLGBTQI+ communities”? Why erase the word “lesbian”??

What’s up, Canada? You’re not homophobic are you? Are you?

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