September is always a big month for the bisexual+ community, a time filled with anticipation, joy, and excitement. It is also a time where anxiety rises and creeps into us all at some stage, where we try and find our place within community.
Saturday 23 is Bi Visibility Day, where all things bi+ are celebrated throughout the world. Finger guns, peace signs, cuffed jeans, and even awkward sitting postures are embraced as bi+ people are seen and heard.
Although it is a mark of many events and occasions celebrated, it can be a trying time for many within the community. So, this month I have put together five things that might just make every bi+ person that little more comfortable celebrating who they are.
Finding an online space
For many people being openly out isn’t something they are either comfortable with or able to do, which is why online spaces through social media or forums are vital for engagement.
It’s where I found my community after coming out publicly eight years ago, being able to connect with others just like you, without fear or judgement was such an important step in the coming out process.
Finding these online spaces are also a great anxiety diffuser, as people can make connections through these channels before finally being courageous enough to meet face to face.
Bi+ events and celebrations
A quick google search in your local area and you will be able to find some bi+ specific events that are being held throughout September, and if it isn’t local, it could be a perfect reason for a bi+ road trip.
This could be anything from a party type atmosphere to a more chilled vibe of a picnic day, where bi+ people can gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Having attended picnic days in the past myself, they are a terrific way of interacting with local bi+ community groups and finding friendship in these spaces, something that many bi+ people feel isolated from.
Get involved!
Another way of engaging through the month of September is finding your local organisation that you can become involved in, either through volunteer work or simply becoming a member.
For people living in major cities this can be quite accessible, for those in rural areas things might be more difficult. However, if you contact the closest bi+ organisation they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
Many of these organisations will be holding events and celebrations for Bi Visibility Day, and will welcome anyone under the bi+ umbrella who wants to get involved in the festivities.
Colour yourself bi
One of the simplest ways of celebrating bi+ identity and culture is as easier as wearing the colours that fit who you are and how you identify.
Bi, pan or trans you can wear makeup, pin a badge, colour coordinate your clothes, or even have a flag sitting in your office at work. Sometimes the smallest things we can do for ourselves are often the most satisfying, and it might even start a conversation with someone else who also identifies as a bi+.
As we know through studies bi+ people are less likely to come out, someone being visible in a shared space could be a great reliever for a work colleague or friend.
Just BE YOU!
My last thing for anyone who is bi+ looking to celebrate their identity throughout September is to just be yourself.
The greatest gift we have under the bi+ umbrella is that everyone is unique and beautiful in many ways, no one bi+ person is the same and that’s what makes our community so special.
There is no right or wrong way to be bi+, so when September rolls around and we reach Bi Visibility Day, be yourself and do what is right for you.
How will you celebrate being bi+ in 2023?
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