Celebrating Identity, Combating Stigma & Building Community
Each September, we mark Bisexual Visibility Month—a time dedicated to honoring bisexual, pansexual, and other bi+ identities. While often overlooked within both mainstream culture and even LGBTQ+ spaces, this month is a reminder that bisexuality is valid, vibrant, and deserves recognition every single day.
What Is Bisexual Visibility Month?
Founded in 1999, Bisexual Visibility Month—sometimes called Bi+ Awareness Month—was created to shine a spotlight on bisexual people, whose identities are too often erased or dismissed. It includes Bi Visibility Day on September 23rd, but the whole month serves as an extended opportunity for education, celebration, and activism.
Why Visibility Is So Important
- Erasure: Bisexuals are frequently told they’re “confused” or “just going through a phase.” This invalidation leads to invisibility in both straight and queer spaces.
- Health Disparities: Research shows that bisexual people experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and intimate partner violence—often due to stigma and lack of support.
- Representation: Seeing bi+ characters and public figures living authentically helps dismantle harmful stereotypes.
Visibility is more than recognition—it’s a step toward equity and safety.
Common Myths About Bisexuality
Bisexual Visibility Month also challenges myths that continue to harm bi+ people:
- “Bi people are just indecisive.” Reality: Bisexuality is a valid orientation that includes attraction to more than one gender.
- “Bi men are really gay, and bi women are really straight.” Reality: This stereotype invalidates and fetishizes bi identities.
- “Bisexuality reinforces the gender binary.” Reality: Bi+ identities often include attraction to multiple genders, beyond just male/female.
How to Celebrate & Support
- Educate Yourself: Read up on bi+ history and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights.
- Share Stories: Post on social media or attend panels amplifying bisexual voices.
- Challenge Erasure: Correct stereotypes when you hear them.
- Show Pride: Wave the bi flag, wear bi+ colors, and uplift bi creators.
Looking for resources? Start with our LGBTQ+ Resource Roundup for support groups and organizations.
The Power of Bi+ Community
Bisexual Visibility Month creates space for bi+ people to find one another, share experiences, and celebrate the diversity within bisexuality itself. Whether you’re bi, pan, fluid, or questioning, this month reminds us that community is where strength and joy are found.
Final Thoughts
Bisexual people make up the largest percentage of the LGBTQ+ community, yet still face some of the most profound invisibility. That’s why Bisexual Visibility Month matters—because visibility saves lives, fights stigma, and fosters belonging. This September and beyond, let’s commit to honoring bisexual identities not as an afterthought, but as an essential, radiant part of our queer family.
