There's a whole day dedicated to raising awareness of the issues and
stigma still faced by bisexual people. But what is it, and why is it needed?
Bisexuality is still widely misunderstood, misrepresented and stigmatised.
Bisexual people are too often perceived as uncertain, confused or
simply 'greedy'. These offensive myths are often perpetuated to such an extent
that it is hard for bisexual people to be listened to or regarded with respect
from the wider populace. These myths also impact on bisexual individuals'
access to vital public and health services, as well as their performance in the
workplace.
Bisexual identities, experiences and stories are also often condensed,
conflated or often altogether erased within the umbrella of 'LGBT'.
I checked in with Bella Qvist - Bella is a freelance writer and video maker with contributions to The Guardian, The Observer, DIVA Magazine, VICE and Grazia. She is also Chair of E.D.E.N Film Productions.
"Almost 50% of 16-25 year olds in the UK identify as something other than heterosexual and homosexual and at the same time the Human Rights Campaign has reported that bisexual adults face heightened risk for health issues including cancer, STDs and depression."
"We need Bi Visibility to show those young people that being bi, or something other than straight or gay, is fine, is good, is welcomed. And we need Bi Visibility to save lives. We need Bi Visibility Day to show the world that bisexuals exist and that our sexuality is valid and real."
Hear more from Bella by reading her fab piece for Bi Visibility Day at http://bellaqvist.com/2015/09/23/on-bisexuality-im-not-a-little-gay/
Check out Bella's and others' fantastic contributors at DIVA Magazine's bi-blog - http://divahibi.tumblr.com/
Check out Bella's and others' fantastic contributors at DIVA Magazine's bi-blog - http://divahibi.tumblr.com/
bisexual people face
The erasure of bisexual identities and experiences is still frustratingly commonplace. It is also damaging and dangerous, and leads to exclusion, even within the LGBT+ communities efforts in campaigning for equality and equal rights.
The International Day Against Homophobia (or 'IDAHO' as it was previously known) has been expanded and made more inclusive in Sheffield - we now have IDAHOBiT, to tackle the limitations of the original acronym of IDAHO, which in itself only makes reference to homophobia.
Find out what others are doing on this day and beyond to tackle biphobia and bi-erasure - check out the links below, search for #BiVisibilityDay and more.
If you know of ways LGBT Sheffield can tackle biphobia and other issues, let us know - our links are also below.
Links
The erasure of bisexual identities and experiences is still frustratingly commonplace. It is also damaging and dangerous, and leads to exclusion, even within the LGBT+ communities efforts in campaigning for equality and equal rights.
The International Day Against Homophobia (or 'IDAHO' as it was previously known) has been expanded and made more inclusive in Sheffield - we now have IDAHOBiT, to tackle the limitations of the original acronym of IDAHO, which in itself only makes reference to homophobia.
Find out what others are doing on this day and beyond to tackle biphobia and bi-erasure - check out the links below, search for #BiVisibilityDay and more.
If you know of ways LGBT Sheffield can tackle biphobia and other issues, let us know - our links are also below.
Links
Courtesy of Bella Qvist:
Courtesy of Bi Visibility Day:
Facebook - http://www.fb.com/bivisibility
Twitter - @BiVisibilityDay
Web - www.bivisibilityday.com
Tumblr - http://bivisibilityday.tumblr.com
Additional Resources (courtesy of Stonewall)
The Bisexual
Index
LGBT Sheffield on Facebook
LGBT Sheffield on Twitter
LGBT Sheffield on Facebook
LGBT Sheffield on Twitter
