About us
Our origins
Lesbians Incorporated represents continuous collective action by lesbians in Australia over many decades. Our struggle is for recognition, equality and space. Lesbians were well represented in the broad scale movements for social change in the 1970’s and 80s, including the women’s liberation, anti-nuclear, and gay rights movements.
Applying the lessons learned in these movements, lesbians turned their attention towards their own political struggle. In 1986, a group of women formed the Lesbian Space Collective in Sydney. This collective passed the funds it had raised on to the women who organised the groundbreaking Lesbian Conference and Festival in 1991. The Festival culminated in the memorable ‘Living our Passion’ concert at the Sydney Opera House.
The Lesbian Space Project
After the Opera House concert, the desire for a lesbian space was brought to national prominence through the Lesbian Space Project. In 1993, a year-long fundraising campaign across Australia set a target of raising $250,000. Money left over from the Lesbian Festival ($20,000) seeded the Lesbian Space Project, and the money raised during the 1993 500/500 campaign forms the basis of the funds that now provide community grants. With time, the emphasis has shifted from owning a single building in one city, to creating multiple spaces and places for lesbians across Australia through a grants program.
Maintaining our funds
A core activity of LInc is to preserve and maintain the ‘nest egg’ built up by fundraising activities over many years. LInc funds are held in a range of assets, and income generated from these mixed investments is used to grow the fund and provide community grants.
Respecting our diversity
LInc is an inclusive organisation that recognises and values the diversity of lesbians. Our list of funded grants is evidence of our support for a wide-range of individuals, groups, projects and organisations.
LInc operates according to the principle of respect for human rights.
All members of LInc commit their time voluntarily to the organisation.
- Logo pack for grant recipients-(2mb-ziped right click and save as..)