Since 1999, September 23rd is recognized worldwide as Bisexual Pride (or Visibility) Day. It was first created by three US activists; Wendy Curry of Maine, Michael Page of Florida, and Gigi Raven Wilbur of Texas. The idea behind celebrating a day for just bisexuality was a response to bisexual prejudice in both the straight and LGBT communities.To date, Bisexual Pride Day has been recognized and celebrated in Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom besides the United States. :)
Today isn't just for bisexuals either. It is also for those that fall under the bisexual "umbrella". This includes those that identify as fluid, queer, pansexual, omnisexual, heteroflexible, homoflexible, polysexual, and bi-curious as well as those that also fit under the asexual "umbrella" like biromantic, panromantic, omniromantic, bisensual, pansensual, and many more!
Since it appears like bisexuality isn't discussed as much as other orientations, this seems like a good time to remind people of something else that doesn't get discussed much.
Biphobia - aversion toward bisexuality and bisexual people.
We hear about homophobia, and even transphobia, fairly often, but it's rare to hear of biphobia in today's world. It's important to remember it does exist, and we need to work towards getting rid of it as much as we do other LGBT orientation phobias.
I really don't understand biphobia. Well, I don't understand prejudice towards any orientation, but biphobia truly perplexes me. To straight biphobes, if you are bi and with someone of the SAME gender then you don't belong in the straight community, but, to LGBT biphobes, if you are bi and with someone of the OPPOSITE gender then you don't belong in the LGBT Community. It's ridiculous! The way I see it, those that are bisexual are lucky since being bi just means you have more choices when it comes to finding someone to date or marry, and more of a chance to find someone you are compatible with. =) That isn't always easy nowadays.
Personally, it really bothers me when people are weary or uncomfortable having bi friends. Those that feel like that have some pretty lame excuses, like, if that person is attracted to the same gender that they identify as then they might hit on them, oh no! .......ridiculous right? I think so too. My very best friend, B, is a bisexual girl. I have never felt like that was an issue. I've never thought she might take something the wrong way if I gave her a compliment or hugged her, nor have I ever felt like she was being more the a friend by doing the same. I love that girl like a sister, and I know she feels the same.
So If you have family or friends that identify as bisexual, or anything under the bisexual "umbrella", tell them you are proud of them and that you love them. If you bisexual, or under the bisexual "umbrella" - BE PROUD! You are amazing and awesome just as you are!
Love you all!
xoxo
