In my experience, the best way to confront biphobia, including internalized biphobia, is by being as loudly bisexual as possible. I don’t think enough bisexuals realize how much pride affects how others treat us. The word “pride” is used a lot in LGBT vocabulary, but do we truly understand what it means to have pride?
Even just the word “bisexual” puts a dirty taste in some mouths. But only at first. You see, unfamiliarity is often the root of disgust, which is often the root of hatred.
I used to avoid using “bisexual” in favor of “bi” because something about it made me cringe. Saying it in public made me self-conscious of what others thought. I would anxiously shrink myself and say the word quietly to draw the least attention. I was thinking too much into it giving the biphobes what they wanted: fear. I shouldn’t have to falter at all about saying a word. More than a word, in fact.
An identity. A statement. A weapon.
For every biphobic comment I hear—regardless of from or to whom—I say the word to their face at least twice. I say it loudly. I articulate. I make sure that they hear it and that they get used to hearing it. I say it obnoxiously and uncomfortably often, because that’s the only way to make the word normal and comforting. Eventually, the word does not bring out such strong reactions or feelings from biphobes, or myself.
Elizabeth and Amy talk to Rev. Erica Saunders, a bi and trans minister who has recently been ordained at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, a Baptist Seminary.
Fritz Klein was an Austrian-American, bisexual, sex-researcher, author, and activist. You can read more about his research and his lasting impacts on bisexual activism here:
Every day in June, I will be posting an illustration that highlights an LGBT+ activist who I believe everyone should know. This series will be in no way comprehensive, & will include a multitude of identities, races, sexualities, and genders.
Bi Definition formed in 1996 when two other bisexual support groups that met at the Counseling Center of Milwaukee merged, BiDesign (a women’s group), and an unnamed men’s group. Bi Definition sought to provide their members with a sense of belonging not always found in the gay or straight communities. The 2003 “Bi All Means” newsletter shown here outlines some of Bi Definition’s activism around bisexual visibility within the LGBTQ+ community. In response to declining attendance at business meetings and dwindling financial resources, Bi Definition voted to discontinue its print newsletter and regular meetings in 2004.
This issue of “Bi All Means” can be found in box 1 of the Bi Definition Records, call number UWM Manuscript Collection 219, at the UWM Archives.
Published 2019-03-31
