Submitted by: Jae Blakley, SEIU-West Gender & Sexual Diversity Co-Chair
September 23rd is Bisexual Pride Day, and SEIU-West’s Gender & Sexual Diversity Committee is happy to celebrate our bisexual and pansexual members.
Bisexual people can be men, women, or non-binary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to members of their own sex or gender, or of a different sex or gender. The term pansexual is used by some members of the bi community, and means they can be attracted to members of all sexes and genders. Pansexuality is sometimes viewed as being more trans-inclusive than bisexuality, although the terms are often used interchangeably.
Bisexual Pride Day was first observed in 1999. The celebration of bisexuality in particular, as opposed to general 2SLGBTQIA+* events, was conceived as a response to the prejudice and marginalization of bisexual people by some in both the straight and greater queer communities.
There are many misconceptions about people who are bisexual. It is important to understand that bisexuality is its own unique sexual orientation. A person can be bisexual regardless of the gender of the person they are in a relationship with. The appearance of their relationship, i.e. straight presenting or queer presenting, does not define their sexuality.
Bisexual Pride Day is an important day to celebrate the diversity of the bi community, raise the voices of bi people, and call for increased inclusivity and positive change.
| Term | Definition |
| 2SLGBTQIA+ |
This acronym is meant to encompass and be inclusive of the Queer Community. The specific letters in the acronym mean: 2Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual The + includes Pansexual, Agender, Gender Queer, Questioning, and other terms which are evolving and emerging. |
Additional definitions and information can be found on the Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee page on our website, including this Gender and Sexual Diversity Glossary published by the Government of Canada.