#bisexual activism

HEY are you bi+ and wish you had content about bi/pan/omnisexuality that went deeper than “we exist I promise”? (Because I am and that’s exactly how I found this fucking podcast)

Let me introduce you to a podcast I’ve gone a lil bonkers over for the last few weeks

Brenda Howard infographic!

Today I watched Lani Ka’ahumanu’s speech at the 1993 march on Washington for lesbian, gay, and bisexual equal rights. This was the first year bisexuals we’re acknowledged in the title of the event, thanks to Lani’s activism. She was the only bisexual invited to speak, and the only speaker that day to explicitly mention bisexuals in their speech. They left her speech to the very end of a 6 hour event.

I am eternally grateful for Lani’s activism, and her bold and loud bisexual pride.

The speech is well worth a watch. It starts around 5hrs44min. It ain’t over until the bisexual speaks!

In this episode, host Meredith Brewer sits down with renowned activist Robyn Ochs to explore the evolution of bisexual activism, the importance of inclusive language, and strategies for building community. Get ready for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of the bi+ movement, packed with wisdom and inspiration for activists and allies alike.

1.Defining Bisexual Activism[Original Blog]

Bisexual activism has been a topic of discussion in the LGBTQ+ community for quite some time now. It's a movement that aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals and promote their rights. Bisexual activism is crucial in bridging gaps for equality as bisexuals face a unique set of challenges that differ from those faced by other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Bisexual individuals face a significant amount of discrimination both from society and within the LGBTQ+ community itself, which makes it even more important to have a movement that represents their needs.

1. Bisexual activism is about increasing visibility: Bisexual individuals often face erasure, which is why bisexual activism is essential. It's about creating visibility and raising awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals. For instance, bisexual individuals are often misunderstood as being "confused" or "indecisive" about their sexuality. However, this is not the case, and bisexual individuals deserve to have their sexual orientation acknowledged and respected.

2. Bisexual activism is about creating safe spaces: Bisexual individuals often feel excluded from both the heterosexual and the LGBTQ+ community. This is because they don't fit into the binary definitions of sexual orientation. Bisexual activism is about creating safe spaces where bisexual individuals can feel accepted and included. For instance, some organizations provide support groups for bisexual individuals to connect with each other and share their experiences.

3. Bisexual activism is about promoting education: Bisexual activism is about promoting education and raising awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals. This includes educating the public about the misconceptions surrounding bisexuality and the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals. For instance, some organizations provide educational resources on bisexuality, including videos, articles, and online forums.

4. Bisexual activism is about advocating for rights: Bisexual individuals face a significant amount of discrimination, which is why bisexual activism is crucial in promoting their rights. It's about advocating for policies and laws that protect the rights of bisexual individuals. For instance, some organizations advocate for anti-discrimination laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Bisexual activism is a movement that aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals and promote their rights. It's about creating visibility, safe spaces, promoting education, and advocating for rights. Bisexual activism is essential in bridging gaps for equality and ensuring that the needs of bisexual individuals are represented in the LGBTQ+ community.

2.Defining Bisexual Activism[Original Blog]

Bisexual activism has been a topic of discussion in the LGBTQ+ community for quite some time now. It's a movement that aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals and promote their rights. Bisexual activism is crucial in bridging gaps for equality as bisexuals face a unique set of challenges that differ from those faced by other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Bisexual individuals face a significant amount of discrimination both from society and within the LGBTQ+ community itself, which makes it even more important to have a movement that represents their needs.

1. Bisexual activism is about increasing visibility: Bisexual individuals often face erasure, which is why bisexual activism is essential. It's about creating visibility and raising awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals. For instance, bisexual individuals are often misunderstood as being "confused" or "indecisive" about their sexuality. However, this is not the case, and bisexual individuals deserve to have their sexual orientation acknowledged and respected.

2. Bisexual activism is about creating safe spaces: Bisexual individuals often feel excluded from both the heterosexual and the LGBTQ+ community. This is because they don't fit into the binary definitions of sexual orientation. Bisexual activism is about creating safe spaces where bisexual individuals can feel accepted and included. For instance, some organizations provide support groups for bisexual individuals to connect with each other and share their experiences.

