I have always been big on visibility even before I came out as bisexual, representation was something I felt always mattered.
It’s why I decided to jump at the chance of joining the 2023 Pride march as part of the Melbourne Bisexual Network where I am a new committee member.
The alarm went off at 6:00am and after a couple of hits of the snooze button, my wife and I both looked at each other and thought “do we really want to do this?” but we rolled out of bed and fulfilled our commitment.
Showers were done and we got ourselves ready, what could we wear that would make us standout amongst the bi+ crowd? I opted for my pride themed shoes from Volley, some blue tartan leggings from BlackMilk Clothing and an old t-shirt I bought from H&M many years ago that had ice creams on it in the pansexual colours. We were set.
The big 1 hour 30 minute ride into St Kilda couldn’t be started unless we fueled our bodies, not something nutritious, but the trusty coffee stop along the way. Now we were ready.
We really didn’t know what to expect upon arrival and when we got into St Kilda and found a park you could see things still being setup ready for the march finish line and after party. You could however already get a sense that it was going to be a great day, seeing people draped in different coloured flags and outfits the vibe was high. As soon as I got out of the car a lady walking her dog along beach remarked on what I was wearing “I love the outfit” and it really lifted my spirits.
Not being involved in a march before everything was literally happening for the first time. We arrived at the meeting point and tried to track down the MBN folk, finally I spotted some of the group and we headed over. Meeting and chatting it was really cool to be involved this heavily in a queer event.
As is usually the case with most events you always bump into someone you know, sitting there I spotted a great mate across the grass and made my way over to surprise him. He is an ally and one of my great supporters, he was there as part of the St Kilda Football Club team as he plays wheelchair footy for the club. After a quick photo snap and chat we parted ways but made a commitment to meet up later.
Everything started to get exciting as the crowd built and more bi+ started piling into our area, it was so great see all the different shades under the bi+ umbrella. After getting initiated by the amazing Juniper with some bisexual coloured face paint, I was ready to rock and roll.
It was our turn and we started our march towards Fitzroy Street, hundreds of people lined the street as they cheered and clapped each group that went past. I didn’t know what to expect walking into this environment and one thing quickly struck me that really reaffirmed why we were doing this which was the sheer excitement that other bisexual people had when they seen our section walk past.
Flags waving, cheering and jumping around for joy, especially the young bisexual teenagers we would see scattered along the fence line. Straight away it hit me, just a simple thing of seeing yourself in others and feeling like you have a community there for you was really filling my heart with pride. It showed to me that visibility matters and it’s important.
I never had this when I was struggling to come to grips with who I was as a teenager growing up in the 90s. Was it a phase and I was straight? Was I secretly gay? The word bisexual wasn’t something I knew or heard about.
Being able to find a community, a visible and present one, must mean so much to any bisexual person especially teenagers who are coming to grips with who they are.
A lot of things have changed since my teenage years, but one thing still remains and that’s the importance of a visible community. It breaks down barriers, allows people to find themselves and their space while seeking the right help they might need.
I have written a bit over my time as a freelance journalist about bisexual issues, being visible online and joining the MBN committee to play my part in giving back. But one of the biggest things I think I have done since coming out publicly was this march, being that presence for bi+ people who might be isolated where they can’t be themselves.
You can be yourself and you can fabulous.
We finished off the night catching up with my friend Nath at a Scottish themed pub, thinking that we should have organised the next day off work as they were getting ready for their annual pride march karaoke night. I think next year we are going to make sure we have our weekend planned a little better so we can enjoy the celebrations into the night.
I am already looking forward to the 2024 march and what it will bring, the outfit plans are already in full swing to be the most wonderful bisexual I can be.
I’m not sure why we waited so long.
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