Recent research has highlighted that lesbians face inequalities in relation to health services, plus lesbian health has been shown to be adversely affected by homophobia particularly in relation to accessing services.

Do you feel this is true? Do you have a story to share?

The Sligo Lesbian Health Conference has been organised by a (very busy) small group of lesbians in the North West who have an interest in health and in creating a sense of community among lesbians. Through information sharing, discussions, workshops and socialising they aim to look at ways of improving lesbians’ health and of increasing access to more supportive health practitioners.

It all takes place from the 5th to the 7th of October in the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel.

Friday kicks things off with a welcome and introduction to the conference. After that, there’s an evening of socialising and entertainment with songs sung by Mary Branley. Should be mighty craic!

After that, on Saturday, the conference proper starts with registration and a Complementary Health Fair with over twenty practitioners and complementary therapists on hand to see to your every ailment and illness. Then it’s on to the workshops.

Sunday winds down, with time for discussion and hitting the great outdoors.

Sharon Murphy. Image: ReverbNation

Dramatic Sex!

My oh my, does Saturday have a mixed bunch of workshops! I defy you to not to find something that interests you: from lesbian parenting to menopause and older women; from yoga to sex – it’s all here with a bit of creative writing and art therapy thrown in for good measure. If that’s not your cuppa, we could all do with learning how to have better sex and avoid dyke dramas. It’s all here folks, and more! And that’s just in the morning.

After lunch there’s a key note address from the always wonderful and just lovely Jane Pillinger (an independent researcher and policy advisor, whose expertise includes social, equality and employment policy).

That evening, to finish off a jam-packed day, there shall be dinner and entertainment from singer/songwriter Sharon Murphy, fresh from her success at the Sligo Arts Festival. After that, it’s time for those dancing shoes when DJ KateB takes to the decks.

I’m wrecked just writing about it!

Ridin’!

On Sunday, there shall be a chance to have a chin-wag about the workshops and it’s time to shake off that hangover during some outdoor activities. You can go horse riding, surfing, go for a walk, a tour of the local organic centre, the choice is yours.

It always amazes me how they put on a conference like this and manage to charge so little for so much. If you want to go to the whole thing it’s €30 or just a tenner for the unwaged. If the Dinner and Disco are on your mind, it’s €15 or just a measly fiver for the unwaged. Or if you just want to dance the night away, it’s €10 or a fiver for the unwaged. Just remember, if you’re on for the outdoor activities, they’ll be extra. Details are below!

What? Sligo Lesbian Health Conference
When? 5th-7th October 2012
Where? Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel, Strandhill Road, Sligo

How much?

- Conference fee: €30 waged; €10 unwaged
- Dinner & disco only: €15 waged; €5 unwaged
- Disco only: €10 waged; €5 unwaged
- Outdoor activities will be priced individually.

More info on the Sligo Lesbian Health Conference:

facebook / twitter / email: sligolesbianhealth@yahoo.ie