3. Bisexual activism is about promoting education: Bisexual activism is about promoting education and raising awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals. This includes educating the public about the misconceptions surrounding bisexuality and the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals. For instance, some organizations provide educational resources on bisexuality, including videos, articles, and online forums.

4. Bisexual activism is about advocating for rights: Bisexual individuals face a significant amount of discrimination, which is why bisexual activism is crucial in promoting their rights. It's about advocating for policies and laws that protect the rights of bisexual individuals. For instance, some organizations advocate for anti-discrimination laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Bisexual activism is a movement that aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals and promote their rights. It's about creating visibility, safe spaces, promoting education, and advocating for rights. Bisexual activism is essential in bridging gaps for equality and ensuring that the needs of bisexual individuals are represented in the LGBTQ+ community.

3.Defining Bisexual Activism[Original Blog]

Bisexual activism has been a topic of discussion in the LGBTQ+ community for quite some time now. It's a movement that aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals and promote their rights. Bisexual activism is crucial in bridging gaps for equality as bisexuals face a unique set of challenges that differ from those faced by other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Bisexual individuals face a significant amount of discrimination both from society and within the LGBTQ+ community itself, which makes it even more important to have a movement that represents their needs.

1. Bisexual activism is about increasing visibility: Bisexual individuals often face erasure, which is why bisexual activism is essential. It's about creating visibility and raising awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals. For instance, bisexual individuals are often misunderstood as being "confused" or "indecisive" about their sexuality. However, this is not the case, and bisexual individuals deserve to have their sexual orientation acknowledged and respected.

2. Bisexual activism is about creating safe spaces: Bisexual individuals often feel excluded from both the heterosexual and the LGBTQ+ community. This is because they don't fit into the binary definitions of sexual orientation. Bisexual activism is about creating safe spaces where bisexual individuals can feel accepted and included. For instance, some organizations provide support groups for bisexual individuals to connect with each other and share their experiences.

3. Bisexual activism is about promoting education: Bisexual activism is about promoting education and raising awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals. This includes educating the public about the misconceptions surrounding bisexuality and the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals. For instance, some organizations provide educational resources on bisexuality, including videos, articles, and online forums.

4. Bisexual activism is about advocating for rights: Bisexual individuals face a significant amount of discrimination, which is why bisexual activism is crucial in promoting their rights. It's about advocating for policies and laws that protect the rights of bisexual individuals. For instance, some organizations advocate for anti-discrimination laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Bisexual activism is a movement that aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by bisexual individuals and promote their rights. It's about creating visibility, safe spaces, promoting education, and advocating for rights. Bisexual activism is essential in bridging gaps for equality and ensuring that the needs of bisexual individuals are represented in the LGBTQ+ community.

4.Defining Bisexual Literature[Original Blog]

Bisexual literature is a genre that encompasses a range of narratives, each with their unique perspectives on sexuality, love, and relationships. These narratives can come in many forms, from memoirs and autobiographical accounts to fictional stories and poetry. At its core, bisexual literature is about the experiences of individuals who identify as bisexual and the complexities of their lives. It's a genre that is often overlooked and underrepresented in the literary world, but it's one that deserves recognition and attention. In this section, we'll define what bisexual literature is and explore its various forms and themes.

Here are some key points to consider when discussing bisexual literature:

1. Bisexual literature is not limited to any one form. It can encompass a wide range of genres, from fiction and poetry to memoirs and essays. Some examples of popular bisexual literature include "Orlando" by Virginia Woolf, "Rubyfruit Jungle" by Rita Mae Brown, and "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith.

2. Bisexual literature often focuses on the experiences of individuals who identify as bisexual. This can include their struggles with discrimination and prejudice within both the LGBTQ+ community and society at large, as well as their personal relationships and experiences with love and sexuality.

3. Bisexual literature can also explore themes related to gender, identity, and intersectionality. For example, bisexual literature may examine how gender identity intersects with sexual orientation, or how race and ethnicity impact an individual's experiences as a bisexual person.

4. Bisexual literature is an important part of the broader LGBTQ+ literary canon. While bisexual representation in literature has historically been limited, there are many talented writers and authors today who are creating diverse and nuanced narratives that explore the complexities of bisexual identity.

