Sappho in the news.
Vogue.
“Sober and safe events are what gay women’s group, Sappho, have found gay women are looking for right now, too. Founder Maryann Wright said the charity was born from her own desire to meet other gay women at events that didn’t involve alcohol. ‘I’ve lived in London for four years and I was shocked at how little there was for gay women,’ Wright tells Vogue.”
Huffington Post.
“In January, Maryann Wright set up Sappho Events which hosts sober events across the UK for queer women, trans and non-binary people, such as pottery workshops, boxing tutorials and book readings. “It came from a place of wishing there was more for people to do other than go out and drink,” says Wright. “We have to get better at providing a wider range of spaces that are accessible for people.'”
Metro.
“When I came to London about three and a half years ago, I was really excited about a bigger LGBTQ community – because I came from Australia, and a lot of people said, “You’re going to meet so many awesome gay girls!”” Maryann says. “But I found that there was nowhere for me to go – I would spend hours on Google searching and find nothing.”
The Sunday Times.
“When Maryann Wright moved from Sydney, Australia, to London six years ago, she was surprised by the lack of diversity in the gay scene. Working in the theatre industry and with a love of the arts, she didn't feel quite at home in the LGBT+ nightclubs of Soho. ‘I wasn't into clubs and heavy drinking and didn't see the variety I was hoping for in the scene,’ she says.”
Pink News.
“Queer women and non-binary people in the UK have revealed that they feel gay men have more visibility than they do, and that most LGBT+ offerings are not aimed at their interests.”
Manchester Evening News.
“Founded by Maryann Wright, the events hope to inspire queer women with alternatives to clubbing and will stem a variety of interests including quiz nights, boxing sessions, and speed dating - all held online throughout the pandemic, of course.”
Daily Express.
“We have a responsibility to make the UK a safe place for queer women and non-binary people to be out and to love who they love without secrecy or fear. Finding love and community is hard enough, an extra layer of heteronormativity, misogyny and narrow gay stereotypes make it even harder.”
Gay Times.
“Sappho launched during lockdown so we instantly knew we’d need to be online until restrictions were lifted. There’s something magical about our community and how we all have banded together to champion each other.”
That’s York TV.
Several events will take place at Spark:York for York's queer women, and non-binary and transgender people and their interests. "There's something about being with people just like you - that's really special," said Maryann Wright.
BBC Radio York.
“Sometimes people don’t want to go clubbing or to a bar to socialise, so Sappho Events gives people access to more social settings to meet each other. We’re trying to create more opportunities for women and non-binary people to get together.”
Diva.
“It has been particularly tough for many during lockdown as people are increasingly isolated, and cut off from their usual social networks. Sappho Events will help build community, offer LGBTQI women and non-binary people the opportunity to make new friends, and maybe even love for those who are single.”
The Imperfect Queer Boss.
“In this episode, I'm with Maryann Wright (she/her), Founder and Director of Sappho Events in London, and we are talking all about London dating scene, what's missing in the community, what can be improved, and the need for us Lesbians and Non-Binary folks to have more space and a bigger voice!”
G Scene.
“After receiving a dedicated grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, Sappho Events has announced its Queer Connect festival; a series of online events for LGBTQ+ people, including a queer film night and POC speed dating. A recent survey by Sappho Events found that 85% of LGBTQ+ people would like online events to remain accessible during the pandemic, with many relying on these events to feel connected to the queer community.”
Press Association.
“Pride is a protest, and always will be. But in terms of the celebration component, communities gather in different ways, and we have to make sure we’re providing truly accessible ways people can celebrate. I’m really passionate about creating spaces where people can feel part of the community, celebrate their queerness and feel connected, but in a way that suits their interests and needs.”
Queer Creatives.
“When I came to London about three and a half years ago, I was really excited about a bigger LGBTQ community – because I came from Australia, and a lot of people said, “You’re going to meet so many awesome gay girls!”” Maryann says. “But I found that there was nowhere for me to go – I would spend hours on Google searching and find nothing.”
Daily Express.
“Lesbian rights are not under attack by the trans movement. Transphobia has no place in feminism and no place in the LGBT community. Persecuting an even smaller minority within an already marginalised community is counter intuitive and harmful, whether you’re taking an LGBT or feminist perspective.”