Lesbifriend Luminary: Ocean Long
lu·mi·nar·y
/ˈlo͞oməˌnerē/ - n - a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
Each month we take a moment to show appreciation for an exemplary member of our community. Affectionately named “Lesbifriend Luminary”, we honor you.
Ocean Long (she/her) is the founder of The L Table, a queer, lesbian-only dinner experience designed to create intentional spaces for connection, conversation, and community. She believes deeply in the power of gathering around the table as a way to foster belonging and affirmation. Guided by her love for bringing people together, Ocean continues to create spaces that honor authenticity, joy, and shared experience.
Born in South Carolina and raised in North Carolina, Ocean has always valued gathering people together, but it wasn’t until nine years ago after fully coming out as a lesbian that she realized how important it is to build spaces specifically “for us, by us.”
As a Black lesbian mother raising a 10-year-old daughter, she understands firsthand the need for safe, affirming environments where women like us can come together, be seen, and feel understood.
Professionally, Ocean has spent the last two years as an HR Generalist, supporting people and organizational growth, but her passion project has always been building The L Table. What started in Charlotte has already grown into events across the region, and now, she’s preparing to expand into new cities like DC.
She wants folks to support by joining her at the table whether in-person at her events, by following and sharing her story online, or through partnerships that help sustain and grow this vision. Her work is grounded in creating spaces where strangers arrive as individuals but leave as community, and she’s deeply excited to keep expanding that vision.
Subscribe to our newsletter to see who’s featured as next month’s Lesbifriend Luminary!