Bi+ Visibility Day 2022

Campaign: #BiVisible
For this year’s Bi+ Visibility Day

The goal of the campaign is to empower bisexual people, to create visibility through a large number of participants as well as to highlight the diversity of bisexual people.

We understand bisexual as all people who do not have romantic and/or sexual relationships exclusively with people of a certain gender.

The campaign was initiated jointly by the PROUT AT WORK-Foundation and Accenture.

How do you experience the topic of bisexuality at work?

In the engeneering world, I perceive mostly heterosexual men, who have had homoerotic experiences, but distance themselves from bi+ or homo+. It seems that bisexuality doesnt quite fit into the world view of their colleagues. In that context, Bi+ is often associated with promiscuity or lack of decisiveness.

How do you, as a bisexual person, want to be viewed?

I dont agree with prejudiced labels. For example, I am completely monogamous by my own decision, and I am only in a relationship with one person at a time, „despite“ being bi+. I dont want to be judged as poly/mono based on my bisexuality; everyone should find happiness in their own ways; the most important thing for me is to be seen as myself.

How can this topic be taken up in a work environment?

Awareness is, same as in all LGBTIQ themes, the key to getting rid of prejudice, and prevent unreflected hurt in the future. Thats why Visibility campaigns like Bi+Visibility Day are so important!

How do you experience the topic of bisexuality at work?

I am a bisexual single mother. Most oft he time, I´m not perceived as a bisexual or part oft he LGBTIQ* Community, since I have a child from a relationship with a man. When I tell my colleagues that I am active in the LGBT* Community in my company, the first reaction is often confusion. When I out myself as bisexual afterwards, the responses are neutral. I also experienced that a lesbian colleague on an LGBT* meeting by the company suddenly, and very obviously, lost interest  in me when I told her I´m bisexual. The reality of bisexual people not being taken seriously in the LGBT* community is also sadly reoccurring reality. I have heard people refer to me with „When you still were lesbian.“ Or „when you played for the other team“ and that made me as a bisexual person, feel misunderstood. Even with neutral reactions, I feel insecure about what my colleagues think and if theyre prejudiced. It´s important to me to be able to come out to people, because my bisexuality is part of my history and what makes me me.

How do you, as a bisexual person, want to be viewed?

I fall in love with a person. Despite their gender. My Bisexuality is not a phase, I am not confused, I know very well what I wish for in a relationship. Despite that, the way to get there wasn´t easy, I myself thought I had to „pick a side“ and came out as lesbian. At some point I had to out myself again as bisexual, when I understood that I could also fall in love with men, and that it is okay. My non-binary gender Identity was overlooked for a long time. Thats what shaped my history and experiences.

How can this topic be taken up in a work environment?

The topic of bisexuality is given room, if there is conversation about the LGBT* Community on a company level. (Presentations, Diversity & inclusion)

How do you experience the topic of bisexuality at work?

I am not only a teacher who is concerned with diversity at my school, but also diversity representative who gives advice and coordinates projects. I am openly bisexual. Colleagues have talked to me regarding my newspaper interviews, and congratulated me on them. They approve of me.Nowadays, I experience more and more students coming out, especially as bisexual, non-binary or trans*. Gay and bisexual boys are more apprehensive.On the 23. Of September, we will raise the bisexual flag in my school.

How do you want to be viewed as a bisexual person?

Fundamentally, my bisexuality is only one of many properties of my person. I am also creative, reliable, empathic, often impatient, hilarious, I love board- and cardgames, fantasy, writing and yoga.But visibility is extremely important to bisexual people, because theyre often overlooked or actively made to be invisible.I think bisexuality is a gift, and thats why I want beauty to be seen in it.

How can this topic be taken up in a work environment?

Trough diversity-working groups, trough the raising oft he Bi-Flag, trough normalizing that people can love other people with different genders. Even more than one person at the same time. Trough supporting Bi+Pride. By attendance of #TeachOut (if you habe a teaching background). The own coming out encourages others, thats why if you have a good relationship with work colleagues, and are well liked/accepted-what are you waiting for? If not for yourself, do it for others!