SHE Provides Lesbian Platform in West Hollywood

Dozens of women have joined the monthly meetings at the West Hollywood Library for SHE, the city's lesbian discussion group.

"There are no lulls, lots of laughter, and there is a lot of business being done," SHE's moderator Heidi Shink said. "There are women who are just coming out and finding their way in the community. There are women that have been out but may be entering a new stage in life. There are women getting older, dealing with other complications."

SHE broke ground in April 2012 after Weho Councilman John D’Amico suggested the city launch discussion groups for gay men and lesbian women, according to Shink. SHE, along with the gay men’s group TRIBE, were brought into the fold of city-run programs.

"John [D'Amico] and the other council members are committed to the idea that West Hollywood is a gay community, not just a progressive community," Shink said. "It's a haven for the LGBT community, for businesses, for social issues and for living."

News of SHE has spread beyond city limits and its meetings are open to non-residents.

"Women come from all over, not just West Hollywood," Shink said. "Our discussions are very robust and they are different every month. You’d be surprised how important something like that is, a discussion between like-minded people.”

The group's next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 7:30-9 p.m. In anticipation of November's general election, the discussion will focus on political action in the lesbian community.

Shink said that dozens of women from age 18 to 86 attend the monthly meetings on a regular basis and that each woman, regardless of age, has a story to tell.

"Every woman's voice is as important as the next," she said. "When you're young, you may have a lot to learn, but you also have something to teach."

For more information about SHE and future meetings, click here.

Have you attended a SHE discussion? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Be sure to follow West Hollywood Patch on Twitter and "Like" us on Facebook.