Bisexuality Day

Bisexuality Day History

Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about bisexuality and promote greater understanding and acceptance of the bi+ community. It seeks to highlight the unique challenges and experiences faced by bisexual individuals, who often encounter invisibility and erasure within both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. The observance encourages people of all sexual orientations to engage in conversations about bisexuality, challenge stereotypes, and support the well-being of the bi+ community.

The first Bi Visibility Day was held in 1999 and was initiated by three American bisexual activists to address the lack of representation of bisexual individuals in the mainstream LGBTQ+ rights movement. In Canada, this observance is essential because bisexual individuals continue to face unique challenges compared to their heterosexual and homosexual counterparts. They experience higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence, often due to biphobia and misconceptions about bisexuality. By raising awareness about these challenges and providing resources tailored to the Canadian bi+ community, Bi Visibility Day aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for the diverse population of bisexual Canadians.

In Canada, Bi Visibility Day is widely observed through various events and initiatives, including educational workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, and social gatherings. These activities aim to bring together members of the bi+ community, allies, and the broader Canadian public to celebrate bisexual identities, increase visibility, and promote understanding. Following the international schedule, Canadians observe Bi Visibility Day on September 23rd to recognize, honor, and support the diverse experiences and contributions of the bi+ community across the country.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Bisexuality Day in Canada

• The 2026 observance serves as the 28th annual celebration of this global event, marking 27 years since the first occurrence in 1999.
• The date is officially recognized as an opportunity to challenge 'bi erasure'—the tendency to overlook or dismiss bisexual identities in both heterosexual and wider LGBTQ+ spaces.
• Bisexual individuals and those under the “bi+” umbrella, including pansexual, polysexual, and omnisexual people, make up the largest single group within the LGBTQ+ population.
• The term 'bi' is used intentionally instead of 'bisexuality' to be inclusive of all people who experience attraction to more than one gender, including those who are biromantic but not bisexual.
• The observance was originally established by three activists—Wendy Curry, Michael Page (who also created the bisexual pride flag), and Gigi Raven Wilbur—at the International Lesbian and Gay Association Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• The date of September 23 was selected partly to honor the birthday of the iconic bisexual musician Freddie Mercury.
• In Canada, the day is frequently observed by 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and workplaces through educational initiatives aimed at reducing biphobia and fostering inclusive environments.
• Research highlights that bisexual individuals often face unique mental and physical health challenges, including higher rates of anxiety and depression, which are frequently linked to the stress of invisibility and social stigma.
• Canadian experts emphasize that identifying as bi is a valid, distinct orientation and that the community has its own rich, specific history of activism and organization that is often missing from mainstream records.
• Activists and researchers in Canada use the occasion to advocate for more data collection and workplace policies that specifically address the needs of bi+ individuals rather than grouping them under broad umbrella acronyms.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Bisexuality Day

Top things to do in Canada for Bisexuality Day

• Participate in online events held by LGBTQ+ groups, such as watch parties, virtual panel discussions, or live Q&As with bisexual activists and public figures.
• Educate yourself about bisexual history, culture, and issues by attending relevant seminars, workshops, or by participating in online webinars and discussions.