SHÉLA Circle Brings Queer Women Together Across Borders

On 27 June at 5:00 PM, SHÉLA Global hosted its very first SHÉLA Circle, and what an incredible evening it was. Our inaugural SHÉLA Circle brought together queer women from the UK, Scotland, Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, the Netherlands, and other locations. We created a welcoming space for connection, storytelling, and community-building across borders. Despite the miles between us, the atmosphere felt warm, familiar, and deeply connected. The event allowed lesbian, bisexual, queer, and sapphic women to relax, share experiences, and enjoy being in community with one another.

Breaking the Ice and Making New Connections

The evening began with fun icebreaker activities facilitated by our Communications Officer, Schola. Laughter filled the virtual room as participants introduced themselves, shared stories, and discovered unexpected connections.

One of the highlights of the evening was realising just how interconnected our community can be. More than once, someone recognised a mutual friend, a familiar face, or a shared experience. As one participant joked, "The queer community is indeed small!" This reminded us that even across continents, our stories often overlap in surprising and meaningful ways.

Two women chat and smile at a wooden table in a cosy loft

A Space for Honest Conversations

True to its name, SHÉLA Circle offered participants the opportunity to speak openly about topics that matter to them. Some conversations were light-hearted and funny. Others explored more serious experiences, challenges, and reflections. Through it all, participants listened, supported one another, and contributed to a space where everyone felt heard.

The beauty of SHÉLA Circle lies in its simplicity. There is no pressure to perform, educate, or have all the answers. It is simply a space to show up as yourself, connect with others, and be part of meaningful conversations.

Why Community Matters

For many queer women, finding spaces where they can connect authentically can be difficult. Events like SHÉLA Circle help bridge that gap by creating opportunities for friendship, support, networking, and shared experiences.

The success of our first session reinforced something we have always believed at SHÉLA: community is powerful, and connection matters. Whether you are looking to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, share your thoughts, or simply listen, SHÉLA Circle offers a welcoming space for you.

The Power of Connection

Connection is at the heart of what we do. It fosters understanding and empathy. When we share our stories, we build bridges between our experiences. Each story shared in our circles adds to the rich tapestry of our community.

We encourage everyone to embrace their unique journey. By doing so, we create a space where all voices are valued. This is how we grow together, supporting one another in our individual and collective journeys.

Join Us for the Next SHÉLA Circle

We're excited to announce that our next SHÉLA Circle will take place on 25 July at 7:00 PM (BST). Expect engaging conversations, laughter, new connections, and a community of amazing queer women from around the world. Come as you are.

Unwind. Share. Listen. Connect.

Events We can't wait to see you there.

About SHÉLA Global

SHÉLA Global is a women-centred, lesbian-led community organisation. We create intentional spaces where lesbian, bisexual, queer, and sapphic women can connect, share stories, build community, and thrive.

The Importance of Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection. It allows us to share our experiences and learn from one another. In our circles, we encourage everyone to share their stories. This not only helps us understand each other better but also strengthens our community bonds.

When we listen to each other, we create a culture of empathy and respect. Each story shared is a reminder that we are not alone in our experiences. We all have unique journeys, yet we find common ground through our narratives.

Building a Global Community

As we continue to grow, our aim is to foster a global community. We believe that every voice matters. Each SHÉLA Circle is a step towards creating a world where lesbian and queer women feel seen and valued.

We invite you to be part of this journey. Together, we can create a space where our identities and stories are celebrated across all cultures and generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SHÉLA Circle is more than just an event; it is a movement towards building a connected community. We are excited about the future and the stories yet to be shared. Join us in this journey of connection, empowerment, and celebration. We look forward to welcoming you at our next circle!