'We met at the LDG' - Nikki & Maya

I was just reading about how the lesbian scene has diminished since the 1990s and it caused me to investigate if the lesbian discussion group at Gays the Word bookshop is still running.  How WONDERFUL that it is!

I first visited the discussion group in 1996 when writing my Masters thesis called 'A Right to Bi:  Breaking the Taboo on Female Sexuality'.  It was great to be able to chat to other women and then go out in small groups to access the lesbian scene together.  I also began a relationship with someone else attending the group.

In 2001, one night I spontaneously decided to visit the group again.  This was a most fortuitous night and it changed the rest of my life.  I arranged to go out with a couple of women I met at the group, but then one of them couldn't make it and so Maya and I ended up having our first date together.  We spent the day and evening on the Southbank enjoying each other's company so much that all public transport ceased and I had to take a taxi a very long way home.

We had a civil partnership ten years ago that was later converted to marriage, when this became legal.  We have been through some tough times together, but it has all been worth it for the glorious relationship that we have.

We will always be thankful for meeting at the lesbian discussion group.  We have gone from being  sprightly young things to loving growing older together.

Thank you LDC and happy anniversary!

Big Love from Nikki & Maya X