An identity as real as it is silenced
Every September 23, the Day of Visibility is celebrated Bisexual, a day that seeks to focus on one of the most misunderstood identities—and often made invisible—within the LGTBIQ+ collective. Because yes, bisexual people exist. And no, they are not confused, nor do they seek attention, nor are they “passing through” towards another orientation.
But, despite always being part of the queer umbrella, biphobia—internal and external—is still very present. That is why this date is not a simple symbol: it is an urgent tool of representation, vindication and recognition.
What does it mean to be bisexual?
Although there are many ways to understand it, in general terms, bisexuality refers to attraction to more than one gender. That can include men, women and/or non-binary people, at different intensities or moments in life. There is no single way to live bisexuality, and that is precisely part of its richness.
But it is also, for many, a constant source of doubt. Because we live in a binary world that pushes us to choose, to fit in, to define ourselves in a closed way. And bisexuality, by definition, breaks those molds.
Why is there a specific day for bi visibility?
The reason is simple: bisexual people continue to be invisible even within the LGTBIQ+ community itself. In the media, in politics, in activist spaces, even in Pride celebrations, it is common to see that the “B” is diluted between the G and the T. And it is not that we are not there. It’s just that sometimes it’s hard for them to see us.
Many times, bisexuality is invalidated with phrases like:
- “That’s just a phase.”
- “You do it to get attention.”
- “I’m sure deep down you’re gay or straight.”
- “You can’t be bisexual if you are in a stable relationship.”
All of this, in addition to being false, reinforces the stigma and can generate a lot of discomfort, confusion and even fear of showing oneself as one is.
Biphobia: the hidden face of prejudice
Biphobia can come from everywhere. From heteronormative environments, which see it as something exotic or hypersexualized. But also within the group itself, where the “validity” of bisexual people is often doubted, especially if they do not fit into what is expected of a queer identity.
This can be translated into:
- Invisibilization in activist spaces.
- Fetishization in relationships.
- Rejection in the family or work environment.
- Difficulty in building real support networks.
And be careful: biphobia is not just an emotional issue. Studies have shown that bisexual people have higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide than other LGTBIQ+ people. Invisibility not only hurts, it also affects mental health.
What can you do to support bisexual visibility?
You don’t have to be bisexual to defend the cause. There are everyday gestures that can make a difference:
- Listen without judging. Each story is unique.
- Question your own prejudices. Do you really think that a bi person has to “make up their mind”?
- Include the B when you talk about the group. It is not a minor detail.
- It claims its presence in activist, cultural and educational spaces.
- Share content that gives voice to bisexual people.
And above all: believe people when they tell you who they are.
Bisexuality does not have only one face
One of the great riches of bisexuality is that there is no single way to live it. Some people have relationships with people of different genders over time. Others have only been with one gender, but their attraction does not disappear. There are also those who define themselves as bi, pan, queer or simply “not straight.”
The problem is that many times “test” or “résumé” is required to validate an identity. As if you need to prove that you’ve been with X number of people of each gender to be believed. And no, it doesn’t work like that. Identity is something internal, personal, and no one should have to justify themselves.
A space for doubt… and also for criticism
Although Bisexual Visibility Day is essential, not everyone agrees on how this date is represented or communicated. Some people consider that reproduces a superficial or too homogeneous image, focused on young, white, cis and normative people.
There are also those who criticize that, when seeking acceptance, those who do not completely fit in are left out: racialized people, older people, people with disabilities, non-binary or neurodivergent people who also identify as bi, but do not have visibility.
Are we doing enough to include all voices? Are we listening carefully to those who need it most?
Visibility as a tool for change
Seeing someone like you in a series, in a talk, on a cover… may seem like a small thing. But it has an immense impact. Visibility not only validates experiences, it also opens doors, creates references, and breaks stigmas.
That is why September 23 is much more than an anniversary. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we are not alone, that we are not rarities, that our existence does not need approval.
And it is also a reminder that the fight for LGTBIQ+ rights cannot forget anyone. B is not a decorative letter. It is a fundamental part of the movement, of history and of the present.
