Every year on September 23rd, the LGBTQ+ community pauses to recognize something vital: bisexual people exist, matter, and deserve to be celebrated. Celebrate Bisexuality Day, sometimes called Bi Visibility Day, is the crown jewel of September’s Bisexual Awareness Month—a day set aside to honor bisexual, pansexual, fluid, and other non-monosexual identities.
It’s a day of joy, education, and empowerment. But it’s also a day to confront the stubborn myths and harmful erasure that continue to affect bisexual people’s lives. Let’s dive into the history of this special day, why it matters, and how we can all join in the celebration.
The History of Celebrate Bisexuality Day
Celebrate Bisexuality Day began in 1999, thanks to three bold activists: Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur. Frustrated by the lack of recognition for bisexual people within both queer and straight communities, they decided to carve out a day of visibility.
Their vision was simple yet radical: bisexual people deserved to be acknowledged as a distinct and valid group, not dismissed as “confused” or erased altogether. They chose September 23rd as a day to gather, celebrate, and raise awareness about bisexuality.
Since then, the observance has spread worldwide. From pride parades and academic panels to online campaigns and grassroots gatherings, Celebrate Bisexuality Day has grown into a global movement for visibility and validation.
Why Celebrate Bisexuality?
Despite making up a significant percentage of the LGBTQ+ population, bisexual people often face bi erasure—the tendency to ignore, dismiss, or invalidate bisexual identities. This can look like:
- Assuming someone who dates one gender must “really” be gay or straight.
- Claiming bisexuality is just a phase or a stepping stone.
- Excluding bisexual voices from LGBTQ+ spaces.
The effects of this erasure are serious. Studies show bisexual people experience higher rates of mental health struggles, less social support, and more stigma than their gay or lesbian peers. Celebrate Bisexuality Day directly counters that erasure by saying loudly and proudly: bisexuality is real, it is valid, and it is worth celebrating.
Busting the Myths
Honey, let’s clear the stage for the truth:
- Myth: Bisexual people are confused.
Truth: Bisexuality is attraction to more than one gender. That’s not confusion—it’s clarity. - Myth: Bisexual people are more likely to cheat.
Truth: Cheating is about behavior, not orientation. Bisexual people can be just as faithful—or unfaithful—as anyone else. - Myth: Bisexuality is just a phase.
Truth: For many, bisexuality is a lifelong identity. Dismissing it as temporary invalidates lived experiences.
Celebrate Bisexuality Day is all about rejecting these myths and replacing them with affirmations of bisexual truth.
The Importance of Representation
Representation matters every day of the year, but on Celebrate Bisexuality Day it takes center stage. For too long, bisexual characters in media have been sidelined, villainized, or erased. When a character dated more than one gender, writers often “resolved” the story by declaring them gay or straight—ignoring the richness of bisexual identity.
But progress is happening. Shows, books, and films are finally beginning to portray bisexual characters with nuance and pride. Public figures who openly embrace bisexuality—from artists like Halsey to activists and politicians—send powerful messages to young people searching for role models.
Representation tells bisexual people, “You’re not alone. You’re part of a vibrant, powerful community.”
How to Celebrate Bisexuality Day
There’s no wrong way to celebrate, darling—this day is about visibility, joy, and solidarity. Here are some ideas:
- Educate and Share
Post resources, articles, or videos on bisexual history and issues. Knowledge sparks change. - Amplify Bi+ Voices
Share content from bisexual creators, writers, and activists. Representation grows when we uplift each other. - Show Your Colors
Rock the bisexual flag—pink, purple, and blue—or wear something that celebrates bisexual pride. - Host or Attend Events
Many LGBTQ+ organizations host discussions, socials, or online gatherings for Celebrate Bisexuality Day. - Affirm the Bi+ People in Your Life
Sometimes the most meaningful act is a personal one. Let the bisexual folks around you know they are valid, loved, and seen.
Looking Ahead
Celebrate Bisexuality Day is more than just one day on the calendar—it’s a symbol of resilience, pride, and the ongoing fight for inclusion. By honoring bisexuality openly, we challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and create a world where bisexual people can thrive without hiding who they are.
On September 23rd, let’s lift up bisexual voices, affirm bisexual identities, and flood the world with visibility. Because when bisexual people shine, the whole rainbow glows brighter.
In Solidarity, Always
– Ryder
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