Bisexuality Day

Bisexuality Day History

Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about bisexuality and promote greater understanding and acceptance of the bi+ community. It seeks to highlight the unique challenges and experiences faced by bisexual individuals, who often encounter invisibility and erasure within both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. Celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of bisexual individuals to society, the observance encourages people of all sexual orientations to engage in conversations about bisexuality, challenge stereotypes, and support the well-being of the bi+ community.

The first Bi Visibility Day was held in 1999, initiated by three American bisexual activists to address the lack of representation of bisexual individuals in the mainstream LGBTQ+ rights movement. In Canada, this observance is essential because bisexual individuals continue to face unique challenges compared to their heterosexual and homosexual counterparts. They experience higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence, often due to biphobia and misconceptions about bisexuality. By raising awareness about these challenges and providing resources tailored to the Canadian bi+ community, Bi Visibility Day aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for the diverse population of bisexual Canadians.

In Canada, Bi Visibility Day is widely observed through various events and initiatives, including educational workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, and social gatherings. These activities aim to bring together members of the bi+ community, allies, and the wider Canadian public to celebrate bisexual identities, increase visibility, and promote understanding. Canadians observe Bi Visibility Day on September 23rd, following the international schedule, as a day to recognize, celebrate, and support the diverse experiences and contributions of the bi+ community across the country.

Bisexuality Day facts

• Bisexual People in the United States make up 52% of the LGB community.
• Michael Page also designed the bisexual pride flag, which includes various shades of pink, purple, and blue, in 1998, a year before the first Bi Visibility Day.
• In 2013, the White House in the United States recognized and celebrated Bi Visibility Day for the first time.
• A study conducted by the Canadian Community Health Survey found that bisexual individuals are more likely to experience mental health issues, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual and homosexual counterparts.
• Bisexual individuals in Canada face unique challenges, including biphobia and bi erasure. Biphobia is the fear, hatred, or discrimination against bisexual individuals, while bi erasure is the tendency to ignore, deny, or downplay the existence of bisexuality.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Bisexuality Day

Top things to do in Canada for Bisexuality Day

• Participate in online events held by LGBTQ+ groups, such as watch parties, virtual panel discussions, or live Q&As with bisexual activists and public figures.
• Educate yourself about bisexual history, culture, and issues by attending relevant seminars, workshops, or by participating in online webinars and discussions.