In Partnership with Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline
We are thrilled to be working with Switchboard for one of their digital Pride events, by bringing together an incredible panel of artists and activists to celebrate and uplift the A for Asexuality in our LGBTQIA+ community.
The Asexuality Panel will take place online on Zoom on Monday 2 August, 6-7pm, and will openly discuss the lived experience of being asexual, and the issues confronting asexual people within the LGBTQIA+ community and wider society.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are welcome to join us, especially queer women, trans and non-binary people.
The panel will be chaired by Maryann Wright, Founder of Sappho Events, with panelists including members of the ACE community Yasmin Benoit, Jessi Parrott, 'Olly Swinyard, and Seleena Laverne Daye.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be zero tolerance for homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, islamophobic, or derogatory behaviour.
Panelist bios:
Yasmin Benoit (she/her)
Yasmin is a British model, award-winning aromantic-asexual activist, and board member of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN). After publicly coming out as asexual in 2017, she quickly became a leading voice for the community and has been described by Cosmopolitan as being "the unlikely face of asexuality." She started the #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike movement for asexual visibility and representation and co-founded International Asexuality Day (April 6). Her work has been covered throughout British and international press, including British Vogue, Paper Magazine, Attitude Magazine, Cosmopolitan and Vogue Greece.
Jessi Parrott (they/them)
Jessi is a performer, playwright and academic. They have Cerebral Palsy and use a powered wheelchair. They are also non-binary, bisexual and demisexual (which fits under the asexual umbrella). Both their creative practice and their academic research are informed by all these aspects of their identity, and they are passionate about intersectional and inclusive representation in the arts, media and society more generally.
'Olly Swinyard (they/them)
Working as a pop culture writer and editor, ‘Olly Swinyard, has made it their mission to create safe spaces in their workplaces and wider communities. While “nerdom” has always been a place for those who may not quite fit in with societal norms, there are still a lot of issues of LGBTQIA folks in the community, who don’t always feel safe or seen. Within their magazine, The Cosplay Journal, ‘Olly has made a space for queer folks of all sorts to not only talk about their experience as queer people but also just to exist without need for explanation.
They have worked on/created several projects that feature asexual characters, including a novel that they are currently writing that revolves around an asexual couple. 'Olly has spoken about their asexuality and experiences with Stonewall, hoping to bring some more understanding to asexuality.
Both ‘Olly and their partner are asexual and it’s incredibly important to them that relationships like theirs and people like them feel valued and seen in any space, whether that be in the spotlight or behind the scenes.
Seleena Laverne Daye (she/her)
Seleena is a self-taught textile artist, workshop facilitator, zine maker and retail worker. Making colourful and playful art and zines around themes of race, class, sexuality and fandom. Using traditional sewing techniques and primarily working with felt, her art is all about taking up space.
She co-hosts Poor Lass, a podcast about the lives of working class people. Creating a space for working class folks to share their stories in their own voice.
Panel Chair - Maryann Wright
Maryann works in strategic advisory and crisis communications, managing PR for the entertainment and charity sector. She has also enjoyed a career as a singer and actor in the performing arts.
Originally from Australia, Maryann co-founded Women in Theatre and Screen, Australia in 2014, campaigning for gender equality in theatre, film and television. She produced all-women theatre festivals and think tank events tackling systemic concerns about the representation of women in the entertainment industry. She was nominated for the 2017 Australian Women in Leadership Award for her work with WITS.
A proud LGBT+ cis-woman passionate about LGBT+ rights and representation, she led the creative ‘This Is Me’ visibility campaign as part of Lesbian Visibility Week 2020, working alongside Diva Magazine and InterMediaUK. She is also an LGBT+ ambassador for Inclusive Minds, consulting on LGBT+ representation in children’s literature.
ABOUT SWITCHBOARD
Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline, is a confidential listening and support service. We offer calm words in a safe space for anyone who wants to talk about gender identity, sexuality, sexual health and emotional being. Switchboard is open from 10am-10pm 365 days a year. You can speak in confidence to our trained LGBT+ volunteers by calling 0300 330 0630, instant message switchboard.lgbt or email chris@switchboard.lgbt. www.switchboard.lgbt
ABOUT SAPPHO EVENTS
Sappho Events creates safe, sober and social events for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people across the UK. We welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, asexual, intersex and questioning women, including trans masculine and trans feminine, non-binary and gender fluid people, of all races, religions, classes, ages, and abilities. Sappho’s events centre around common interests such as literature, film, crafts, history, wellbeing, advocacy, gaming, dating, outdoor activities, and lots of tea and coffee. Wherever you are in your LGBTQ+ journey - whether you’re questioning, coming out, in the closet, or out and proud, Sappho Events is a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for you. www.sapphoevents.co.uk
Instagram - @SapphoEvents; Twitter - @SapphoEvents