As the summer draws to a close, the celebration of queer identities continues to thrive. September is Bisexual Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and understanding the experiences of one of the largest yet often misunderstood communities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. In the heart of London’s Soho, Queerwell is set to host a bisexual+ community workshop on 6 September, offering a space for dialogue and connection.
Lucía Rodriguez Perez, a practitioner at Queerwell, brings a wealth of personal experience and insight to the conversation. Having identified as bisexual for over fifteen years, Lucía emphasizes the importance of this month and the need for dedicated spaces for the bisexual community.
Why Bisexual Awareness Month Matters
Lucía Rodriguez Perez openly admits that she was initially unaware of Bisexual Awareness Month. ‘I’m bisexual; I’ve been bisexual for quite a few years now, over fifteen,’ she shares. For her, this month is a crucial opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and connect. ‘Even though they’re one of the biggest communities within the LGBTQIA+ community, they don’t seem to be as strongly together,’ she notes.
The sense of isolation that many bisexual individuals feel, both within the queer community and the straight community, underscores the importance of having a dedicated month to foster unity and understanding. ‘To me, Bi+ Pride is a moment to enjoy between people that I identify with,’ Lucía explains. This month serves as a beacon, bringing together individuals who often feel invisible or misunderstood.
Challenging Misconceptions and Myths
Misconceptions about bisexuality are rampant, both from outside and within the community. Lucía addresses some of the most pervasive myths, starting with the stereotype that bisexuals are promiscuous. ‘One is that we f*ck everybody around or that we are promiscuous,’ she says. This binary attitude often overlooks the diversity of gender identities, reducing them to a simplistic two-gender framework.
Another common myth is that bisexuality is merely a phase. ‘The second is that it’s a phase, and that I might be more into women than men, so therefore I should be calling myself lesbian, or if I’m more into men, I’m just in a straight relationship,’ Lucía explains. She challenges this notion with a humorous yet poignant analogy: ‘We bisexuals don’t mingle and meet every December and run a kind of tick-box exercise, like, I have shagged three of this gender and three of that gender! I am still bisexual – I’m bisexual full stop.’
Lucía’s perspective on bisexuality is inclusive and fluid. She playfully points out that ‘anything that touches me is bisexual,’ emphasizing the interconnectedness and diversity within the community. This approach helps to dismantle stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of bisexual identities.
Supporting the Bisexual Community
Lucía offers practical advice for allies, both straight and within the queer community, on how to support the bisexual community and tackle biphobia. ‘Number one: listen to us if we verbalise our discomfort or if our face shows it,’ she advises. Active listening and acknowledging mistakes are crucial steps in fostering a supportive environment.
Creating dedicated spaces for bisexual individuals is another key aspect of allyship. Lucía recalls a memorable experience at the Buddhafield festival in Somerset, where a bisexual woman curated a series of bi-focused events. ‘I remember that I was so deeply connected to that tent stage that I never left,’ she shares. This experience highlights the importance of having spaces where bisexual individuals can feel seen and celebrated.
Lucía’s upcoming workshop at Queerwell’s Sunday Sanctuary on 6 September aims to provide just such a space. ‘The workshop is happening this Sunday in the early afternoon,’ she announces. It will be a time and space for bi+ affirmation, exploring what bisexuality means and understanding the myths surrounding it. The workshop promises to be conversational and attendee-driven, fostering a sense of community and connection.
For those interested in discussing the bisexual+ experience further, Lucía’s workshop offers a safe and welcoming environment. To find out more and book a place, click here.
DIVA magazine, a beacon of queer media for over 30 years, continues to spotlight the LGBTQIA+ community. As a charity, the DIVA Charitable Trust invites support to keep the conversation going for another generation. To learn more about the organization and how to offer your support, visit .
