The City of Boston has officially marked last Tuesday as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day and Bi+ Visibility Day. According to an announcement from the city's council, this day has been recognized annually since 1999 to honor the bisexual+ community, which encompasses individuals identifying as bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, polysexual, and beyond. The tradition, now observed globally, was initially launched by activists Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur at a conference in South Africa. Boston's resolution comes on the 26th anniversary of these efforts, which seek to amplify bi+ voices and experiences while challenging the prejudices they face.
In the recent proclamation, Boston's Council called for the use of inclusive language, "bi+," to more accurately represent the spectrum of sexual orientations within the community. Despite bisexual+ individuals representing over half of the LGBTQ+ population, a staggering number remain reluctant to openly share their identity with friends or family. A study cited by the city found that in 2024, "more than 80 percent of bi+ individuals reported discrimination from within the LGBTQIA+ community itself." Such internal exclusion has been known to decrease engagement in LGBTQIA+ spaces and minimize opportunities for bi+ leadership roles, perpetuating negative stereotypes and misconceptions about the community.
The issues faced by the bi+ community extend to higher risks of adverse health outcomes, substantial discrimination, and instances of violence, particularly amongst youth. The Council's resolution brought attention to this, emphasizing the urgent need for increased support. Furthermore, it noted the added complexity for those within the bi+ community who hold intersectional identities, highlighting that "more than 40 percent of LGBTQ+ people of color identify as bisexual," and half of transgender individuals describe their orientation as bisexual or queer.
By formally recognizing International Celebrate Bisexuality Day and Bi+ Visibility Day, Boston's City Council has committed to actively work to dismantle stigma and promote health equity. The council urges government agencies, schools, and businesses to actively take to encourage meaningful steps that advance health equity and foster an inclusive environment.
