Celebrate Bisexuality Day

Celebrate Bisexuality Day, also known as Bi Day or Bisexual Visibility Day, was founded in 1999 by a trio of passionate bisexual activists: Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur. The day emerged from a desire to create a focal point for bisexual visibility, combat biphobia, and foster community solidarity. The first official celebration took place on September 23, 1999, a date chosen to coincide with the birthday of the late bisexual icon and psychologist, Dr. Alfred Kinsey, whose groundbreaking research on human sexuality challenged binary notions of orientation.

The Foundational Catalyst

In the late 1990s, the bisexual community faced erasure within both mainstream society and the larger LGBTQ+ movement. Many activists felt that bisexuality was frequently misunderstood as a "phase" or "confusion." To counter this, Curry, Page, and Wilbur initiated a grassroots campaign to designate a day for bisexual pride. Their efforts included outreach to bisexual organizations, online forums, and community centers. The first event featured small gatherings, educational workshops, and visibility actions such as wearing pink, purple, and blue (the bisexual pride flag colors) and distributing literature.

The Legislative/Official Adoption

Over the following decades, Celebrate Bisexuality Day gained traction globally. In 2001, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) officially recognized the day, encouraging member organizations to participate. By 2010, numerous cities, including San Francisco, New York, London, and Sydney, were hosting parades, panel discussions, and community parties. In 2013, the White House issued a statement acknowledging the day under President Barack Obama, marking a significant milestone for governmental recognition. Today, the day is celebrated on every continent, with events ranging from small meetups to large-scale festivals.

Modern Global Legacy

Now, over two decades later, Celebrate Bisexuality Day serves as a vital platform for advocacy, education, and celebration. It has spawned numerous spin-off initiatives, including Bisexual Health Awareness Month and Bisexual+ Week. The day has also spurred research on bisexual experiences, leading to better mental health resources and inclusion practices. Its legacy is one of resilience and community, continually evolving as society's understanding of sexual diversity deepens.

Celebrating Celebrate Bisexuality Day can take many forms, from personal reflection to public advocacy. Below are actionable strategies for individuals, schools, and organizations, organized by approach.

For Individuals

• Wear the Colors: Don pink, purple, and blue clothing, accessories, or makeup to show solidarity. The bisexual pride flag, designed by Michael Page in 1998, represents attraction to same (pink), different (blue), and both (purple).
• Educate Yourself: Read books like Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner or watch documentaries on bisexual history. Share what you learn on social media using hashtags like #BiDay and #BisexualVisibilityDay.
• Attend or Host an Event: Join a local gathering, or host a small discussion group with friends. Many communities have potlucks, film screenings, or poetry nights.

For Schools and Universities

1. Organize a Panel Discussion: Invite bisexual speakers to share their experiences. Ensure a Q&A session to address myths and stereotypes.
2. Create a Resource Table: Set up a booth in the student union with flyers, books, and contact info for bi-specific support groups.
3. Launch a Visibility Campaign: Use posters, social media, and campus announcements to highlight famous bisexuals throughout history (e.g., Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, Janis Joplin).

For Organizations and Companies

• Enact Inclusive Policies: Review and update HR policies to explicitly include bisexuality in non-discrimination and benefits language. Offer training on biphobia and bisexual erasure.
• Host a Lunch & Learn: Provide a safe space for employees to discuss bisexual issues. Encourage allyship and provide resources.
• Support Bi-Focused Nonprofits: Donate to organizations like the Bisexual Resource Center or BiNet USA, which offer advocacy and community support.

Global Celebration Traditions

In the United Kingdom, the day is often marked by community picnics in parks and pub meetups. In Australia, several cities host Bi Pride marches that coincide with September 23. In Japan, smaller events focus on online visibility through social media campaigns. Latin American countries like Brazil hold educational forums and art exhibits. Regardless of location, the core theme remains: celebrate, educate, and advocate.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day has dramatically increased the visibility of bisexual individuals worldwide. Studies show that since its inception, public awareness of bisexuality as a distinct orientation has risen, and negative stereotypes have begun to erode. The day has also fostered a sense of community among bisexuals, who often feel isolated from both heterosexual and gay/lesbian groups. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 40% of LGBTQ+ adults identify as bisexual, making them the largest subgroup within the community, yet they remain the least likely to be out. This day addresses that disparity by providing a dedicated space for visibility.

Culturally, the day has inspired art, literature, and media representation. The 2019 film Brittany Runs a Marathon and the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine have featured bi characters, partly due to increased demand for authentic stories. The day also catalyzed the creation of the Bisexual Resource Center, which provides mental health support and community programs globally.

Several core themes underpin Celebrate Bisexuality Day: erasure, inclusivity, and intersectionality.

Erasure

Inclusivity

Intersectionality

The day has spurred industry-wide changes, particularly in healthcare and corporate diversity initiatives.

Healthcare

Corporate World

Allyship

Despite progress, bisexuals continue to face high rates of poverty, violence, and discrimination. According to the Movement Advancement Project, bisexual people are more likely to live in poverty than their gay or straight counterparts. Moreover, 44% of bisexual women report experiencing sexual violence. Celebrate Bisexuality Day is therefore not only a celebration but a call to action. Advocacy groups use the day to lobby for legal protections, such as the Equality Act in the United States, which would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation nationwide. The day also raises funds for suicide prevention hotlines specifically for bisexual youth, who are at elevated risk.