Celebrate Bisexuality Day ( Bi Visibility Day)
Every year on September 23, people around the world come together to recognize Celebrate Bisexuality Day, also known as Bi Visibility Day.
It's a special day to honor bisexual individuals, their stories, and the vibrant community they’re part of.
Whether through festivals, poetry, or quiet conversations, this day shines a spotlight on the beauty and validity of bisexuality.
First observed in 1999, it continues to grow as a powerful reminder that love is not one-size-fits-all, and that every identity deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Background
The roots of Celebrate Bisexuality Day trace back to the early '90s, well before its official launch.
In 1990, a major step forward happened with the creation of BiNet USA, the first national network in the United States focused solely on bisexual advocacy.
That same year, San Francisco hosted the first-ever National Bisexual Conference, drawing over 450 attendees from across 20 states and five countries.
The mayor of the city declared June 23, 1990, as Bisexual Pride Day in honor of the event, recognizing the bisexual community's contributions to social justice.
The official celebration we know today began on September 23, 1999, during a conference hosted by the International Lesbian and Gay Association in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The idea came from three American bisexual activists, Wendy Curry (Maine), Michael Page (Florida), and Gigi Raven Wilbur (Texas), who felt bisexual people deserved their own space within the LGBTQ+ movement.
They chose September 23 for a few reasons: it falls within the birthday month of Freddie Mercury, a beloved bisexual icon, and it’s also Gigi Wilbur’s birthday, which conveniently landed on a weekend that year. The plan was simple: create a day that gave bisexual individuals the visibility and celebration they were too often denied.
Since its founding, the day has gained international recognition. In 2012, Berkeley, California, made history as the first American city to officially acknowledge the day through a city council proclamation.
Momentum continued in 2013, when bisexual advocates were invited to a first-of-its-kind meeting at the White House, where they discussed pressing issues unique to the bisexual community with federal officials.
The movement became popular n in the United Kingdom that year, with Equalities Minister Jo Swinson publicly supporting Bi Visibility Day and encouraging broader inclusion of bisexual voices in LGBTQ+ spaces.
Support has continued to grow. In 2021, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf became the first U.S. governor to officially recognize Bisexual Pride Day through a public statement.
Nowadays, many people refer to the occasion as Bisexuality+ Day to embrace a wider spectrum of identities under the bi+ umbrella, including those who identify as pansexual, fluid, polysexual, omni sexual, or queer.
This day stands not just as a celebration, but as a powerful reminder: bisexual individuals exist, matter, and deserve to be seen, every single year on September 23.
Bisexual Awareness Week
Bisexual+ Awareness Week, launched by BiNet USA in 2014, begins on September 16 and leads up to Celebrate Bisexuality Day on September 23. This week is dedicated to highlighting the voices, challenges, and contributions of the bi+ community, which includes bisexual, pansexual, fluid, and other non-monosexual identities. With support from groups like GLAAD, the week encourages both allies and bi+ individuals to explore the community’s history, culture, and advocacy efforts. It’s also a powerful opportunity for bi+ people to share their stories, build connections, and create visibility, helping others feel seen, supported, and less alone.
How to Participate
You can take part in Celebrate Bisexuality Day in many easy and meaningful ways.
Start by learning more about bisexuality through articles, documentaries, or social media accounts run by bi+ creators.
Sharing supportive messages or bisexual pride content online can help raise awareness and show your support. If you're part of the bi+ community, consider sharing your story to inspire and empower others.
Attend local or virtual events like discussions, poetry readings, or pride celebrations.
Simply having open, respectful conversations with friends and family about bisexuality can make a big difference too.
Whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, your voice matters in helping create a more inclusive world.
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