Bi people are often a forgotten part of the LGBTQ+ community and their experiences are commonly assumed to be the same as their lesbian and gay peers. As well as being misunderstood, Bi people also face various forms of discrimination and stereotyping both from heterosexual people and other members of the gay and lesbian community. Indeed, Bi identities are frequently made invisible or simply dismissed as not existing (Bi-invisibility or Bi-erasure).
Why do we need Bi Visibility Day?
Today marks Bi Visibility Day, but why do we need it?
Here are some top facts you should be aware of:
- 20% of bi people are out to their family compares to 63% of gay and lesbian people (Stonewall Bi Report, 2020)
- 22% of bi people are out to work colleagues compared to 44% of gay and lesbian people (Stonewall Bi Report, 2020)
- People who identify as bisexual experience significantly higher levels of anxiety than any other group, as well as lower levels of life satisfaction and happiness (ONS report)
- 13% of bi people have experienced unwanted sexual contact, versus 7% of gay and lesbian people (Stonewall Bi Report, 2020)
- Common labels incorrectly directed at Bi people are that they are greedy, promiscuous, confused, indecisive, only women, transphobic
What is the experience for Bi colleagues at Lloyd’s?
For the first time, the recent Culture Survey has given us some headline stats for Bi colleagues that is concerning to the organisation and Pride&Allies committee. These were:
- Bi colleagues feel significantly more under pressure to perform in work than gay or heterosexual peers
- 45% of Bi colleagues felt that working at Lloyd’s is having a negative impact on their health and wellbeing – much higher than their gay or heterosexual peers
- 45% of bi colleagues felt they could not be themselves at work
These findings were based on a small number and as with other parts of the survey there is no way of knowing who these people are beyond the overall stats. Whilst it’s pleasing to have some real data to look at, clearly these results make for uncomfortable reading and are significantly lower than any other community at Lloyd’s.
So what can we do to help improve experiences of our Bi Colleagues?
Everyone can do more to be bi inclusive, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. Stonewall have shared these 5 simple things you can do to create safe and supportive environments for bi people:
1. Believe us
Bi people exist, and all bi identities are valid. It is all too common for bi people to be challenged and scrutinised on their identity. One bi person might generally date one gender, another might have been in a monogamous relationship with somebody for many years – and they can both still be bi. Believing bi people about their own identity is the bare minimum of allyship!
2. Make no assumptions
Don’t assume someone’s identity based on their current or previous partner(s). The gender of someone’s sexual or romantic partners doesn’t define them
3. Recognise and challenge biphobia
Whether it’s harassment or a harmful generalisation about bi people, make sure to challenge biphobia when you see or hear it. Don’t leave it to bi people to do all the work, support other allies when they challenge prejudice
4. Use inclusive language
Think carefully about who you’re talking about. You can erase and exclude bi people when using words like ‘gay’ as catch-all terms, especially if you don’t know whether everyone you’re referring to identifies in that way. But remember that outing someone or asking intrusive questions to pin down their identity is harmful – there are plenty of resources online about bi-inclusive language. Read up!
5. Celebrate us!
Amplify and celebrate bi people and their stories. Days like Bi Visibility Day are a great reason to celebrate us, but ensure that you’re also giving our identities and experiences a platform throughout the year. And think about attending Pride&Allies events during the year to demonstrate your inclusivity.
Dive In 2022
Don’t forget you can also attend Dive In Festival, there is still a chance to register and check out the wide range of diversity & inclusion events on offer, helping to build Braver Cultures.
Dive InAdam Triggs - Senior Manager, Learning, Talent Development & Inclusion, Lloyd's
23 Sep 2022