A new grassroots business group is tackling workplace exclusion of lesbian and gender-diverse professionals across London.
The London Lesbian Business Group (LLBG) was founded in 2024 by Arianwen Harris and Aphra Luchesa Smith to offer mentoring, networking and career development for LGBTQ+ professionals.
Nearly 40% of UK LGBTQ+ workers remain closeted at work due to fears of discrimination, according to Stonewall.
Harris said: “I really needed guidance, or at least a vision of what my future could look like.”
Luchesa Smith added: “Our goal is to help women picture themselves in senior positions by sharing real stories and advice.”
Reclaiming the term ‘lesbian’ for visibility and leadership in the workplace
The founders deliberately included “lesbian” in the group’s name to reclaim visibility often erased in broader corporate LGBTQ+ spaces.
Harris and Luchesa Smith say visibility and ownership matter because lesbians face unique challenges often overlooked in wider LGBTQ+ conversations.
Luchesa Smith said: “It’s funny—Ari and I first met at a lesbian discussion group.
“For both of us, that space was crucial in helping us feel comfortable owning the word ‘lesbian’ and connecting with the wider lesbian community.”
Globally, just 0.8% of Fortune 500 CEOs are openly LGBTQ+, highlighting the urgent need to reclaim identity and visibility for lesbian professionals.+.
Growing and community for queer people facing workplace exclusion
Since launching, the LLBG has expanded rapidly through social media and word of mouth, attracting from senior LGBTQ+ leaders.
The group has hosted prominent speakers including Susan Mann, Tolu Osinubi, Hannah Bardell, Dr Layla McCay, and Caroline Clarke.
One attendee, who asked to remain anonymous, explained the group gave her hope and confidence.
She said: “It is surprisingly difficult to meet other lesbians working in the business world.
“I felt validated and understood, something which I hadn’t fully experienced in my working life.”
LLBG hosts events and informal meetups that help build careers where queerness is embraced, not hidden.
It also challenges “rainbow capitalism” that showcases diversity but ignores safety, representation, and leadership gaps for LGBTQ+ professionals.
Luchesa Smith said many draw strength from the community but stressed that visibility alone is not enough without practical .
Recent workplace surveys reveal that LGBTQ+ employees who feel fully included are far more likely to remain in their jobs and recommend their employers.
Harris acknowledges that while some trailblazing organisations are championing queer women as key of the workforce, many still have a long way to go in creating truly inclusive environments.
Addressing workplace safety and
Stonewall’s 2023 report also revealed that 31% of LGBTQ+ workers in the UK feel uncomfortable reporting bullying or harassment.
The group’s next event, planned for July, aims to build on Pride Month momentum by fostering ongoing mentorship and connection.
Harris added: “Visibility isn’t always enough which is why community groups that provide networking and mentorship are so important.”
LLBG invites LGBTQ+ professionals of all ages and industries to and build lasting networks of .
To connect with the group, follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram or their WhatsApp channel at https://lnkd.in/esmthqW5.
Photo credit: Christel Dee.
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