September 23rd is the 24th anniversary of Bi Visibility Day (also known as Celebrate Bisexuality Day and Bisexual Pride Day). It’s an opportunity to show support for people who identify as bisexual and/or biromantic (romantic attraction to more than one gender).

Increased bisexual visibility is the opposite of bisexual erasure, which is an attempt to downplay, deny or devalue bi people. With increased visibility, hopefully some of the misconceptions, myths and misunderstanding about this sexual orientation can be addressed.

Uplifting Bisexual Voices

Why does visibility matter for those who identify as bisexual?

Sometimes there’s an assumption, even within the queer community, that sexual orientation can only be gay or heterosexual. This can push people to attach to labels without exploring their options and what feels most authentic to them. Bias toward and erasure of sexual orientation can impact teens, whether they’re questioning or more sure of how they identify.

When someone feels attraction to more than one gender, “bisexual” often feels like the right, most representative label. But shaming or discrediting bisexuality may lead young people to believe that something is wrong with them if they identify as bi, potentially resulting in confusion or self-hate.

Acceptance and representation is important to uplifting bisexual voices. “Bisexual representation is essential in promoting inclusivity, compassion and understanding,” says Rebecca (she/her), 17, of West Palm Beach, FL. “It validates experiences and fosters a more diverse and accepting society.” By understanding and respecting bisexuality, you are challenging bi-invisibility and validating those who identify as bisexual. Educating yourself and others about bisexuality helps raise awareness!

Some Confusion About Labels

One misunderstanding I’ve seen a lot is around the term bisexual itself. For instance, there is sometimes confusion between the terms bisexual and pansexual.

Bisexuality is the attraction to more than one gender. In contrast, pansexuality can be attraction to any gender, or attraction to people regardless of their gender identity. If you identify as pansexual, you may potentially be attracted to someone no matter what their gender identity is, while bisexuality typically means attraction to multiple gender identities.

It’s a nuanced topic and is up to the individual on what fits them the best. I identify with bisexuality because I’m attracted to people across multiple genders but not regardless of them. For me, gender and gender expression is an important factor when it comes to attraction. Therefore, bisexuality is what feels right for me.

The biggest takeaway is that you should have the freedom to identify in a way that feels true to you. And you should not be shamed for that!

This September 23rd, celebrate bisexuality as part of Bi Visibility Day!

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