Today is Bisexual Visibility Day. Even now, bisexuals come in for a fair bit of prejudice even from other parts of the LGBT community. LGBT+ Lib Dems have put out a statement to mark the day:
Today we are marking the twentieth annual Bi Visibility day, which aims to raise the profile and visibility of bisexual people within our society – a society which so often overlooks them. Whilst great progress has been made in advancing rights and acceptance for gay and lesbian people (although of course, there is more to be done), bisexual people often suffer from assumptions based on the gender of their current (or last) partner and the prejudices of their peers. Media portrayals can trivialise their experiences, treat them as curiosities, or suggest that their sexual appetites are greedy and promiscuous. In such a climate, young bisexuals can feel pressured to “pick a side” and this is part of the reason why bi people suffer from far worse rates of mental illness than either gay or straight people. On top of this, the needs of bisexuals are often overlooked in the provision of health and social services.
Their chair Jennie Rigg added:
As Liberals, we stand against conformity and judging people based on their gender or the gender of their sexual or romantic partners. As a bisexual woman, I refuse to be put into a box by others because of the gender of the person, or people, I form relationships with. Today I celebrate Bi Visibility day by being even more visible than I normally am, and stand up for my bi siblings who do not yet feel able to be as visible as I am. My fellow bis are valuable and valid whether they are out or closeted, and I will continue to fight for their rights.
Follow the LGBT+ Lib Dems Twitter account for useful resources throughout the day. Here are some other Lib Dems marking the occasion on Twitter:
It’s #BiVisibilityDay! To bi friends, whether you’re single, in a same sex relationship, in an opposite sex relationship (or anything in between or all the above) – we see you and support you 👩❤️👩💑👨❤️👨
— Laura Gordon (@LibDemLaura) September 23, 2018
I like to think #LibDems are generally more pro #BiVisibilityDay on general Liberal freedom and fairness principles, but can’t rule out that we’ve all just been fed up enough times with ‘Yes, but are you really Labour or really Tory though?’
— Alex Wilcock (@alexwilcock) September 23, 2018
Today is #BiVisibilityDay2018 and my love and support to everyone. Sadly the stigma in the #LGBT+ community & society means bisexuals are regularly ignored & overlooked which is why allies are so important & that’s why today & every day in the year I’ll be there for them @LGBTLD
— A.Hyyrylainen-Trett #FBPE (@Juvelad) September 23, 2018
One Comment
Bi is usually the most neglected element of LGBT now trans issues are receiving more serious attention. Prejudice against Bi and cis people is widespread amongst both straight and LGT people.