Overall, bisexual literature is a rich and diverse genre that deserves greater attention and recognition. By exploring the various forms and themes of bisexual literature, we can gain a greater understanding of the experiences and perspectives of bisexual individuals and continue to promote greater representation and diversity in the literary world.

5.The Importance of Intersectionality in Bisexual Activism[Original Blog]

As we continue to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, it's essential to recognize the intersectionality of identities that exist within the community. Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categories such as race, gender, and sexuality, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination, disadvantage, and oppression. In the case of bisexual activism, it's crucial to acknowledge that bisexual individuals may face unique challenges that are not necessarily shared with other members of the LGBTQ+ community. The intersectionality of bisexual identity with other identities such as race, gender, and class, can create a complex set of experiences that need to be understood and addressed within the context of bisexual activism.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when discussing the importance of intersectionality in bisexual activism:

1. The bisexual community is diverse: Bisexual individuals come from all walks of life, and their experiences are shaped by various factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. It's essential to recognize and celebrate this diversity to ensure that the needs of all bisexual individuals are addressed.

2. Addressing multiple forms of discrimination: Intersectionality means that bisexual individuals may face discrimination not just because of their sexuality but also because of other aspects of their identity. For example, bisexual individuals who are also people of color may face discrimination based on their race and ethnicity, in addition to their sexual orientation.

3. Amplifying marginalized voices: Intersectionality also means recognizing that some voices within the bisexual community may be marginalized or silenced due to their identity. It's essential to amplify these voices and ensure that they are heard within the context of bisexual activism.

4. Collaborating with other communities: Intersectionality also means recognizing that bisexual activism cannot exist in a vacuum. Collaboration with other communities such as the trans community and people of color is essential to address the interconnected nature of discrimination and oppression.

The importance of intersectionality in bisexual activism cannot be overstated. Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals is essential to ensure that the rights and needs of all members of the community are met. By embracing intersectionality, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all LGBTQ+ individuals.

6.Strategies for Bisexual Activism[Original Blog]

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that is often misunderstood or ignored in mainstream conversations about sexuality. Bisexual people face a unique set of challenges that are distinct from those faced by people who identify as gay or lesbian. One of the biggest challenges faced by bisexual people is a lack of awareness and understanding about bisexuality within the wider community. This makes it difficult for people to come out as bisexual, and can also lead to discrimination and prejudice. In order to combat this, bisexual activism is essential. Activism can take many different forms, but one of the most important strategies for bisexual activism is increasing awareness and education. In this section, we will explore some of the key strategies for increasing awareness and education about bisexuality.

1. Start with the Basics: One of the most important things that can be done to increase awareness and education about bisexuality is to start with the basics. This means defining what bisexuality is, and how it differs from other sexual orientations. Bisexuality is often misunderstood as a phase, or as a waystation on the road to homosexuality or heterosexuality. Educating people about the reality of bisexuality, and the fact that it is a valid and legitimate sexual orientation in its own right, is essential. This can be done through workshops, seminars, or online resources.

2. Use social media: Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for increasing awareness and education about bisexuality. By using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, bisexual activists can connect with a wider audience and spread their message to people who might not otherwise come into contact with it. Social media can be used to share personal stories, educational resources, and news about upcoming events.

3. Partner with LGBTQ+ Organizations: Bisexual activists should also consider partnering with other LGBTQ+ organizations to increase awareness and education about bisexuality. This can involve collaborating on events, sharing resources, and working together to create a more inclusive community. By partnering with other organizations, bisexual activists can help to create a more powerful and unified voice for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.

4. Create Safe Spaces: Creating safe spaces for bisexual people is another important strategy for increasing awareness and education about bisexuality. Safe spaces can be physical spaces, like community centers or support groups, or they can be virtual spaces, like online forums or chat rooms. By creating safe spaces where bisexual people can share their experiences and receive support, bisexual activists can help to combat the isolation and stigma that many bisexual people face.

5. Celebrate Bisexuality: Finally, bisexual activists should celebrate bisexuality and the contributions that bisexual people make to society. This can involve organizing events like Bisexual Awareness Week, or creating art and other forms of media that celebrate bisexuality. By celebrating bisexuality, bisexual activists can help to create a more positive and inclusive image of bisexuality in the wider community.

