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Building Bi-Inclusive Community Spaces

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WJlDvNzNN0]

Work to rethink the way we use labels!

On the last day of our campaign’s Action Week, Bisexual Health Awareness Month focuses on community-based action steps that can best support bisexual+ youth.

In one report, bisexual+ youth were less likely to be out to their families, friends, and communities, and only 4% of pansexual youth reported feeling like they “definitely fit in” with their community. In addition, bisexual youth are less likely of having attended a queer youth group compared to their gay and lesbian peers. Therefore, it is critical for community centers and places of worship to provide bisexual-specific and -inclusive spaces for bisexual+ youth.

Some action steps for these community centers and places of worship to build upon their bisexual+ inclusivity include:

  • Implementing bisexual-specific programs, services, and resources; Often bi+ people avoid LGBTQ+ spaces if they don’t see themselves truly represented!
  • Bisexual+ individuals often experience biphobia, transphobia, racism, ageism, and/or ableism, so organizations must work towards creating safer and more inclusive spaces; Supporting bisexual+ youth and their intersecting identities is critical in improving their overall health and well-being
  • Filling your LGBTQ+ resource library or suggested reading list with bisexual+ literature; Great listings of bi+ books can be found here and here
  • Connecting bisexual+ youth with their community; Bi-specific groups are listed here, and a listing of LGBTQ+ religious groups can be found here
  • Working towards addressing LGBTQ+ issues in the criminal justice system, particularly for transgender* youth and youth of color who often experience oppression, unfair treatment, and discrimination; A recent report by the Movement Advancement Project provides various recommendations and resources for fixing this broken system

What else can we do to support and care for bisexual+ youth in our communities? Let us know in the comments!