In a world where spaces catering to queer women are alarmingly scarce, Polly Shute co-founded Out & Wild, the UK’s first and only wellness and experience festival tailored for queer, questioning, and curious women, as well as non-binary individuals.
The Disappearing Act of Lesbian Bars
Surprisingly, London has just one bar specifically for queer women, mirroring a global decline in lesbian bars. A startling fact reveals that while there were around 200 lesbian bars in the United States during the 1980s, by 2021 the number had plummeted to a mere 15.
Visibility Gap in the LGBTQ+ Community
According to DIVA Media Group research, 79% of LGBTQ+ women feel overshadowed by gay men in terms of visibility. Additionally, one in three LGBTQ+ women lament the scarcity of events that cater specifically to their interests. So, where does one go to socialize, make friends, or potentially find a partner?
Creating a Space for Women: Out & Wild Festival
In response to this void, Becky French and Polly Shute introduced Out & Wild Festival during Pride Month in 2021. Nestled on the outskirts of Pembrokeshire National Park, the festival offers a serene setting overlooking the River Cleddau. Designed to offer something for everyone, the festival features a wide range of activities and experiences over three days. The zones are carefully curated, focusing on wellness, workouts, music, comedy, spoken word, sports, hiking, workshops, and talks.
A Haven for Solo Women Travelers
As marketing began, it was apparent that many women, including those who are trans and non-binary, wanted to attend solo but harbored safety concerns. Studies indicate that 40% of women under 40 have experienced sexual assault at music festivals. To address this, Out & Wild launched solo meet-ups and private Facebook groups to help attendees connect, arrange carpooling, and share experiences in a supportive environment.
Fostering Inclusivity and Community
The festival places strong emphasis on creating a safe space for all LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals, as well as allies. The commitment to kindness, acceptance, and wellness became evident as soon as the gates opened.
A Lasting Impact and Future Endeavors
According to one attendee, Micky, the festival’s inclusive nature provided a sense of belonging. Post-festival, attendees not only formed friendships but also initiated meet-up groups. Some even ignited romantic relationships. With the festival set to return in 2023, partnerships with sponsors like OVO Energy are underway to facilitate pre-festival meet-ups in London and Bristol.
In a world where many LGBTQ+ individuals grapple with feelings of isolation and a lack of welcoming spaces, Out & Wild Festival emerges as not just a place for personal discovery, but also for making meaningful connections.
Out & Wild Festival is scheduled to take place in Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, Wales from June 9-12, 2023. For ticketing and more information, visit Out & Wild.
Exploring the Benefits of Connecting with Other Queer Women at the Festival
As Pride Month comes to a close, many of us are reflecting on the importance of connecting with other queer women. For many, attending a Pride festival is a great way to do just that. But what are the benefits of connecting with other queer women at a Pride festival?
First and foremost, connecting with other queer women at a Pride festival can be a great way to build community. Pride festivals are a safe space for queer women to come together and celebrate their identities. By connecting with other queer women, you can create a sense of belonging and solidarity. You can also learn from each other’s experiences and gain valuable insight into the queer community.
Connecting with other queer women at a Pride festival can also be a great way to make new friends. Pride festivals are a great place to meet people who share similar interests and experiences. You can find people who are passionate about the same causes and who can provide support and understanding.
Finally, connecting with other queer women at a Pride festival can be a great way to learn more about the queer community. Pride festivals are a great place to learn about the history of the queer community and to gain a better understanding of the issues that queer people face. You can also learn about the different organizations and resources available to queer people.
In conclusion, connecting with other queer women at a Pride festival can be a great way to build community, make new friends, and learn more about the queer community. So, if you’re looking for a way to connect with other queer women, consider attending a Pride festival near you.
The Power of Self-Care and Self-Love at the Festival
Self-care and self-love are two of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. They are essential for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and can be especially beneficial during times of stress or difficulty. This is why it is so important to prioritize self-care and self-love at festivals.
Festivals are often a time of celebration and joy, but they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re taking the time to practice self-care and self-love.
One way to do this is to make sure you’re getting enough rest. Festivals can be long and tiring, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. This will help you stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Another way to practice self-care and self-love is to make sure you’re eating healthy. Festivals often have a lot of unhealthy food options, so it’s important to make sure you’re eating nutritious meals. This will help you stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Finally, it’s important to make sure you’re taking time to relax and enjoy yourself. Festivals can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take some time to relax and enjoy the experience. This could mean taking a break from the crowds and finding a quiet spot to sit and relax, or taking a few moments to meditate or practice yoga.
By taking the time to practice self-care and self-love at festivals, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of the experience. Not only will you be able to enjoy the festival more, but you’ll also be taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing. So make sure to prioritize self-care and self-love at festivals!
How the Festival is Helping Queer Women Find Love and Support
The LGBTQ+ community has long been a source of love and support for queer women, and the annual Queer Women’s Festival is a testament to that. This festival, which takes place in cities across the United States, is a celebration of queer women’s culture, identity, and community.
At the festival, queer women can find a safe and welcoming space to express themselves and connect with other queer women. Through workshops, panels, and performances, the festival provides an opportunity for queer women to learn, grow, and build relationships with one another.
The festival also offers a variety of activities that help queer women find love and support. For example, the festival hosts speed dating events, which give queer women the chance to meet potential partners in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, the festival provides a platform for queer women to share their stories and experiences, which can help them feel seen and understood.
The festival also offers a variety of resources to help queer women find support. For instance, the festival provides access to mental health professionals, who can provide guidance and support to queer women who are struggling with their mental health. Additionally, the festival offers workshops and panels on topics such as coming out, navigating relationships, and building community.
The Queer Women’s Festival is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the queer community. By providing a safe and supportive space for queer women to connect and find love and support, the festival is helping to create a more inclusive and accepting world for queer women.
Celebrating the Diversity of Queer Women’s Experiences at the Festival
The LGBTQ+ community is a vibrant and diverse group of individuals, and the queer women’s experience is no exception. At the recent Festival of Queer Women, attendees were able to celebrate the unique and varied experiences of queer women from all walks of life.
The festival was a celebration of the many different ways that queer women express themselves and their identities. From drag performances to spoken word poetry, the festival showcased the many talents of queer women. Attendees were also able to explore the many different facets of queer women’s lives, from their relationships to their activism.
The festival also provided a platform for queer women to share their stories and experiences. Through panels, workshops, and other events, queer women were able to discuss topics such as mental health, intersectionality, and the importance of self-care. These conversations provided a safe space for queer women to share their stories and to learn from one another.
The festival was also a great opportunity for queer women to connect with one another. Attendees were able to make new friends, find support networks, and build community. The festival was a reminder that queer women are not alone in their experiences and that there is strength in numbers.
Overall, the Festival of Queer Women was a powerful reminder of the diversity of queer women’s experiences. It was a celebration of the many different ways that queer women express themselves and their identities. It was also a reminder that queer women are not alone in their experiences and that there is strength in numbers.
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