Happy #bivisibility Day!

Happy #bivisibility day!

I use bi+ to be intentionally inclusive of all non-monosexual identified and behaving people. When I speak to youth, pansexual, fluid, queer, and unlabeled are salient ways that many express who they are to others. I hear about the importance of the bisexual identity from many of the elders who tell me about their fight for recognition in straight and gay spaces.

For me, as a white, middle class racial justice leader, I feel that bivisibility has to be about making  and transforming spaces for ourselves and each other so all of us can thrive and be honored as the beautiful, deep, and complex people we are.

So, today and everyday, I'm calling out and making intentional space for bi/pan/fluid/poly/omni/queer/and unlabeled folks with intersectional identities. Bi+ people of color and indigenous people, bi+ people who are transgender/gender variant, bi+ people who speak multiple languages, bi+ Muslims/Hindi/Jews/Budhists/Pagans/Atheists, bi+ people who have crossed national borders, bi+ folks with disabilities, bi+ folks with limited financial resources, bi+ youngsters and elders -- I believe that all of our stories matter! I believe we are stronger and more powerful when we recognize and honor each other.

Honoring each other extends beyond just calling out the presence of those whose voices might otherwise be absent. I ask for each of us to get uncomfortable and reflect about the needs of bi+ people everywhere. We won't find easy solutions to the problems bi+ people face, but we won't find solutions at all if we don't listen to those whose voices might be quiet or full of anger.

That's the spirit behind the Bi+ Story Project. We have to get creative to make space so we can listen radically to bi+ people.

You can improve #bivisibility by sharing your own story. It's quick and easy: STEP 1. Record a video (aim for 7-10 minutes).

STEP 2. Sign into your YouTube account through your gmail address and upload your video. Copy the link to your video when you're done loading it.

STEP 3. Visit http://www.bistoryproject.org/submit-your-video.html, complete the brief survey, and paste the link into the survey when prompted.

#bistoriesmatter

Peace,
Mary Hoelscher