“Up Against Criticism From Conservatives And Fundamentalists That The Gay Lifestyle, If Not A Sickness,

Kaitlin Sobiesiak

“Although bisexuals have always been part of lesbian and gay movements and communities, they have often not been visible as bisexuals in these groups. Consider, for instance, these little-known historical facts:

A bisexual man was one of the key organizers of the first national March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979. He also cofounder the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and led a delegation of black gays to meet with White House staff while Carter was President.

A bisexual Washingtonian was one of the first women to write about living women in the national feminist news journal, off our backs, in 1972.

It was a bisexual man who conceived and spearheaded the successful national “gaycott” of Florida orange juice in response to Anita Bryant’s homophobic “Save Our Children” campaign in Dade County, Florida, in the late 1970s.

A lesbian-identified bisexual ex-suburban housewife ran for Vice President on a bisexual/lesbian/gay civil rights platform during the 1984 Democratic Party convention in San Francisco.

In May 1989, a bisexual veteran from New England, representing the National Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Veterans Association, was the first out-of-the-closet veteran invited to testify before Congress on behalf of all lesbian, gay, and bisexual veterans.

But even in these high-profile “out” positions, bisexuals often continued to be perceived as gays and lesbians by both the gay rights movement and the rest of society.”

- Loraine Hutchins, Bisexuality: The Psychology and Politics of an Invisible Minority

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.

“We all suffer oppression when we choose to express homosexual desire. We may suffer even more when we force ourselves to repress it. And although the experiences differ, we suffer whether, as with bisexuals, our desire might take other paths or whether, as with homosexuals, the only path is total repression. In each of these cases, our suffering results from the power of a homophobic society. We all share an interest in assuring that bisexuals make their choices, conscious or not, on the basis of desire rather than oppression. And gay liberation offers the only guarantee that this will happen.”

- Lisa Orlando, Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out

Sucking her nipples is a valid form of stress relief

For the both of us

“Issues of shame pervade the difficulties bisexuals face in attempting to form a positive, well-integrated bisexual identity. Because an individual member of an oppressed group is frequently seen as representative of all the members of that group, a bisexual-identified person may feel a sense of shame when any bisexual person behaves in such a way as to reinforce negative stereotypes of bisexual people. Furthermore, a bisexual individual may feel a profound sense of shame when her own behavior happens to mirror one of the existing stereotypes… Individuals in such situations may feel that they are in some way betraying their entire identity group. Although some bisexual people do behave in ways that conform to negative stereotypes about bisexuals, it is actually the dynamics of prejudice that cause others to use such actions to justify their stereotyping and prejudicial behavior.”

- Robyn Ochs, Bisexuality: The Psychology and Politics of an Invisible Minority

“But if it rejects us, the gay movement loses more than numbers and strategic force. It also loses another opportunity, similar to that offered by other “sexual minorities,” to re-examine its commitment to sexual freedom rather than to mere interest-group politics. What would it mean for the gay movement to acknowledge that some people experience their sexuality as a lifelong constant, others as a series of stages, some as a choice, and many as a constant flux? It would certainly mean a drastic reworking of the standard categories which have grounded gay politics over the last decade. And it might mean a renewed commitment to the revolutionary impulse of gay liberation, which, believing that homosexual desire is a potential in everyone, insisted that “gay” is a potentially universal class, since sexual freedom for all people is the ultimate goal of our struggle.”

- Lisa Orlando, Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out

“Students felt that bisexuality was invisible within LGBTQ+ campus spaces in more ways than one. For example, they noted that their LGBTQ+ spaces were demographically homogeneous, frequented predominantly by cisgender gay and lesbian students. They also felt the LGBTQ+ campus spaces to which they had access upheld very particular depictions of what queer identities should look like, and bisexuality often did not fit into those depictions, additionally, they all noticed a lack of bisexual representation within the programming done by LGBTQ+ offices and organisations. Programmes offered were either completely exclusive of bisexuality or inadequately represented bisexuality when compared with lesbian and gay identities. Overall they were frustrated by the lack of bisexual representation in LGBTQ+ campus spaces. They often needed to take matters into their own hands by hosting educational opportunities around bisexual identities, history, and issues, and creating bisexual-specific spaces. Basically, they felt that as bisexual students, if they wanted bisexual representation, they had no choice but to represent themselves.”

- Jayna Tavarez, The Bi-ble: New Testimonials, Further original narratives and essays about bisexuality