September 23 is International Bi Visibility Day

• The origin of International Bi Visibility Day.
• Combating prejudice and marginalization.
• The devastating effects of biphobia.

Every September 23 we celebrate International Bi Visibility Day, also known as Bisexuality Day.

In the early 1990s several organizations created by bisexual activists were established in the United States.

It wasn’t until several years later, in 1999 when it was agreed upon at an annual conference to have an International Bi Visibility Day.

Bisexual activists Gigi Raven Wilbur, Wendy Curry and Michael Page were an essential part of its creation.

Why do we celebrate International Bi Visibility Day on September 23?

One question many people have is why International Bi Visibility Day is celebrated on September 23.

The answer is connected to the famous British singer Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of the rock band Queen.

The openly gay performer of songs like ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, was born on September 5.

Activist Gigi Raven Wilbur was born on September 23, making this date an obvious choice. She, Michael, and Wendy all admired Freddie Mercury.

The significance of Bisexuality Day

International Bi Visibility Day emerged as a response to several issues that could be considered alarming.

Among them are the prejudice and marginalization that bisexual individuals face from some heterosexual people.

Additionally, this day aims to shed light on the problems bisexuals encounter within the LGBTQ+ community itself.

Bisexual individuals often have their rights trampled on.

Some countries criminalize same-sex relationships

One important detail should not be overlooked on International Bi Visibility Day.

In over 70 countries, same-sex relationships are criminalized — in some places they are even punishable by jail time.

Furthermore, so-called «homosexual acts» are punishable by physical violence, or even the death penalty, in 12 countries. A true tragedy.

And as if that were not enough, bisexual individuals contend with stigma and discrimination in areas such as healthcare, employment, education and social services.

What does it mean to be bisexual?

What does it mean to be bisexual? Bisexual people are attracted to members of their own sex as well as the opposite sex.

This attraction is both emotional and sexual.

Although it may be hard to believe, homophobia is still a problem in this day and age, as recent anti-LGBT laws passed in the US have shown.

International Bi Visibility Day aims to eliminate these harmful prejudices and raise awareness.

Biphobia and discrimination against bisexuals

According to Amnesty International, biphobia is defined as the irrational fear, hatred or aversion toward bisexual individuals.

Biphobic people often claim that those who identify as bisexual are going through a phase and that they are more likely to transmit sexually transmitted diseases.

Remarkably, biphobia is one of the root causes of violence, discrimination and poverty suffered by bisexual individuals.

Lastly, biphobia affects people’s ability to report the abuse they endure almost every day in various parts of the world.