Increasing awareness and education about bisexuality is essential for combatting discrimination and prejudice against bisexual people. By using a combination of strategies like starting with the basics, using social media, partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations, creating safe spaces, and celebrating bisexuality, bisexual activists can help to create a more inclusive and accepting world for all people.

7.The Stonewall Riots and Bisexual Activism[Original Blog]

The Stonewall Riots played a pivotal role in the gay rights movement, but the involvement of bisexual activists in the riots and subsequent activism is often overlooked. Bisexual people were present and actively participating in the Stonewall Riots, and their contributions deserve recognition. While the riots were sparked by the police raid of a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, located in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood on June 28, 1969, the fight for equality extended beyond the gay community. Bisexual individuals also faced discrimination and harassment, and many of them actively fought for their rights alongside their gay and lesbian peers.

To understand the role of bisexual activism in the Stonewall Riots and beyond, it's important to explore the experiences and perspectives of those involved. Here are some key insights and details to consider:

1. Bisexual individuals played a significant role in the Stonewall Riots, and their activism helped pave the way for greater visibility and acceptance of bisexuality. For example, Brenda Howard, a bisexual woman, is often referred to as the "Mother of Pride" for her role in organizing the first LGBTQ+ Pride March in New York City in 1970, which commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

2. Despite their contributions, bisexual activists faced erasure and marginalization within the gay rights movement. Many gay and lesbian activists viewed bisexuality as a phase, a form of confusion, or a betrayal of the movement. This attitude led to bisexual people being excluded from leadership roles, denied access to resources, and subjected to biphobic attitudes and behaviors.

3. Bisexual activists responded to this exclusion by forming their own organizations and events, such as the BiPOL (Bisexual Politicians of America) conference in 1990. These efforts aimed to create spaces where bisexual people could connect with each other, share their experiences, and advocate for their rights.

4. The Stonewall Riots and subsequent activism helped pave the way for greater acceptance of bisexuality, but there is still much work to be done. Bisexual individuals still face high levels of discrimination, both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. For example, bisexual people are more likely to experience poverty, mental health issues, and sexual violence than their gay and lesbian peers. Additionally, bisexual people are often subjected to stereotypes and myths about their sexuality, such as the idea that they are promiscuous or unable to commit to a monogamous relationship.

5. To honor the legacy of bisexual activists and continue the fight for bisexual rights, it's important to listen to and amplify bisexual voices. This means creating inclusive spaces where bisexual people can share their stories, advocating for policies that address bisexual-specific issues, and challenging biphobic attitudes and behaviors whenever they arise. By working together, we can continue to build a more equitable and just world for all LGBTQ+ people.

Bisexual Organizations:

http://www.biresource.net/BRC_Brochure_2010.pdf (Bisexual Resource Center: USA)

“The BRC uses bisexual as an umbrella term for people who recognize and honor their potential for sexual and emotional attraction to more than one gender. We celebrate and affirm the diversity of identity and expression regardless of labels.”

http://bisexual.org/am-i-bi/ (American Institute of Bisexuality)

“A bi person has the capacity for romantic and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender.”

http://www.bisexualindex.org.uk/index.php/AmIBisexual (Bisexual Index: UK)

“This is how we define it: A bisexual is someone who is attracted to more than one gender. You might care about the gender of your partner a lot, a little, or not at all - but their gender doesn’t prevent you from being attracted to them.”

http://www.biuk.org/ (Bi UK)

“Bisexuality (or bi) is commonly defined as being attracted to both men and women. However, many members of bisexual communities tend to prefer the definition: ‘a changeable sexual and emotional attraction to people of any sex, where gender may not be a defining factor’: the emphasis here is on being attracted to more than one gender or being attracted to people regardless of gender.” (under the FAQ link)

http://binetusa.blogspot.com/2014/03/binet-usa-bisexual-media-guide.html (BiNet USA)

“Bisexual - A person whose enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction is to other people of various sexes and/or gender identities. Individuals may experience this attraction in differing ways and degrees over their lifetime.”

http://www.torontobinet.org/bi-culture.html (Toronto Bisexual Network)

“Bisexuality is the potential to feel attracted to and to engage in sexual and/or romantic relationships with people of any sex or gender.”

