The Allan Labor Government continues to support LGBTIQA+ Victorians this Bi+ Visibility Day with the merger of two leading organisations - Melbourne Bisexual Network and Bisexual Alliance Victoria - to form Bi+ Pride Victoria.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing and Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Joe Ball today visited the Victorian Pride Centre to announce the merger that aims to strengthen support and advocacy for bi+ Victorians, and release Australian-first research highlighting the unique challenges of biphobia and bi-erasure.
The Labor Government invested $32,000 in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support the merger which marks a key step to advancing the interests of bi+ Victorians, while reducing duplication and expanding regional networks.
Bisexual Alliance Victoria, formed in 2010, has been dedicated to promoting the acceptance of bi+ people within and outside of LGBTIQA+ communities. Melbourne Bisexual Network, formed in 2017, has worked towards improving bi+ Victorians' health and wellbeing through advocacy, education and community engagement.
The nation-leading research released to coincide with the merger highlights the history and impact of bisexual community groups in Victoria while offering insights into the unique challenges of biphobia and bi-erasure, along with the crucial role these groups play in supporting the largest demographic within the LGBTIQA+ community.
Spaces to Be - A History of Bisexual Groups in Victoria is one of the first comprehensive histories of bisexuality in Australia, providing an invaluable overview of bi+ community building and activism in Victoria over nearly 50 years.
The report highlights lived experiences and recommends increased research, along with specific resources and supports for bi+ people, emphasising the critical role of dedicated groups in fostering connection and belonging.
Bi+ Visibility Day, also known as Celebrate Bisexuality Day, is held every year at the end of Bisexual Awareness Week and focuses on celebrating bi+ people and their resilience, diversity and histories, recognising that bi-erasure undermines their identities, experiences and wellbeing both within and outside of LGBTIQA+ communities.
As stated by Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
"Here in Victoria, equality is not negotiable - and the merger to form Bi+ Pride Victoria will deliver and advocate for the issues that affect the bi+ community - highlighted through the nation-leading research launched today."
As stated by Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Joe Ball
"Congratulations, Bi+ Pride Victoria, on this important history of bi+ activism in Victoria. This research highlights bi+ people's ongoing need for connection and community, important protective factors in their health and wellbeing."
As stated by Spaces to Be researcher Dr Hamish McIntosh
"Despite bi+ Victorians representing the largest population in our rainbow community, they continue to endure high rates of isolation from within and without queer spaces. This report sheds much-needed light on the ways that bi+ people have come together for solidarity and support over the last five decades in the face of this erasure."
