NEW YORK – GLAAD today announced its participation in the third annual Bisexual Awareness Week (#BiWeek) in partnership with BiNet USA; America’s oldest advocacy organization for bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer-identified, and unlabeled people. #BiWeek takes place from September 19th to 26nd with the 23rd as the official “Celebrate Bisexuality Day.”
In 2014, GLAAD co-founded and co-led the first #BiWeek with BiNet USA to draw attention to the issues faced by the bi+ community (bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer-identified, and unlabeled people), including erasure and visibility. #BiWeek will include bisexual community events on Capitol Hill and around Washington D.C. for bi+ community leaders from around the country.
GLAAD will also be hosting a panel discussion at its NYC office, Tuesday, September 20th at 6:30 p.m. on the importance of fair and accurate bi+ representation in the media, moderated by Mathew Rodriguez (Mic). Participating in the panel will be Alex Berg, (Producer HuffPost Video), Eliel Cruz (Executive Director, Faith in America; YouTuber; journalist), Bryan Ellicot (trans* & bi advocate; brought lawsuit against NYC for anti-trans discrimination; BiNet USA board member), Ashley C. Ford (Development Executive, Matter Studios), and Denarii Monroe (Black Girl Dangerous, Everyday Feminism, Ravishly). Those interested in attending get more information at http://glaad.nationbuilder.com/biweek-2016-panels .
“Bisexual Awareness Week is a powerful initiative that highlights a frequently overlooked part of the LGBTQ community,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “By focusing on issues that disproportionately affect bi+ people, we can combat the harmful tropes and erasure that they experience.”
Additionally, GLAAD will be releasing a video highlighting bi+ stories from the U.S. South as well as a Spanish-language resources for the first time. The Spanish-language resources are available at glaad.org/biweekespanol. GLAAD will also be sharing In Focus: Reporting on the Bisexual Community, a resource guide to equip journalists and media experts to accurately and effectively report on the bisexual community, its experiences, and the important issues bi+ people face.
“Even though bisexual people make up the largest portion of the greater LGBT community, they are far less likely than their gay and lesbian peers to be out to their loved ones,” said Alexandra Bolles, GLAAD’s Senior Programs Strategist. “#BiWeek is an opportunity for bisexuals and allies to unite in celebration of an often overlooked, yet resilient, community.”
“I’m delighted at the progress we’ve made over the last three years of partnering with GLAAD on Bisexual Awareness Week,” said Faith Cheltenham, President of BiNet USA. “From a rise in awareness surrounding the importance of saying the word ‘bisexual;’ to the increased recognition of bi+ health disparities and the dire need for bi-specific support for communities facing disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, poor mental health, and domestic violence; we’ve seen real advancement. It’s important that we take time to celebrate not only our continued existence, but our opportunity to positively impact every community we call home.”
Those looking to get involved can participate in #BiWeek by showing support on social media using #BiWeek and learn more about the celebration at glaad.org/biweek2016. GLAAD also offers a bevy of resources on bisexuality at glaad.org/bisexual as part of the organization’s year-round commitment to bisexual issues.