Activists:

http://robynochs.com/quotes/ (Robyn Ochs; Bisexual Activist)

“I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge that I have in myself the potential to be attracted - romantically and/or sexually - to people of more than one sex and/or gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree.”

Other Organizations:

http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/glossary-of-terms (Human Rights Campaign)

“Bisexual | A person emotionally, romantically, sexually and relationally attracted to more than one sex and/or gender, though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree.”

Community on Tumblr:

http://bifacts.tumblr.com/faq

“Bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders, not necessarily to the same extent, not necessarily in the same way, not necessarily at the same time.”

http://bi-privilege.tumblr.com/idingasbipolyorpan

“bisexuality is, broadly speaking, the attraction to two or more genders. bisexuality is not inherently or transphobic or exclusive of non binary genders—note that there are both binary and non-binary trans people who identify as bisexual. it is possible for bisexuals to be attracted to be attracted to anywhere from two to an infinite number of genders. many times, bisexuals will define their own sexuality as the attraction to both similar and different genders (which encompasses all genders). however, it is important to remember that bisexuals can be attracted to multiple genders without being attracted to people of their own gender. for example, an agender bi person may be attracted to women, bigender, and genderfluid people, or a bi woman might be attracted to men and agender people…..”

http://bi-privilege.tumblr.com/definitions

“bisexual: the (sexual) attraction to two or more genders. sometimes defined as the attraction to same + different genders; however, this is not true of all bisexuals.”

http://biphobic-bisexual.tumblr.com/faq

“bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders”

http://bisexuality-is.tumblr.com/faq

“Bisexuals have been defining bisexuality as the attraction to two or more/same and other for decades. This isn’t some made-up tumblr joke. Words change meaning. Prefixes change meanings. We didn’t even give ourselves the term bisexual to begin with, doctors did.”

http://nonmono-perspective.tumblr.com/definitions

“bisexual- sexually attracted to your same/similar gender and other gender(s), OR sexually attracted to 2 or more genders. Some bisexuals feel that they experience different kinds or degrees of attraction to different genders/gender presentations.”

http://pinkpurplebluepride.tumblr.com/faq

“Bi: attracted to two or more genders. Some people will define it as “attracted to similar and different genders,” but this is slightly less inclusive than the above definition. I’m of the mind that “similar and different” evolved to satisfy bi=2 prescriptivists, but they are insatiable and forever gross.”

http://thesunnysideofbeingbi.tumblr.com/basics

“…being bi does not reinforce the gender binary. And some bi people are only attracted to men and women–and that’s ok! However, bi is not defined as the attraction to men and women, or two genders. It can be for an individual, but not for our entire community. That definition is not only false, but harmful. (This is not to imply that bi people can’t be transphobic!)

This also means that you don’t have to be sexually attracted to people to be bi. There are so many different kinds of attraction, and to just focus on bisexuality would be excluding a lot of people (e.g. being biromantic).”

http://bisexuwhale-pride.tumblr.com/faq

“What does bisexual mean?

Attraction to:

1. Two or more genders or

2. More than one gender.”

http://themeaningofbisexuality.tumblr.com/

“Bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders”

http://soloontherocks.tumblr.com/post/104877455841/nothing-extraordinary-soloontherocks-got-it

“Bisexuality is not half gay and half straight. Bisexuality is not in between gay and straight. Bisexuality is not gay when dating the same gender and straight when dating a different gender. Bisexuality is not gay-ish or straight-ish.

Bisexuality is its own fully independent self-contained complete orientation.”

http://bifaq.tumblr.com/post/124565262825/i-dont-find-bi-means-2-to-be-offensive-and-im

http://julietburgess.tumblr.com/post/17986625411/bisexual-is-not-oppressive-can-we-talk-about

Other things worth the read about the definition of bisexuality:

Bisexual Manifesto from 1990:

http://binetusa.blogspot.com/2014/01/1990-bi-manifesto.html

“We are tired of being analyzed, defined and represented by people other than ourselves, or worse yet, not considered at all. We are frustrated by the imposed isolation and invisibility that comes from being told or expected to choose either a homosexual or heterosexual identity.

