September isn’t just the beginning of fall here in Worcester, MA, it’s also known globally as Bisexual Visibility Month. This month-long celebration is all about honoring and uplifting the individuals who find themselves somewhere on the spectrum of bisexuality. Whether you’re bisexual yourself or an ally, bisexuality has a long history and deserves to be recognized. Recognition is a form of celebration and encourages others to learn about the history of bisexuality and important bisexual men and women current day and historically.
Bi Visibility Month: A History
Bisexual Visibility Month, also known as Bisexual Awareness Month, has its roots in LGBTQ+ activism. September became officially recognized as Bi Visibility Month in 1999, thanks to the tireless efforts of Wendy Curry, Gigi Raven Wilbur, and other change-making LGBTQ+ activists. Officially, Bisexual Visibility Day is celebrated every year on September 23rd.
The purpose of celebrating bisexuality for the month was simple yet profound: to shine a spotlight on bisexuality and to combat the stigma and stereotypes surrounding it. By devoting a whole month to celebrating and raising awareness about bisexuality, activists hope to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Read more in-depth about the history of bisexuality and the individuals who worked hard to be seen and heard.
So… What is Bi Visibility Month, Exactly?
Bi Visibility Month is a time to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the bisexual community. Historically, bisexuality has been widely misunderstood or written off entirely, leading to harmful stereotypes and erasure of bisexual identity and individuals. Dedicating the month of September to bisexual awareness provides a platform to debunk myths and foster understanding. Simply put, it’s all about letting people know that bisexuality is valid and that love knows no gender boundaries.
The Importance of Bisexual Visibility
LGBTQ+ activists envisioned a world in which everyone would be able to love who they love and suffer no discrimination, violence, or hate. Celebrating bisexual visibility every September is about creating a world where every bisexual individual feels safe to express themselves and their love, and is ultimately accepted and cherished for who they are.
Visibility matters because it helps combat biphobia and fosters inclusivity. When bisexual individuals see themselves not only acknowledged but represented and celebrated, it leads to increased self-acceptance and a sense of belonging. On the surface, this may seem simple, but cultivating these positive feelings actually leads to diminished experiences of depression and self-harm in the LGBTQ+ community. Bi Visibility Month is a step toward reducing mental health disparities in the bisexual community and improving overall well-being, physically and emotionally.
Everyone Benefits
Bisexual Visibility Month isn’t just for the bisexual community; it’s for everyone. Below are a few reasons that Bisexual Visibility Month is crucial in our communities:
Education and Awareness: By learning about bisexuality, schools, workplaces, and families, are able to break down stereotypes and prejudices. This knowledge can lead to more inclusive and accepting communities. Learn more about bisexuality.
Support and Allyship: Celebrating Bisexual Visibility Month shows support for the bisexual community, making bisexual individuals feel valued, seen, and understood. Gain a deeper understanding of cultivating allyship.
Intersectionality: Bisexuality intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and disability. Recognizing and celebrating this diversity promotes a more inclusive society and ensures the support of each and every individual. Read more about intersectionality.
Mental Health: As we mentioned earlier, increased visibility improves the mental health and well-being of bisexual individuals. A happier, healthier community benefits us all.
How To Get Involved
Celebrating Bisexual Visibility Month is all about participating to make a difference in our communities. Here are some ways to get involved…
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about bisexuality, its history, and the challenges bisexual individuals face.
Show Your Support: Attend local events, engage with social media campaigns, and wear purple, the official color of Bisexual Visibility Month.
Amplify Bisexual Voices: Share articles, books, and art created by bisexual individuals. Give them a platform to share their experiences, and don’t forget to listen!
Donate: Consider donating to organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
Attend Inclusive Events
Celebrating Bi Visibility Month involves heightened awareness and learning, but it should also involve fun!
We are excited to share that we have a fantastic event lined up for the beginning of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month! At Pawsitively 4 Pink, we have created an incredibly supportive and inclusive community centered around supporting local Worcester women battling breast cancer. Our events bring locals together to raise money for local underserved women so that we can make a direct financial impact on their lives. Join us on October 7th for our “Rhythm 4 Ribbons” event. We’ll be hosting some incredible live music and local food trucks. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect in a safe, supportive environment and aid a worthy cause!
If you can’t make it to Rhythm 4 Ribbons, don’t worry – there are more events on the way! If you’re interested in getting involved in Pawsitively 4 Pink by hosting a percentage night or volunteering, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Or, support Worcester women fighting breast cancer with a direct donation. Every dollar makes a difference!