Bisexuality Visibility Day: Bi-phobia/Bi-erasure by default continues?

Unfortunately the answer is yes until some revolutionary changes comes, I cannot believe that an audio post I had done in 2011 is still relevant in today's world although the agitation in Jamaica has been stepped up so much yet as the call letters LGBT roll conveniently off the tongues of spokespersons we still see bi- erasure and indeed lesbian erasure as well taking place. Why have the groups listed in the name of rights and recognition yet they have to be screaming for attention?

No real assistance has been even allotted to specific groups to form themselves so as to fill in the gaps where needed they are only included gratuitously when relevant to sound good but screw them otherwise.



also see: Biphobia in the L & G communities maybe higher than thought from 2011.

As today is seen in some parts of the world as Bisexuality Day I want to recognise my bisexual friends and readers as well while highlighting some of the challenges they face here in Jamaica chief among them then are viewed as "carriers" of HIV and are often described negatively as the bridge between the homosexual and heterosexual populations. While there is some truth to it that cannot be all that end up becoming hence the biphobia especially from the lesbian community.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day is observed on September 23 maybe 24th as it falls on a Sunday by members of the bisexual community and their supporters originally in the United States but has been extended worldwide.

This day is a call for bisexual, pansexual, friends and supporters to recognize and celebrate bisexuality,bisexual history, bisexual community and culture, and the bi/pansexual people in their lives.
First observed in 1999, Celebrate Bisexuality Day is the brainchild of three United States bisexual rights activists: Wendy Curry of Maine, Michael Page of Florida, and Gigi Raven Wilbur of Texas.

Wilbur said,

“Ever since the Stonewall rebellion, the gay and lesbian community has grown in strength and visibility. The bisexual community also has grown in strength but in many ways we are still invisible. I too have been conditioned by society to automatically label a couple walking hand in hand as either straight or gay, depending upon the perceived gender of each person.”

This celebration of bisexuality in particular, as opposed to general LGBT events, was conceived as a response to the prejudice and marginalization of the bisexual persons by some in both the straight and greater LGBT communities.

In its first year, an observance was held during the International Lesbian and Gay Association, which occurred during the week of the 23rd. While at first it only took hold in areas with an extremely strong bisexual presence, it is now celebrated worldwide.

It features event such as discussions, dinner parties and dances in Toronto and a large masquerade ball in Queensland, Australia. At Texas A&M University, the week featured discussion panels and question-and-answer sessions. Princeton University celebrates this day each year by throwing a party at its LGBT Center.

It has also been celebrated in Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

In its most extreme form, bisexual erasure can include denying that bisexuality exists. Inclusiveness is the name of the game now if we are to get anywhere but with the elitist position taken by the group one wonders when will we begin to move on anything? with recent ugly events further darkening our LGBT history that of aloofness towards the homeless msm population more and more persons in and outside the LGBT community are asking what are the reasons for these organizations.

It is refreshing to see other individual voices saying their piece and going out on their own, I would love to see an all out Jamaican bisexual website or at the very least a couple of blogs related to bisexual issues exclusively. There has been some discourse regarding bisexuality but the backlash from the MSM and same gender loving, SGL female communities suggests we have a far way to go towards inclusiveness and tolerance, ways that are to be facilitated by a JFLAG or similar groups.

Let us hope in the near future something can be done about that either by them despite the insulation or some other group, organization or individuals. Meanwhile a newly formed two year old group intends to work with this section of the community in short order as they will launch their programs on engaging groups to lift their identities and self worth, looking forward to seeing and covering more positive developments in this department.

Peace and tolerance

H