Bisexuality is celebrated in cyberspace and the actual world for one specific day in September.
The sexuality type is reportedly overlooked, even within the LGBT sphere, with a Stonewall study showing that only one in five bi people (20 per cent) are out to all their family compared to three in five gay men and 63 per cent of lesbians.
There is also reported under-representation on screen, with only 24 per cent of LGBT people on TV considered bisexual, according to ABC News.
Queen Mary University states that bisexuals can often face bi-phobia as well as bi-erasure, having negative attitudes forced upon them.
Phrases such as “it’s just a phase” and “you’re too ashamed to say you are gay” are both examples of bi-erasure.
The university adds: “Bi people can face having their identity erased and being made to feel unwelcome in both straight and LGBTQIA+ spaces.”
Having a day to counter negative attitudes and provide support is important, therefore.
Here is what you need to know for 2024.
What is bisexuality?
Bisexuality (bi for short) “refers to people who have a romantic and/or sexual attraction towards more than one gender,” writes De Montfort University (DMU).
It is under the LGBT umbrella. Bisexuality can itself encompass those who identify as pansexual, which stipulates an attraction to “all” genders, and queer, an umbrella term for those who are not straight.
According to Office for National Statistics data, an estimated 3.1 per cent of the UK population identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual in 2020.
The study also found that women (1.6 per cent) were more likely than men (0.9 per cent) to identify as bisexual but were less likely to identify as gay or lesbian (1.1 per cent compared with 2.5 per cent).
What is Bisexuality Visability Day?
Today is bi visibility day 🏳🌈
— Gloucestershire CC (@GlosCC) September 23, 2024
Today highlights the issues of biphobia, bisexual and biromantic erasure, and raises awareness of the bisexual community. pic.twitter.com/1Wc4ovb06G
Bi Visability Day “highlights the issues of biphobia, bisexual and biromantic erasure, and raises awareness of the bisexual community,” says Gloucestershire County Council.
It was first celebrated at the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) conference in Johannesburg in South Africa in 1999, writes DMU.
“Celebrated worldwide and also known as Bisexual Pride, this day aims to highlight biphobia, challenge bisexual and biromantic erasure and raise awareness of the bisexual community,” the university adds.
🌈 Happy Bisexuality Day 🌈
— ted Learning (@TedLearning1) September 23, 2024
Today, we celebrate and honour the diversity and strength of the bisexual community. It’s a day to recognise the unique experiences and contributions of bi+ individuals, standing proud together.#BisexualityDay #BiVisibility #Pride pic.twitter.com/noHZry8LOv
When is Bisexuality Visability Day?
September 23 is the date to add to your diary – which in 2024 falls on a Monday.
It is part of the wider Bisexuality Awareness Week.
The day is marked on social media and beyond as a show of support for those who are bi, who may struggle with unacceptance and isolation.
Mental health charity Mind stated: “Many bi people face biphobia, bi-erasure and mental health struggles.
“Bisexuality is not a phase or a stepping stone. If you feel unseen, know that you're valid, loved and supported.”
