Don’t Wait for Change: Vote
Let’s be real for a second. If there’s one thing history has taught us, it’s that change doesn’t happen because we sit around waiting for someone else to fix things. Stonewall wasn’t a polite request; it was a riot. And while I’m not suggesting you throw bricks at your local polling station (although it would make a statement), I am saying that showing up to vote is the next best way to shake things up.
As bi+ folks, we often get sidelined, both in the LGBTQ+ community and society at large. We’re too often invisible—unless someone’s trying to stereotype us or erase our experiences. So why should we, the chronically misunderstood, care about voting? Well, because elections impact us just as much, if not more, than anyone else.
Here’s why your vote matters:
- Our rights are on the line. For bi+ people, especially those of us who don’t fit the stereotypical image of what it means to be “queer,” the fight for equality is often even more complicated. We face unique hurdles—from being overlooked in healthcare, to experiencing erasure in LGBTQ+ spaces, to facing discrimination in the workplace. And when it comes to marriage equality and legal protections, our place in these conversations is too often minimized. The policies that get shaped in the halls of power directly impact our daily lives, our safety, and our ability to live authentically. Don’t buy into the myth that your vote doesn’t matter. Every vote is a voice in the fight for our rights, and yours absolutely counts.
- Visibility is power. When bi+ people vote, we make it clear that we exist and that we’re paying attention. We demand representation, policies that reflect our needs, and leaders who actually get it. By voting, we remind people we’re not just “the B in the middle”—we’re a community with power and voice. And that power is growing! According to a 2024 report from GLAAD, LGBTQ+ Americans are one of the fastest-growing voter blocs in the country. If current trends hold, by 2030, nearly one in seven voters (14.3%) will identify as LGBTQ+, up from the current one in ten. By 2040, this number will rise even further, to nearly one in five voters (17.8%)!
- Representation matters. We’re used to hearing how underrepresented we are, but how do you think that’s going to change if we stay silent at the polls? Bi+ representation in government is crucial for ensuring that the voices and experiences of bi+ individuals are heard and addressed in public policy. When bi+ leaders are part of decision-making processes, they bring their lived experiences to the table, helping to craft policies that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the bi+ community. Their presence in government also combats harmful stereotypes, fosters understanding, and encourages greater acceptance of bisexuality in all its diversity. According to Out For America, there are currently 186 elected officials who openly identify as bi+, which isn’t much when you consider how large our country is. By speaking out and supporting bi+ candidates, people can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and create a more inclusive political landscape where all voices are heard and valued. You want to see more bi+ representation in government and increase the chances that the next generation will have role models to look up to? Cool, me too. Vote for it.
So, yes, Stonewall was a riot—and it was about fighting for safety, visibility, respect, and equal treatment. The fight’s not over yet, and casting your vote is a direct way to continue that legacy. Now, go riot at the ballot box, because the future of our community depends on it.
Check your voter registration status today.
From Bisexual Resource Center Advocacy’s Committee: Bailey Merlin, Lauren Mariolis, Sara Schmieder, and Brooke Lindley