Monosexuality is a heterosexist dictate used to oppress homosexuals and to negate the validity of bisexuality.

Bisexuality is a whole, fluid identity. Do not assume that bisexuality is binary or duogamous in nature: that we have “two” sides or that we must be involved simultaneously with both genders to be fulfilled human beings. In fact, don’t assume that there are only two genders. Do not mistake our fluidity for confusion, irresponsibility, or an inability to commit. Do not equate promiscuity, infidelity, or unsafe sexual behavior with bisexuality. Those are human traits that cross all sexual orientations. Nothing should be assumed about anyone’s sexuality, including your own.

We are angered by those who refuse to accept our existence; our issues; our contributions; our alliances; our voice. It is time for the bisexual voice to be heard“

https://lgbt.ucsd.edu/education/biphobia.html

http://conditionallyaccepted.com/2015/07/14/bisexuality-part1/http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/01/bi-vs-pan/

http://www.thisisbiscuit.co.uk/but-bi-means-two-and-others-reason-why-we-should-change-the-conversation/

https://somewhatofsomethingother.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/being-bisexual-means-that-youre-only-attracted-to-two-genders-bi-means-two-two-genders/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aj-walkley/the-bad-b-word-a-need-for-bisexual-acceptance_b_1781589.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aj-walkley/bisexual-gender-binary_b_2425081.html

”Defining bisexuality, just like defining any identity label, can be complicated and controversial. My definition of the label “bisexual” is informed by the work of The Bisexual Organizing Project. It includes people who use labels such as “bisexual,” “non-monosexual,” “persexual,” “omnisexual,” “ambisexual,” “pansexual,” “queer” or any other term that people use to identify themselves as individuals who are emotionally, romantically or physically attracted to people of more than one sex, gender or gender identity. I also recognize that not everyone chooses to adopt a label to describe their sexual orientation, and I also include non-labeling people who see themselves as part of a queer, non-monosexual or bisexual community under my definition of “bisexual.”“

Reasons why the prefix/etymology argument is not a very good one against “bi = attraction to 2 or more”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymological_fallacy

http://bisexual-dragons.tumblr.com/post/124749476996/i-love-doing-the-october-is-not-the-8th-month-of

http://bifaq.tumblr.com/post/124565262825/i-dont-find-bi-means-2-to-be-offensive-and-im

http://www.thisisbiscuit.co.uk/but-bi-means-two-and-others-reason-why-we-should-change-the-conversation/

https://somewhatofsomethingother.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/being-bisexual-means-that-youre-only-attracted-to-two-genders-bi-means-two-two-genders/

http://bi-privilege.tumblr.com/post/88492965880/but-bi-means-two-fun-fact-did-u-know-we

http://freelgbtqpia.tumblr.com/post/112776160876/how-couldnt-but-bi-means-two-doesnt-it-its-the

http://ideas.ted.com/20-words-that-once-meant-something-very-different/

I’d go so far as to say that the nomination probably saved the site, in fact. For those who need a little background: despite being a small voluntary project the site was nominated for the 2014 Publication of the Year award by Stonewall, the UK’s largest LGBT charity, just nine months after its inception. This was a landmark step in Stonewall’s positive new direction on bi issues. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first time Stonewall had specifically nominated a specifically bi publication or organisation for an award. At this point my co-founder, who was taking care of the business side of things, had recently jumped ship and I was seriously considering packing the whole thing in. I won’t lie, I was astonished to read the email.

I’d worked on a publication which won the award under my editorship a few years previously. Unlike Biscuit, however, g3 magazine – at the time one of the two leading print mags for lesbian and bi women in the UK – had an estimated readership of 140,000, had been going for eight years and boasted full-time paid office staff and regular paid freelancers. Biscuit, by contrast, was being dragged along by one weary unpaid editor and a bunch of unpaid writers who understandably, for the most part, couldn’t commit to regularly submitting work.

Little Biscuit’s enormous competition for the award consisted of Buzzfeed, Attitude.co.uk, iNewspaper and Property Week. We didn’t win – that accolade went to iNewspaper – but the nomination was nevertheless, as I say, a huge catalyst to continue with the site. I launched a crowdfunder, which finished way off target. I sold one ad space, for two months. Then nothing. I attempted in vain to recruit a sales manager but nobody wanted to work on commission. Some wonderful writers came and went. There were periods of tumbleweed when I frantically had to fill the site with my own writing, thereby completely defeating the object of providing a platform for a wide range of bi voices.

