Bi Visibility Day started was first marked in 1999 and is now celebrated yearly on 23 September. It is a chance for the bi+ community and allies to come together and celebrate as well as helping to raise awareness and correct misconceptions. Bi+ people are often under-represented in the media and when discussing LGBT+ issues; Bi Visibility Day is our chance to make our voices louder. This year marks the 19th Bi Visibility Day, with events taking place across the city providing the opportunity for the bi+ community to increase their profile more than ever before.
The main event to mark this celebration will take place on Friday 22 September where Leeds Bi Group, supported by Leeds City Council LGBT+ hub and Touchstone, present ‘The Bi Review’ at the Cosmopolitan hotel in the city’s Freedom Quarter. Running between 5pm and 7pm, the event will review key events in the last 12 months for the bi community. The event is free of charge. All are welcome at the After Party from 7.30pm in the upstairs room at Queens Court (please note this room is only accessible via a flight of stairs, there is no lift available.)
Leeds City Council in conjunction with the LGBT+ Hub and Leeds Bi Group will be hosting a marketplace event on Saturday 23 September in Dortmund Square in Leeds City Centre from 11am to 3pm. Other events taking place include the Leeds Frontrunners, an inclusive LGBT+ running club, who will be holding their regular run (or walk!) at Roundhay Park lake and are encouraging participants to wear purple in recognition of Bi Visibility.
Other notable events are that the Leeds Hunters, Yorkshire’s premier inclusive Rugby Union team, will be training in purple. Also on Thursday 21 September at 6pm Bradford’s Equity Partnership are hosting a Bi Awareness event.
Social media will also play a key role in the day, and as many people as possible are urged to join the Bi Visibility Thunderclap on Twitter. The Thunderclap, which is a pre-set message, will send a tweet from user accounts in an attempt to get both #BiVisibilityDay and #BiPride trending.
Emily Metcalfe, Chair of Leeds Bi Group said, “This is the second year we’ll be working with Touchstone to put on an event to mark Bi Visibility Day. I have been working as a volunteer and activist in the bi+ community in Leeds for three years and am so pleased to have ally organisations engaging and supporting us.”
To get involved or for further information about the events mentioned please email leedsbigroup@gmail.com
