On the 23rd September every year, we celebrate Bisexual (bi) Visibility Day. By learning more about our similarities and differences, we build stronger, fairer, and happier communities. At Cocoon Kids, we champion diversity. Raising awareness is an important part of the work and we make sure that everyone feels included, no matter their sexual orientation.
The LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall use the term ‘bi’ to refer to people who have a romantic and/or sexual attraction towards more than one gender; bi people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including, but not limited to, bisexual, pan, queer, and some other non-monosexual and non-monoromantic identities.
Bi people can often face negative stereotypes, making them feel invisible and dismissed from both inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community (Stonewall, 2020). They may be called ‘greedy’, ‘manipulative’ or ‘indecisive’. Bi women are often told that they are actually straight and that their sexual orientation is used to attract men, whereas bi men are often seen as going throw a phase on the way to coming out as gay. These unfair, untrue and harmful generalisations can be considered ‘biphobia’ - a fear, dislike or negative attitude about bi people.
How can we protect our bi friends and family?
We can protect our bi friends and family from negative stereotypes by educating ourselves this Bisexual Visibility Day. Let’s make our community more inclusive together.
What else can we do to help?
1.Believe bi people exist
2.Don’t assume someone’s identity based
on their current or previous partners
3.Recognise and challenge biphobia.
4.Use inclusive language.
Are you creating a safe space for Bi people to share?
Only 36% of bi people are out to their friends and only 20% to their family (Stonewall, 2020). That’s why an inclusive environment where friends and family can express themselves without fear of being treated differently is essential. Making negative comments could unintentionally harm someone you care about, whether they identify as Bi now or in the future. And make sure you never 'out' a loved one - telling someone else about their sexual orientation without their consent. This can unintentionally lead to that person experiencing violence, bullying, harassment or other forms of harm.
What do you do if someone comes out to you as bisexual?
React with acceptance, support and understanding; thank them for trusting you with this information, reaffirm your friendship or relationship, and let them know that their identity doesn't change how you feel about them. If you have questions, ask them respectfully and be open to learning more about what bisexuality means to them.
Fancy learning more about bisexuality and the LGBTQ+ community?
Check out Stonewall.
To stay up to date with LGBTQ+ news, follow @attitudemag and @pinknews on socials.
For TV shows with great bisexual representation, try Heartstopper, Sex Education, 911, Schitt’s Creek and Brooklyn Nine Nine!
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