The Stonewall Award nomination persuaded me to keep going with the site

The departure of the webmaster was another blow. Thankfully by this point I had a co-editor on board – the amazing Libby – so I was persuaded to stick with it. And here we are now. I don’t actually know where the next article is coming from. That’s not a good feeling. But, apart from for Biscuit, I try not to write for free anymore myself, so I understand exactly why that is. As a freelance journo trying to make a living I’ve had to be strict with myself about that. I regularly post on the “Stop Working For Free” Facebook group and often feel a pang of misplaced guilt because I ask my writers to write for free, even though I’m working on the site for free myself, and losing valuable time I could be spending on looking for paid work.

Biscuit hasn’t exactly been a stranger to controversy, in addition to its financial and staffing issues. Its original tagline – “for girls who like girls and boys” – was considered cis-centric by some, leading to accusations that the site had some kind of trans/genderqueer*-phobic agenda. Which was amusing, as at the height of this a) we’d just had two articles about non-binary issues published and b) I was actually engaged to a genderqueer partner, a fact they were clearly unaware of. Now the site is under fire from various pansexual activists who object to the term “bisexual”. To clarify – “girl and boys” was supposed to imply a spectrum and, no, we don’t think “bi” applies only to an attraction to binary folk. The site aims the main part of its content at female-spectrum readers attracted to more than one gender because this group does have specific needs. But there is something here for EVERYONE bisexual. Anyway, it’s a shame all of this gossip was relayed secondhand, and the people in question didn’t think to confront me about it (which at least the pan activists have bothered to do). We damage our community immeasurably with these kinds of Chinese whispers.

Biscuit ed Libby, being amazing

Whilst trying to keep the site afloat, I’ve also been building on the work I started right back when I edited g3, and trying to improve bi visibility in other media outlets. I’ve recently had articles published by Cosmopolitan, SheWired, The F-Word, GayStar News and Women Make Waves and I’m constantly emailing other sites which I’ve not yet written for with bi pitches. Unfortunately, although I am over the moon to be writing for mainstream outlets such as Cosmo about bi issues, it’s been an uphill struggle trying to persuade some editors out there that they have more readers to whom bi-interest stories apply than they might think. It’s an incredibly exhausting and frustrating process.

Libby and I are doing our best with Biscuit. I can’t guarantee that I would be doing anything at all with it if Libby hadn’t arrived on the scene, so once again I would like to mention how fabulous she is. But we desperately need more writers. We need some help with site design and tech issues. We need a hand with the business and sales side of things. We can’t do it without you. And if you know any rich bisexual heiresses who read Biscuit, please do send them our way. 😉

Grant Denkinson’s story

denkinsonpanel

Grant speaks on a panel chaired by Biscuit’s Lottie at a Bi Visibility Day event

So first of all, explain a little about the activism you’re involved/have been involved in. 


“I’ve been involved with bisexual community organising for a bit over 20 years. Some has been within community: writing for and editing our national newsletter, organising events for bisexuals and helping others with their events by running workshop sessions or offering services such as 1st aid. I’ve spoken to the media about bisexuality and organised bi contingents at LGBT Pride events (sometimes just me in a bi T-shirt!). I’ve helped organise and participated in bi activist weekends and trainings. I’ve help train professionals about bisexuality. I’ve also piped up about bisexuality a lot when organising within wider LGBT and gender and sexuality and relationship diversity umbrellas. I’ve been a supportive bi person on-line and in person for other bi folks. I’ve been out and visibly bi for some time. I’ve helped fund bi activists to meet, publish and travel. I’ve funded advertising for bi events. I’ve set up companies and charities for or including bi people. I’ve personally supported other bi activists.”


What made you get involved?

“
In some ways I was looking for a way to be outside the norm and to make a difference and coming out as bi gave me something to push against. I’ve been less down on myself when feeling attacked. I’ve also found the bi community very welcoming and where I can be myself and so wanted to organise with friends and to give others a similar experience. There weren’t too many others already doing everything better than I could.”

