The Bisexual Awareness Week, or #BiWeek, is a week dedicated to raising awareness and acceptance of any and everyone who identifies as bisexual. Every year, #BiWeek is held from September 16 to September 23. It is also an extension of Bi Visibility Day, celebrated annually on the last day of the awareness week, on September 23. Our bi friends make up one of the largest groups within the LGBTQ+ community, so let’s find out more about this identity!

As you may know, the B acronym in LGBTQ+ stands for bisexuality, which is a very important part of the community. Bisexual people are attracted to people of their own gender that they identify with as well as other genders. It’s important to remember that bisexuality is not an either-or option. If a bisexual person enters into a romantic relationship with someone of a different gender, that does not make them straight. Similarly, if they enter into a romantic relationship with someone who is the same gender, that does not make them gay or lesbian. 

People can define and identify as bisexual however they choose to do so. This has led to the creation of the term “bi umbrella,” which refers to an umbrella term that covers a wide range of terms, identities, attractions, and more. Just how there are thousands of ways to be straight, gay, lesbian, or asexual, there are many ways to be bisexual. This does not necessarily mean that bisexual people are attracted to everyone, only that the attractions of bi people are not limited by gender or sex. 

The recognition of the “bi umbrella,” if someone chooses to recognize it, encompasses any non-monosexual identity or attraction. This means that orientations and identities such as pansexual, demisexual, polysexual, omnisexual, and more, can also be considered under the bi umbrella. This does not mean that all people need to be constrained by the “bi umbrella.” For example, some bisexual people have updated the definition of bisexual to be inclusive of all genders, whereas others have favored abandoning it for a new word that is frankly less confusing. An example of this is using the word pan because it does indeed mean “all,” and abandoning the use of the word “bi.” That’s one of the many reasons why you should never assume - let people tell you who they are and how they identify. Whether you fall under the bi umbrella - or if you don’t at all - your identity is yours and yours only, and no one can take that away from you. 

Want to help raise awareness and acceptance of the bisexual community? There are many ways to do so! Whether you identify as bisexual, as any other idenitity in the LGBTQ+ community, or as a caring ally, there are always ways to show your support. Here are a few Pride Palace suggestions:

1) Donate to an organization or charity that needs help!

There are numerous organizations dedicated to helping and supporting people in the LGBTQ+ community. Because we care, Pride Palace donates to an LGBTQ+ organization every month. Check out the organizations we donate to in order to help the people in the LGBTQ+ community. No matter how much you donate, you will be making a difference in someone’s life. If you can’t donate, spread information and inspire others to donate!

2) Use your voice on social media to spread awareness!

No matter how many followers you have, people will view your social media and pay attention to what you post. Use your voices to advocate for the discrimination people in the LGBTQ+ community have to face every single day, very much including those who identify as bisexual. It can make a huge difference.

3) Use pronouns in your bio!

The more people use pronouns (he/she/they), the less discrimination transgender, gender nonconforming people, and others in the LGBTQ+ community will face. Let’s normalize putting pronouns in resumés, Instagram bios, Facebook profiles, etc. Something so small can be a huge step towards equality! If you would like to know more about gender pronouns, make sure to give our Gender Pronouns 101 blog a read.

Final thoughts: Whether you identify as bisexual, another identity in the LGBTQ+ community, or as a supportive ally, join us in this fight for equality. On Bisexual Awareness Week more than ever, let’s come together to celebrate bisexual people all around the world and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. Use your voices to raise awareness around discrimination and violence that bisexual people still face. Never forget to celebrate and have PRIDE in your identities, Pride Palace community!

Sources:

• https://bi.org/en/101/bi-umbrella
• https://www.glaad.org/biweek2021