Bisexual+ Awareness Week

Bisexual+ awareness week is celebrated each year from September 16th through September 23rd. It aims to adress bisexual+ stigma. It also is a great time to celebrate bisexual+ culture and history and promote progress for this community.

What Does bisexual+ Mean?

Bisexual+ is an umbrella term that includes all people who are attracted to 2 or more genders. This includes (but is not limited to) bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, queer, no label, fluid, etc.

Where Did Bisexual+ Terms Originate?

Terms for people who are attracted to more than one gender are very new. The term "Bisexual" originally meant having sex characteristics of both sexes (now called intersex.) It gradually began to mean someone who behaved or dressed in an androgynous way. The 1910s people first began to use it to describe attraction to 2 genders, and in the late 2010s it evolved to mean attraction to two or more genders.

So were people before the 1910s all either straight or gay? Of course not! Many identified with one label (gay or straight), but still dated other genders. Some used percentages (i.e 30% homosexual, 70% heterosexual.) Many just remained unlabelled. Its important to remember when discussing labels that they aren't necessary. As helpful as they may be people can be themselves without needing a word. Language evolves very slowly and labels take a while to form.

Myth Vs. Fact

Myth: Bisexual and pansexual are the same

Fact: Bisexuals are attracted to 2 or more genders, however pansexuals are attracted to people regardless of their gender. Pansexuals don't have a preference, bisexuals may. Also bisexuals may or may not be attracted to all genders.

Myth: Bisexual people in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender are straight

Fact: Sexual orientation doesn't change depending on who you date. Bisexuals are bisexual regardless of the gender of their current partner.

Myth: Bisexuals are just faking it for attention

Fact: This is just wrong. Just because you don't relate to someones experience doesn't mean it isn't valid.

What is The GSA doing to celebrate?

The GSA will be handing out bisexual stickers and brochures during all lunches on Friday September 23rd. Check it out!