Bella Qvist has a thing or two to say about biphobia – and she invites you to join her in this week’s many bi events.
Us bisexual people can have it tricky sometimes. I know, because I’m one of them.
We live in a fairly tolerant society here in Britain – after all, there’s equal marriage and laws that protect us from hate crime. More and more people are taking the step out of the closet and workplaces are becoming increasingly inclusive but when I look to representatives of the LGBT+ community I see mostly gays and lesbians. There are very few out bisexuals in the public eye (not to mention trans* people but we’ll discuss that in a different article). At the same time online forums and YouTube videos are filled with misconceptions and slurs branding bisexuals as fake, greedy, slutty or untrustworthy. It’s tiring – and it makes me wonder what young bisexual people growing up without positive role models are thinking.
As a bisexual I have often found myself under scrutiny both from straight and gay communities because I’m not “gay enough” or “straight enough” or because I have been perceived to be going through a phase or as unable to pick a side. It’s like monosexuals (those who fall in love with only one gender) just can’t grasp the idea of being able to love people regardless of gender. And all that despite Stonewall confirming that the greatest percentage of LGBT+ people actually are bisexual.
Now, I don’t know about you but I’m sick of these misconceptions, which is why in this month’s DIVA Magazine I write about online biphobia (get a copy here – I’m on page 14) and why I co-run DIVA’s bi blog HiBi! Check it out here for my weekly musings: divahibi.tumblr.com.
This weekend there are two Sheffield events raising awareness for us bisexuals. Plenty of opportunity to network, educate ourselves and discuss how to make things better. See you there?
Queer Presence: ByePhobia
Saturday 18 April
A queer film festival premiering E.D.E.N Action!’s film ByePhobia. The event starts at 12.30 with ByePhobia showing between 15.30 and 16.00
Bisexual+ Social: Breaking the B-ice again
Monday 20 April
Interval bar 18.00 – 22.00 (Look out for the pink, purple and blue striped flag!)
The event is open to everyone. If you are nervous or worried about coming alone or for any other reason please email sabeverley1@sheffield.ac.uk.