Celebrate Bisexuality Day is observed on September 23rd every year, a day celebrated to remind people of the history and struggles faced still by those in the bisexual community. What many people fail to realize is that the ‘B’ in the LGBTQ+ community is arguably the largest group that lives under the umbrella but often the most underrepresented. 

A bisexual person is defined as someone who not exclusively attracted to people of one gender. The flag representing the bisexual community includes three colors — purple, blue, and pink. Celebrate Bisexuality Awareness Day teaches us every person deserves love, respect, and recognition – no matter how different they may be. Bisexuality Awareness Day is a day that teaches acceptance.

The History of Celebrate Bisexuality Day

Celebrate Bisexuality Day was first organized by three people – Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur. The day was first officially observed in 1999 by the International Lesbian and Gay Association Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The purpose of the celebration was to raise awareness of the challenges faced by bisexuals around the world, and their fair demands to be treated respectfully.

The founders were particularly worried about the marginalization and discrimination that bisexuals face from straight people and within LGBTQ+ communities. Bisexuals are often brushed aside as being confused or simply closeted gay. In some circles, the LGBT+ community categorizes bisexuals as ‘undecided’ or even in some instances as traitors to the LGBT+ community. This makes it difficult for bisexual people to embrace their identity as well as the community and discourages those in the closet from coming out.

Historically, bisexuals have been ignored group along with the LGBTQ+ community. While many are opine there is no such thing as bisexuality, some believe that bisexuals are more promiscuous. For some in the bisexual community, this is a serious issue that must be addressed. Therefore, Celebrate Bisexuality Day serves a dual purpose – one, to raise awareness of bisexuals around the world, and the second to prevent the prejudice faced by bisexuals. The day is celebrated every year with teach-ins, spoken word poetry readings, parties, picnics, festivals, and awareness events.

What the Bisexual Symbol Represents

The pink, blue, and lavender triangles and interlocking biological symbols represent bisexuality — people attracted to both men and women.

What Do the Colors of the Bisexual Flag Signify?

The flag contains two wider stripes, pink and blue, to represent the male and female genders. The smaller purple stripe between them represents sexual attraction to both men and women.

Get Involved

The following are some of the ways HomoCulture suggests for those that would like to observe and celebrate Bisexuality Day.

Attend a Local Event

Find out what’s happening in your neck of the woods. You can attend any Bisexuality Day event to learn more about the community.

Lend an Ear

Do you have friends or family members who are bisexual? Ask them about theirs within the LGBT community and outside it. Once you have more information you can be a better advocate and ally for bisexual visibility.

Wave Your Flag

Fly the bisexual pride flag loud and proud form your car or porch in your neighborhood. You could also wear bi colors to show solidarity.

Important Information to Know

Here are some facts about bisexuality that many people may not know:

1. Bisexuals dominate the LGBTQ+ community
   With more than 9 million LGBT people in the United States and more than half identify as bisexuals.
2. Most bisexuals haven’t come out to their colleagues
   49% of bisexual people say they haven’t come out to co-workers.
3. They are more susceptible to police brutality
   Bisexuals are three times more likely to experience violence from the police. 
4. Bisexual women face greater domestic violence
   Bisexual women experience higher rates of sexual and intimate partner violence.
5. They have the poorest health
   Bisexual people have higher rates of physical and mental health in relation to their sexual orientation.