15 Things Manchester’s Bisexual Community Loves About Being Bi
Bisexual pride and awareness has come a long way in the UK. With the annual celebration of Bisexual Visibility Day - which is celebrated on September 23 - and the most recent census showing that 624,000 people (1.3% of the population) describe themselves as bisexual, it can seem like bisexual pride is bigger than ever. However, for years many LGBTQ+ organisations refused to engage with or advocate for the Bi+ community.
So, to celebrate not just the amazing bisexual community in Manchester and the North of England - but just how far bisexual pride in the UK has come - we reached out to the local bisexual community to find out what they love most about being the ‘B’ in LGBT.
What’s The Best Thing About Being Bisexual?
“Being able to be myself fully and unapologetically.”
“Knowing the power of and - that the world isn’t either/or it’s sometimes “both are good!”
“The bisexual flag - we get the best flag colours”
“I love that I fall in love with or experience attraction to people based on their intellect, personality, and appearance - and that’s not limited by gender or biology. It feels wonderfully freeing.”
“I love the colour purple. There seems to be a genuine love of the colour among bi folk. Once on my way to BiCon I wasn’t sure if I was on the right bus - but then looking around at the other passengers I saw so many people had either purple accessories like handbags or umbrellas. One person even had a purple suitcase… It was then I knew I was on the right bus.”
“I’ve found the bi community to be much more open-minded and inclusive than people I meet in day-to-day life.”
“Watching the X-Files and experiencing attraction to both Mulder and Scully.”
“When I move cities I can go to bi events and always see someone I know. My straight friends never have that. It feels like I’m always part of a bigger network.”
“Bisexuality allows me to express my identity in a way that removes the internal dialogue of ‘not gay enough’ - I feel totally liberated.”
“All the great puns we have like ‘bi the way’ and ‘bi and mighty’ etc.”
“The fact I’ve learnt so much about equality and inclusion from bi events and conferences.”
“I came out in 1989 and it’s brilliant how different it is now. Be it finding support, seeing yourself reflected in TV and film, or the flag letting you spot other bi folk at Pride. We are not alone!”
“Through events like BiCon or local bi groups, I’ve made friends around the whole country. My life has been all the richer for it.”
“Belonging to a community of bisexual humans who understand that the world is not necessarily divided in a binary way is such a gift.”
“There is a strong bi thread - running through time and space - that will never die. I think that’s really awesome and beautiful.”
Bisexual Support with Biphoria
For some people, simply being a part of a loving queer community is enough. However, sometimes it’s nice to chat with people who just get it. Many bisexual individuals find this with BiPhoria - the oldest bisexual organisation in the UK. BiPhoria was formed back in 1994 as a safe space for both those who are comfortably “out” and those who are bi-curious or want to be discreet about their bisexuality.
While Manchester-based, this group is open to the bisexual community up and down the country. You can join BiPhoria’s main monthly online meeting called Bi Talky Space on the first Wednesday of every month. The meeting is held over Zoom from 7.30pm and the first half an hour is a ‘new member’s space’ so you never get the feeling of walking into a room of people who already know each other! BiPhoria also runs a bi book club for those looking to read more great queer literature.
Celebrate Bisexual Pride with Rainbow & Co
While the UK has come on leaps and bounds in celebrating and advocating for the bisexual community, it’s important to remember there’s still progress to be made. Many of those who chatted with us expressed their feelings that there was still a way to go for bisexual individuals to feel totally accepted outside the LGBTQIA+ community - and within it, as well. But in the meantime, we want to celebrate all the great things the community enjoys about bisexuality - so from everyone at Rainbow & Co, Happy Bisexual Visibility Day!
A big thank you to Jen, AJ and Han for chatting with us and also those who engaged with our posts on social media.
You can shop the complete Bisexual Pride Collection at Rainbow & Co now.
Tilly Brogan
Tilly is a queer Freelance Copywriter based in Manchester. She balances her time between working with LGBTQ+ organisations and women’s rights charities - and people watching in various Manchester cafes. She is also a proud lesbian. You can read more of her work here .
