On 21st April 2026, we gathered in the Churchill Room at the House of Commons for the historic launch of Lesbian Visibility Week 2026. This event, organised by the DIVA Charitable Trust and hosted by Kate Osborne MP, was a powerful evening of community leadership, advocacy, and heartfelt lived experience.
This was a landmark occasion, as it was the first time the DIVA Charitable Trust has hosted a reception in Parliament. The evening brought together parliamentarians, community leaders, and advocates to highlight vital new research on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people across the UK.
From Research to Reality
The evening began with Jo Atkins-Potts, Strategic Lead at DIVA Charitable Trust, sharing findings that showed how many LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people still face significant inequalities, often delaying healthcare due to fear of discrimination.
The transition from data to the human reality was led by our founder and CEO, Aderonke Apata. In a moving and candid speech, Aderonke spoke about the “hidden” members of our community—refugees and people seeking asylum—who face intense scrutiny and mental health challenges. She brought the room’s attention to the fact that while policies are made for the wider community, displaced people are too often left out of the conversation.
“I want you to remember this: that your decisions should include people seeking asylum… we often get lost in the conversation.” — Aderonke Apata
A Call for Inclusive Policy
Aderonke’s reflections served as a vital reminder to the parliamentarians in attendance, including Minister Olivia Bailey, that visibility must include the most vulnerable. She appealed for the needs of displaced LGBTQIA+ people to be placed firmly on the political agenda, ensuring that safety and dignity are extended to everyone in our global majority family.
It was an honour for African Rainbow Family to be part of this milestone event alongside our partners at DIVA. The energy from the night reinforces our mission to ensure that the voices of LGBTQIA+ people of African heritage and those seeking asylum are not just heard, but lead to real change.
