There are many injustices around the world, and there are many people who fight against systemic oppression. But one sub-sect is struggling from many angles. Some straight people dismiss their experiences as “being confused” or simply “closet gay”. The LGBT community can often categorize bisexuals either as “undecided”, or as traitors to LGBT community. This leaves them in a difficult spot.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day is a day to remind people that the struggles of bisexuals can be as real as the ones faced by others in the community. This day is a wonderful opportunity to remind everyone that all people have value, regardless of their lifestyle.

This is your chance to find out more about the day!

Wendy Curry, Michael Page and Gigi Raven Williamsbur established Celebrate Bisexuality Day. The International Lesbian and Gay Association Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa, first recognized the day in 1999. It was created to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by bisexuals around the world who just want to live their lives in fair and equal treatment.

Wilbur stated that “the gay and lesbian community have grown in strength, visibility, and strength ever since Stonewall rebellion,” and “the bisexual community too has grown strong, but in many ways they are invisible.” This vision, along with the diverse experiences of marginalization, prejudice, and discrimination from the LGBTQ and straight communities, inspired the founders of this holiday.

The founders chose Freddy Mercury, Queen’s music superstar, as the ideal day to start Celebrate Bisexuality Day. The day served two purposes. It was established to raise awareness about bisexuality worldwide. It also helped to reduce prejudice against bisexuals and legitimize their sexual orientation. It has been celebrated annually with poetry readings, teach-ins and parties.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day can be observed by remembering that bisexuality, like all other sexual orientations, is valid. Remember that bisexuals are worthy of the same respect and honor as other human beings, regardless of their life choices.

You might try looking around your area to see if there are any poetry readings or teach-ins that you could attend. Although it might seem easy, the complexity of living as a bisexual is perhaps more complicated than most people realize.

If you have family members or friends who are bi, it might be worth asking them to share their experiences with adversity due to their sexuality.

A great way to learn is by studying the history of the Bisexual Movement. These are some important facts to consider:

It is a lifetime effort to help others get the respect they deserve. Even if you aren’t bisexual, you can still stand up for the marginalized. It doesn’t matter if you are just a supporter in a conversation or a public advocate during BiWeek. Living a life that is open-minded and advocates for others is a noble goal.

Michael Page created the bi pride flag in 1998. It features the colors pink and blue, as well as purple. The Bi Pride flag has only three colors, similar to the Pride flag which uses rainbow colors. Bright magenta (hot pink), and royal blue stripes (consisting at 40% each on the top (representing gay or straight attraction) are the highlights of the flag. The flag also has a purple stripe in its middle that represents bisexual people.

This week’s celebrations might include hanging the flag on your front porch, attaching it to the top car, making a scarf from the colors or wearing pink, purple, and blue just to show support.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day offers a chance for people to learn more about the difficulties faced by others. This day, and throughout the year, show compassion for those who are different.