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Celebrate Bisexuality Day

by Ela B

What do we Celebrate on Bisexuality Day?

Also known as Bi Visibility Day, Celebrate Bisexuality Day is held every September 23. This event started in 1999 by Wendy Curry, Gigi Raven Wilbur, and Michael Page. These three American bi rights activists decided to set aside a separate day for celebrating bisexuality as a response to discrimination from both straight people and other LGBTQIA+ communities.

Berkeley, California, became the first U.S. city to officially proclaim this day and celebrate it in 2012. Many associations and cities soon followed suit, with BiNet USA proclaiming the days before and after September 23 to officially be Bi Awareness Week.

There’s Still A Stigma That Needs To Be Broken

Unfortunately, many people still have negative misconceptions about bisexuals and bisexuality. Bullying, harassment, and a lack of legal protection are just some of the consequences that bisexuals face from straight and other LGBTQIA+ people alike because of these stereotypes. A study by American University found that this “double discrimination” causes higher mental stress in bisexual people due to feelings of isolation, invisibility, and loneliness.

These harmful attitudes may also be why bisexual adults are less likely to be out to the people in their lives, compared to lesbians or gay men. The Pew Research Center found that only a 19% of those who identify as bisexual say all or most of the important people in their lives are aware of their sexual orientation, compared to 75% of lesbians or gay men.

Why Celebrating Bisexuality Day Is Important

Celebrating Bisexuality Day with the community and your loved bis is important for many reasons. One of the biggest of these is fostering awareness and visibility to get rid of negative stereotypes. By dedicating a day to celebrating bisexuality, people can share useful information, learn more about it, and share their experiences. 

Making bisexual people feel seen and heard validates and reminds them that they’re not alone in the fight for social change and acceptance. It also uplifts self-esteem and reminds them to be proud of who they are, providing a positive environment for their wellbeing.

These efforts to change public perception and educate others are important steps to creating a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole. It brings special attention to the challenges that bisexual people face, and encourages us to become more compassionate and come up with solutions together.

How To Commemorate Bisexuality Day

Wondering how you can take part in Bi Visibility Day? Here are some ways you can participate inclusively and respectfully:

  • Attend Bisexuality Day events to learn more about the community and how you can uplift bisexual people.
  • Learn more about the history of bisexuality and bi+ communities through books, movies, and other artistic work. These works should either explore bisexuality, feature bisexual actors, or both when possible.
  • Volunteer your time for Bisexuality Day events or donate to LGBTQIA+ causes, if possible.
  • Don’t assume someone’s sexuality or ask them to “prove” their bisexuality, especially if they appear to be in a cisgender heterosexual relationship. This is bi erasure, and there’s no “number” of same-sex partners a bisexual person needs to meet to “belong”.
  • Accept and acknowledge bi people.
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