Bi Visibility Day, celebrated annually on September 23rd, is a day to celebrate bisexual life and raise awareness of the challenges faced by the bisexual, biromantic community. Created in 1999 by three bi activists from the US: Wendy Curry (Maine), Michael Page (Florida) and the creator of the Bisexual pride flag, and Gigi Raven Wilbur (Texas). The day was first observed at the International Lesbian and Gay Association Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa and has since grown to more than 30 countries. Also known as Bi Pride Day, Bi Day, and Celebrate Bisexuality Day, Bi Visibility Day was coined by UK bi activist, Jen Yockney, and has since been used around the world.
Persons identifying as bisexual are often marginalized by not only the straight community but also other LGBTQ communities as they may experience prejudice based on the belief many folks have that bisexuality doesn’t exist, referred to as bi-erasure. Research shows that bisexual persons have a higher rate of mood/anxiety disorders compared to heterosexual women and men and the risk of suicide is higher in bisexual persons over both heterosexual and homosexual persons.
Observing Bi Visibility Day is an opportunity to educate ourselves on the community and the struggles they may face so that we can become better advocates.
Take Action:
- Bi Visibility Day Resources
- In The News
- Coming Out: Living Authentically as Bisexual+
- #BiWeek: Rap Sh!t’s Jonica Booth Talks Hit HBO Max Show; Authentic Bisexual and POC Representation
- Attach the design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI and Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
