Celebrating Bisexual Visibility Month Is #Slay

We are so excited to celebrate Bisexual Visibility Month all September long. As a team made up of openly queer real estate agents and allies in Pittsburgh, PA, The Fraser Team, otherwise known as the Slaygents, makes it our mission to help all transplants find homes and properties as fabulous as they are. Plus, we’re constantly hyping up PGH as one of the best LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country. 

As the openly gay #Slaygents, we’re taking Instagram and TikTok by storm. Not just to help clients and friends find dream homes - but because we deeply understand how important visibility is. For us, Bisexual Visibility Month is incredibly personal and represents an opportunity to recognize and celebrate bisexual individuals and the movement itself, past and present. They deserve it, for all of the hard work that they do to break down barriers and create an open, accepting, and loving community. 

How Did Bisexual Visibility Celebrations Begin?

Historically, the bisexual experience and identity have received a lot of negative backlash and erasure. Bisexual Visibility Month, or Bisexual Awareness Month, started as a grassroots initiative to bring attention to the unique challenges and experiences faced by bisexual individuals.

Specifically, Bisexual Visibility Day was founded in 1999 at the International Gay and Lesbian Association Conference in South Africa by three activists from Texas. Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven were celebrating in Johannesburg at the international conference, and really, the whole idea started with the words, “We should have a party.” Not a bad reason to come up with a new national holiday to celebrate bisexuality! Read more about the origins of bisexual visibility day.

But why limit celebrations to just one day? September has become Bisexual Visibility Month - no surprise there, it’s Freddy Mercury’s birthday month, after all. 

Speaking of Legendary Bisexuals…

Bisexuality is nothing new. However, with increased visibility, awareness, and acceptance, more and more bisexuals are making their grand entrances out into the world. Increasingly, young people are recognizing their bisexuality and celebrating it. And all of this self-acceptance is thanks to the impact of thousands of activists, artists, politicians, and bisexual pioneers. Here are five of our favorites: 

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): 

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter known for her emotionally charged self-portraits and experimental use of color. Her artwork oftentimes expressed her passionate and tumultuous relationships with both men and women. Kahlo's art explored themes of identity, pain, and desire, reflecting the complexities of her bisexuality. Her work continues to be widely recognized for its profound impact on the art world and her portrayal of marginalized voices.

Alan Turing (1912-1954): 

Alan Turing was a British mathematician and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II, thereby aiding the Allies (you’re welcome, allies). Later on, Turing's bisexuality became a significant aspect of his life when he was persecuted by the British government for his sexual orientation. Despite this tragic treatment, Turing's contributions to the fields of computing and artificial intelligence are legendary. Today, he is still regarded as one of the fathers of modern computer science and is recognized for his bisexual bravery. 

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941): 

If you’ve ever taken a women’s studies class or have done some light reading of feminist literature, you’ve probably heard of Woolf. She was a pioneering English writer and a central figure in the modernist literary movement. Her relationships with women, including the novelist Vita Sackville-West, were common. Woolf's exploration of fluid sexual identities and her groundbreaking literary works, such as "Orlando," a biography that spans centuries and genders, reflected her deep understanding of the complexities of human sexuality and identity. Her literature and life story are still making waves today.

David Bowie (1947-2016): 

Two words: Ziggy Stardust!
David Bowie - iconic British musician, actor, and fashion innovator known for his androgynous style and genre-blending music. Bowie was always open about his bisexuality, and it played a role in his artistic evolution as he challenged societal norms. Basically, he laid the groundwork for artists like Harry Styles. I mean… Need we say more?

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992):

Talk about grassroots. Marsha P. Johnson was prominent in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She was a transgender woman who identified as bisexual. Ironically, she was a key participant in the 1969 Stonewall uprising. If you don’t know about Stonewall, check it out; that day marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ fight. Johnson co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to support homeless transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. Like we said, iconic. Her bisexuality was an essential aspect of her activism, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.

So… What Can You Do to Support Bisexuals?

Besides buying your bisexual friends brunch, there are a few fantastic ways to be an ally, and support the movement, your loved ones, and bisexuals everywhere. It’s crucial to do your best to foster inclusivity and understanding. Here are some great ways to start…

Educate Yourself

Learn about bisexual history and the unique challenges bisexual individuals face. This includes familiarizing yourself with terms and concepts related to bisexuality, such as biphobia and bisexual erasure. 

Amplify Bisexual Voices

One of the most effective ways to support the bisexual community is by amplifying their voices and stories. Listen to bisexual individuals, read their personal stories, and share their experiences with others. Use your platform, whether it's social media or conversations with friends and family, to promote understanding. This not only raises awareness, but also normalizes bisexual stories and identity.

Respect Bisexual Identity

Don’t project your own doubts. Always respect a person's self-identified sexual orientation. Avoid making assumptions or perpetuating stereotypes about bisexuality. 

Speak Up Against Biphobia

Shout it from the rooftops! Or your TikTok comments section. Always challenge biphobic comments, jokes, or stereotypes when you encounter them. By speaking up, you help create a more inclusive and accepting environment.

Support Bisexual Organizations

So many organizations and advocacy groups work to support and uplift local bisexual communities. Consider donating to or volunteering with these organizations.

Attend Events and Activities

Look for and participate in Bisexual Visibility Month events and activities in your area or online. This might include workshops, panel discussions, art exhibits, or pride parades. Your presence and support make a difference.

Advocate for Inclusive Policies

Advocate for policies and practices that are inclusive of bisexual individuals in your workplace, school, or community organizations. This can include supporting non-discrimination policies and gender-inclusive restrooms. Don’t forget to register and vote!

Be an Ally

Vocalize your support and openly tell your bisexual friends and loved ones that you're there for them as an ally. This is the easiest way to make them feel seen and loved.

All of us Slaygents are wishing you a fabulous September and Bisexual Awareness Month. Wondering what to see in Pittsburgh or where the best LGBTQ+ Pittsburgh bars, restaurants, and clubs are? Take a look at what you’ll find in our weekly newsletter or read more about LGBTQ+ life in Pittsburgh on our blog. 

Our team of award-winning professionals is here to help new arrivals find their dream homes in Pittsburgh. Learn more about the process of buying a home, or speak directly with our team about buying or selling a home.