Today marks the start of Bisexual Awareness Week, a week dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness for bisexual people. As we enter into this week here at All Too Creative, we wanted to share a little bit about the history of this week before we delve into a bi-fuelled week. Let’s dive into where Bisexual Awareness Week derived from and how to support your bi friends.
Bisexual Awareness Week
Bisexual Awareness Week runs from the 16th-23rd of September this year. It’s an extended celebration of Celebrate Bisexuality Day, which falls on the 23rd of September annually. Alongside Bisexual Awareness Week, there are various days, weeks, and months dedicated to other sexualities and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Founding
Bisexual Awareness Week was founded in 2014 by GLAAD and BiNet USA. These organisations recognised what was missing in the LGBTQIA+ community, giving us a week to celebrate bisexual people. The aim of the week is to educate people on obstacles faced by the bisexual community. In addition, it aims to raise awareness about acceptance and social integration.
When bisexual people come out, they often experience biphobia both in and out of the LGBTQIA+ community. Bisexuality is often considered a invisible majority. Nearly three-fifths of LGBTQ adults in America identify as bisexual, yet it’s often looked down on and comes with a lot of false stereotypes.
Bisexual Awareness Week was put in place to give bi people that recognition that they deserve. It also serves as an opportunity for others to gain a better understanding of a valid sexuality.
How To Support Your Bisexual Friends
It goes without saying that we should be supporting all of our LGBTQIA+ friends all year round, not just when these awareness days and weeks come around. However, if you’re still unsure how to support your bi friends, now is the time to learn.
Biphobia is all too common, unfortunately especially within the queer community. We receive some common stereotypes, including that we’re just confused or we are greedy. A stereotype that is also experienced too often, and I’ve received myself, is that we’ll cheat on our partners because there’s more options – it’s absolutely ridiculous.
Stereotypes like this can make coming out as bi really hard. It’s important that everyone works to make coming out as bi feel safe and it should be met without any judgements or preconceptions. So, how can you be a good ally to your bisexual friends?
Believe us when we tell you our identity, even if we’re in a heterosexual relationship. Don’t make any assumptions about us based on our previous partners or stereotypes you may have heard. When you see biphobia, challenge it. Whether it’s small comments or harassment, stand up for us. Make your LGBTQIA+ spaces inclusive to all sexualities, including bisexuality. And, most importantly, celebrate us and support us.
Bisexual Awareness Week at All Too Creative
Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing content relating to bisexuality to spread awareness. Come back every day to read more. In the mean time, why not check out some of our queer content?
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