Bisexual Health Awareness Month: Connecting the Bisexual+ Community

With the rise of LGBTQ+ acceptance and education in the past few decades, much of the focus has been on gay and lesbian individuals. That’s part of the reason why, in March, we celebrate bisexual health awareness. Bisexual individuals are those who are attracted to two or more genders.

According to their website, the Bisexual Resource Center (BRC) leads Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month, which “raises awareness about the bisexual+ (bi, pansexual, fluid, queer, etc.) community’s social, economic, and health disparities; advocates for resources; and inspires actions to improve bi+ people’s well-being” (BRC, 2022).

Misconceptions about Bisexuality

Bisexual individuals are a diverse group of people that are still not entirely understood by the general populace. There are many misconceptions about their sexuality and what it means.

Some bisexual individuals may be equally attracted to men, women, and nonbinary individuals, while others have a stronger attraction toward one gender over another. A person can be in a straight or gay relationship and still be bisexual. Their current relationship does not define their sexuality.

Bisexuality isn’t a phase either; it’s who an individual is as a whole! “One study found that only 18% of LGBTQ youth who initially came out as bisexual later came out as gay or lesbian. So while some may come out as bisexual first before identifying as gay or lesbian, this doesn’t mean that bisexual identities aren’t valid” (Brennan, 2021).

It’s the end of March now, but it’s still important to listen to and advocate for bisexual individuals year-round. If you’d like to learn more, visit the resources below.

At ARO, we recognize and celebrate Bisexual Health Awareness Month. We have resources for the LGBTQ+ Community and support and work with individuals who need help. ARO is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse through education and support. To learn more, check out https://GoARO.org.

References

Bihealthmonth.org. (2016, February). Bisexual Health Awareness Month. Bisexual Resource Center. https://bihealthmonth.org/

Manchesterpride.com. (n.d.). Bisexual Health Awareness Month: What it means to be B+. Manchester Pride. https://www.manchesterpride.com/blog/bisexual-health-awareness-month:-what-it-means-to-be-bi+

Blum, D. (2021, June 30). The ‘double closet’: Why some bisexual people struggle with mental health. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/well/bisexual-mental-health-lgbt.html

Brennan, D. (2021). Bisexuality: What does it mean? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-bisexual