Happy Bisexual Visibility Day!
Today marks the end of Bisexual Awareness Week (#BiWeek), a global celebration of the resilience, joy, and diverse experiences of bisexual individuals; those attracted to more than one gender. Bisexual Visibility Day serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing, validating, and uplifting bisexual voices that are often misunderstood.
Understanding Bi-Erasure and Its Impact
Bi-erasure refers to the dismissal or invalidation of bisexuality, which many individuals face in both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ spaces. In Nigeria, the understanding of bisexuality is even more complicated, particularly because the prevailing narrative around sexuality remains rigid, shrouded in shame and fear. In a country where the understanding of sexuality is based on the binary of “gay” and “straight,” bisexual people are often regarded as greedy, promiscuous, confused, unfaithful, or emotionally detached. Bisexual men for example, often face rejection from heterosexual women, who label them as ‘gay’ for being attracted to men. On the other hand, gay men view bisexual men as not being ‘gay enough.’ Similarly, bisexual women are fetishized by heterosexual men, and often perceived as ‘not gay enough’ by lesbians. This bias intensifies when bisexual individuals end up with someone of the opposite sex. Their identities are almost always completely dismissed. These experiences often lead to deep feelings of isolation, forcing some to stay in the closet or conform by “picking a side.”
Why Bisexual Visibility Matters
Research has shown that bisexual people report higher rates of mental health struggles, discrimination, and isolation compared to their gay or lesbian peers, according to studies by the Human Rights Campaign (The bisexual invisibility report,2014). It is not enough to simply acknowledge that bisexual people exist; we must understand that bisexuality is not a trend or phase, it is a legitimate sexual orientation that people of all walks of life experience, regardless of culture or background. And our biases, and prejudice can force people into silence. We must break down these harmful beliefs and stereotypes, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria.
To all bisexual individuals who have felt alone: You are seen, you are heard, and you belong. As we honor Bisexual Visibility Day, let’s remember that our strength lies in solidarity. Through proper education and engagement, we can create a world where bisexual individuals experience a deep sense of belonging, are fully embraced, and no longer feel the need to justify their existence.
Join Us:
Support the Bisi Alimi Foundation. Your donation will help fund life-changing programs that provide LGBTQ+ youths from Nigeria & West Africa with the resources and community they need to dismantle these harmful stereotypes within both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ spaces, and to thrive.