Bi+ Visibility Day

History and Background

The annual 23 September celebration started in 1999 as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, created by three bi activists from the USA – Wendy Curry of Maine, Michael Page of Florida (creator of the bisexual flag), and Gigi Raven Wilbur of Texas. It has also been variously known as Bi Pride Day, Bi Day and Celebrate Bisexuality Day. The use of the name Bi Visibility Day instead started with UK with Jen Yockney, and spread first across Europe and then further around the world.

In June of 1990, BiPOL sponsors the first National Bisexual Conference in San Francisco. More than 450 people attend from 20 states and 5 countries. The mayor of S.F. sends a proclamation "commending the bisexual rights community for its leadership in the cause of social justice," declaring June 23, 1990 Bisexual Pride Day. Thus, the first Bi+ Visibility Day may have technically started in 1990.

It seems that Bi+ Visibility Day is the most currently used name, though it may still be called Celebrate Bisexuality Day (CBD) or Bisexual Pride Day.

It should be noted that “Bi+” has controversy. There’s a discourse that it is not inclusive and instead would be better to use terms like mspec (multisexual spectrum), which includes the spectrum of people who are attracted to multiple genders. It's an umbrella term that can include bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, etc., identities, and those who don't use a label at all.

How to Participate

You can participate by visiting the organizer’s website for history and an opportunity to submit your event. If your campus or place of work has an LGBTQ group, encourage them to organize events throughout the week like panels or educational opportunities. If you’re on social media, use the current year’s hashtags and campaign photos to spread the word and encourage others to do the same.