National LGBTQ Task Force Celebrates Bisexual Awareness Week 2016

The National LGBTQ Task Force is celebrating Bisexual Awareness Week from September 19-26, and Bisexuality Day September 23, by urging everyone to educate themselves more about the realities of bi+ people's lives.

"This week we urge everyone in the LGBTQ community and the general public to educate themselves more about the issues affecting people who are attracted to people of any gender-bi+, bisexual, fluid, queer, etc. We exist in abundance and we deserve more attention to the reality of our lives," said Stacey Long Simmons, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, National LGBTQ Task Force who identifies as bisexual.

"Bi+ people are some of the most maligned and misunderstood members of our LGBTQ community, yet statistically they comprise the largest group in the LGBTQ community. We need more public awareness, as the lack of visibility about the lives and specific experiences of bi+ people has serious consequences. For example, research shows that bisexual women experience higher rates of sexual assault, smoking, and suicide as compared to heterosexual women and gay men.

"Stereotypes such as the hyper-sexualization of bi+ people, and assumptions that we "don't exist," that we're "confused" or that we can be "turned" gay or lesbian or straight contribute to marginalization of the bi+community. And as we approach National Coming Out Day, October 11, we encourage more bi+ people to come out, live their lives genuinely, authentically, and freely."