Last week was Bisexual Visibility Week, Sept. 19-26, and Bisexual Visibility Day, Sept. 23. The events last seven days and bring awareness to the bisexual community. Bisexual Visibility Day holds the most celebratory activities.

Bisexual Visibility Day is a worldwide phenomenon. Portland, Oregon, hosted a retreat for those who are bisexual at the coast, “to remember the past; to celebrate the present; to build the future.” There were also events in Salt Lake City, New York City, Columbus, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and more.
There isn’t a lot of information about the foundation of Bisexual Visibility Day, but it was coined in 1999, in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Events vary from zine making and film screening to talks, book launches and fundraisers.
Bisexual Visibility Week may be gaining ground. But what, exactly, is bisexuality?
However, after everything that has been said, there is still a question that has not been answered. What, exactly, is bisexuality?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines bisexuality as attraction to both males and females. It is important to note, however, that this definition ignores the social context in which bisexuality is placed today.
Some people define bisexuality as attraction to men or women. Others define it as attraction to two or more genders, broadening the definition to include those who don’t strictly identify as a man or woman.
Some people argue that people who are bisexual are transphobic (against transgender people) because they ignore those who don’t identify as a man or woman. This assumes those who identify as bisexual use the former definition. Critics advocate for pansexuality (attraction to all genders), saying it is gender inclusive. However, identifying as bisexual does not always imply transphobia. It merely means an attraction to two or more genders.
So why do we need Bisexual Visibility Day?
Bi erasure is a common experience among those who are bisexual. If you’re with someone of the opposite sex, people assume you’re straight, and if you’re with someone of the same sex, people assume you’re gay. This erases bisexual experiences. People who are bisexual are often harangued for choosing to be with people of multiple genders and told to “pick a side.” Furthermore, bisexual people are harassed for choosing to be with someone of the opposite sex, because it makes it “seem like” they’re straight.

Bisexuality is also somewhat taboo, because it can be intimidating. Some lesbians say they won’t sleep with people who are bisexual because they may have been in contact with a penis. Not only is this idea transphobic because it excludes trans women, it’s also simply rude.
Those who are bisexual sometimes face another kind of prejudice: Some reuse to date those who are bisexual, worried they will be left for someone of the opposite sex.
Those who are bisexual are also stigmatized as promiscuous. Some think that since bisexual people are attracted to more than one gender, they will sleep with anyone. However, bisexual people have preferences in their attractions like anyone else.
These examples are reasons why Bisexual Visibility Day and Bisexual Visibility Week are held every year. Those who are bisexual face a lot of unwarranted prejudice in the queer community. It’s time we stop ignoring and erasing their identities.