Bringing bisexual voices together
Nila is the Co-founder of Bi’s of Colour. Please help support them in this difficult time.
LGBT History Month so far…
I’ve attended 2 events so far for LGBT History Month. Both events were clear that they were inclusive of bisexuals, unlike most LGBT history month events that are LGGGGGG….t
The launch of Expansions at Watney Street Library was fab! Several artists and creators presented their work on the walls. There was also an eclectic mix of readings and coming out stories, where I learned a new phrase for cunilingus - ice-poling!
The Bi’s of Colour celebration was held at Peckham Library. I gave a talk on history of bisexual people of colour - from Gilgamesh to Grace Jones. There was also a lot of excited chatting about the future of the group.
I’ve been generally disappointed by the exclusion of bisexual people in LGBT History Month (as I am every single year). My email to the organisers was completely ignored, as white cisgender people dominate the entire month. Saying “bisexuals are covered within LGBT content” is meaningless when we are erased nine times out of ten.
Tomorrow i’ll be off to Bristol to deliver my bisexual history talk again at the national festival event. I was only contacted to do this because someone on the organising team realised they didn’t have ANY bisexual content. This is beyond poor. But this is what often seems to happen.
Lesbian and gay folks, you all need to do so much better!
Below is my letter to School’s Out over the lack of bisexual inclusion in their official program:
I read through your magazine that accompanies LGBT history month. Apart from the pictures of David Bowie, I couldn’t find anything that was specifically bisexual.
I was invited to take part in the LGBT History Month event in Bristol on 20th February, after being told by someone else involved, that there wasn’t a single bisexual session in it. They realised at the last minute that they needed a bisexual speaker to be there.
I was contacted by someone who attended the launch of LGBT History Month last weekend in London. They told me there wasn’t any bisexual content or speakers at the event.
These are just 3 examples of the lack of bisexuality in LGBT History Month. I realise that we bisexuals have to put ourselves forward, but if we are never asked to participate, then how can we? I have been very disappointed with all of this, because it happens year after year. I’ve been told that bisexuality is covered within LGBT talks and sessions, but that isn’t a good enough way to include us. If I don’t see that something is specifically bisexual, I and many others will assume we aren’t wanted there, and won’t be addressed either. This assumption has formed because of the countless times bisexuals are promised inclusion, but nothing has appeared.
So I have 2 questions for you:
How can you have a LGBT event with no B present?
What are you going to do to ensure this doesn’t happen again next year?
SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday 14th of February may be Valentines Day, but it’s also the Bi’s of Colour Celebration for LGBT History Month!
Where: Peckham Library (5th floor) - 122 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 5JR. Nearest train station is Peckham Rye (has lots of stairs) or Peckham Queens Road (has a lift). The library is very accessible, with decent loos inside and ramps to enter.
When: 1pm - 3pm
Why: LGBT History Month is traditionally not a great time for either People of Colour or Bisexuals. We tend to get erased, and our history is ignored. Jacq Applebee will be talking about our history project, and there will be refreshments too!
If you need any more info, email us at bis.of.colour@gmail.com
February is #LGBT History Month in the U.K. There are a few events with content from bisexual AND Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people. For more information on LGBT History Month events across the country, see http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
February 4th Expansions - 6:30pm onwards - https://t.co/lIitRwIwDE -
Idea Store Watney Market, 260 Commercial road E1 2FBFebruary 14th Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street London SE15 5JR
1-3 Bi’s of Colour Event, with food, socialising, stories and talks. Wheelchair accessible.February 20th Bristol National LGBT Festival - History and Stories from J. Applebee – the only bisexual content in the entire festival! http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/event/national-history-day-bristol/?instance_id=2882
February 27th Manchester – 5pm - LGBT Foundation – 5 Richmond St, Manchester M1 3HF –
Past, present and future of Bisexuals of Colour from J. Applebee
