On April 20^th Lesbian Labour launched our website. We received overwhelmingly positive support.

However, within our own party the reception was varied. Comments on one Facebook group were shockingly hostile. The post attracted almost 1,000 comments. Though many members spoke up and argued our case very well, the ratio of negative to positive comments was 2:1.

The responses of a group of individuals on Facebook is not necessarily indicative of attitudes across the party towards Lesbian autonomy. However, such hostility requires a very firm response. This is no way to create a welcoming space for Lesbians.

As Lesbians we have every right to self-organise and do not seek or need permission from hostile men, or women with a different point of view.

The comments levelled at us were offensive and inaccurate and made spurious unfounded allegations.

We have gone through the comments and distilled the various criticisms. Here are our answers.

“Another group co-opting the name and Labour logo”

We are all Labour members and spent time designing a logo incorporating both the Labour rose, the symbol of our party, and the Lesbian double venus, the symbol of our sexuality. Naturally, we chose Labour red. We are, after all, Lesbian Labour.