How do you feel about the state of bi activism worldwide (esp UK and USA) at the moment?

“There have been great changes for same-sex attracted people legally and socially and these have happened quickly. Bi people have been involved with making that happen and benefit from it. We can also be hidden by gay advances or actively erased. We still have bi people not knowing many or any other local bi people, not seeing other bisexuals in the mainstream or LGT worlds and not knowing or being able to access community things with other bis. We are little represented in books or the media and people don’t know about the books and zines and magazines already available. The internet has made it easy to find like-minded people but also limited privacy and I think is really fragmented and siloed. It is hard to find bisexuals who aren’t women actors, harmful or fucked up men or women in pornography designed for straight men. We have persistent and high quality bi events but they are sparse and small.”

What’s causing you to feel disillusioned?

“I’m fed up of bi things just not happening if I don’t do them. Not everything should be in my style and voice and I shouldn’t be doing it all. I and other activists campaign for bi people to be more OK and don’t take care of ourselves enough while doing so. People are so convinced we don’t exist they don’t bother with a simple search that would find us. We have little resources while having some of the worst outcomes of any group. I don’t want to spend my entire life being the one person who reminds people about bisexuals, including our so-called allies. I’m not impressed with the problem resolution skills in our communities and while we talk about being welcoming I’m not sure we’re very effective at it. I’m fed up with mouthing the very basics and never getting into depth about bi lives and being one who supports but who is not supported. I’m all for lowering barriers but at a certain point if people don’t actively want to do bi community volunteering it won’t happen. Some people are great critics but build little.”

What do you want to say to other activists about this?

“Why are we doing this personally? I’m not sure we know. How long will we hope rather than do? Honestly, are there so few who care? Alternatively should we stop the trying to do bi stuff and either do some self-analysis, be happy to accept being what we are now as a community, chill out and just let stuff happen or give up and go and do something else instead.”

Patrick Richards-Fink’s story

085d4de So first of all, explain a little about the activism you’re involved/have been involved in.

“Mostly internet – I am a Label Warrior, a theorist and educator. Here’s how I described it on my blog: “One of the reasons that I am a bisexual activist rather than a more general queer activist is because I see every day people just like me being told they don’t belong. It doesn’t mean I don’t work on the basic issues that we all struggle against — homophobia, heterosexism, classism, out-of-control oligarchy, racism, misogyny, this list in in no particular order and is by no means comprehensive. But I have found that I can be most effective if I focus, work towards understanding the deep issues that drive the problems that affect people who identify the same way that I have ever since I started to understand who I am. I find that I’m not a community organizer type of activist or a storm the capitol with a petition in one hand and a bullhorn in the other activist — I’m much better at poring over studies and writing long wall-o’-text articles and occasionally presenting what I’ve gleaned to groups of students until my voice is so hoarse that I can barely do more than croak.” So internet, and when I was still in school, a lot of on-campus stuff. Now I’m moving into a new phase where my activism is more subtle – I’m working as a therapist, and so my social justice lens informs my treatment, especially of bi and trans people.”

What made you get involved?

“I can’t not be.”

How do you feel about the state of bi activism worldwide (esp UK and USA) at the moment?

“I feel like we made a couple strides, and every time that happens the attacks renewed. I hionestly think the constant attempts to divide the bisexual community into ‘good pansexuals’ and ‘bad bisexuals’ and ‘holy no-labels’ is the thing that’s most likely to screw us.”

What’s causing you to feel disillusioned?



“It is literally everywhere I turn – colleges redefining bisexuality on their LGBT Center pages, news articles quoting how ‘Bi=2 and pan=all therefore pan=better’, everybloodywhere I turn I see it every day. The word bi is being taken out of the names of organisations now, by the next group of up-and-comers who haven’t bothered to learn their history and understand that if you erase our past, you take away our present. Celebrities come out as No Label, wtf is that. Don’t they make kids read 1984 anymore? It’s gotten to the point now that even seeing the word pansexual in print triggers me. I’m reaching the point now that if someone really wants to be offended when all I am trying to do is welcome them on board, then I don’t have time for it.”

What do you want to say to other activists about this?