ShoutOut to our LGBTQ+ Role Models: Bisexual Folks
/We are continuing our series giving ShoutOuts to our role models today with Lisa Nic An Bhreithimh, ShoutOut volunteer extraordinaire! Lisa is on our Executive Team which is the group of volunteers who run ShoutOut with the two members of staff.
Lisa is an out and proud Bi+ woman and here she talks about her Bicons!
Our Lisa! x
Bi icons, there are lots of them - from our own powerhouse ShoutOut director, Bella to Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Not always the most 'out' of the world of queer people, bi folks are there but sometimes not as loud and proud in their identity. According to a study by the Pew Research Centre released last year bi folk are far less likely to be out as lesbian or gay people.
“ Only 18% of those who identify as bisexual say all or most of the important people in their lives are aware of their sexual orientation. In contrast, 75% of gay and lesbian adults say the same. “
Billie Joe Armstrong
Bi folks sometimes feel unseen, or as though they are less 'legitimate' members of the queer community. Worryingly, bi people in relationships with those of the opposite gender are sometimes considered straight, or gay / lesbian when dating those of the same gender. Another person cannot define our sexuality, only we can define who we are ourselves. Negative attitudes around bisexuality only increase the need for bi role models. Representation can be powerful in helping people to identify and feel comfortable in their identity.
Happily, we have seen more and more celebrities come out as bi in recent years. Here in Europe, those who've identified as bi include Scottish actor and director, Alan Cumming - who's been married to both men and women and was appointed an OBE in 2009 for his services to film, theatre and the arts, and activism for LGBT rights.
Alan Cumming
Others who've identified as part of the bi community include the legendary David Bowie, American stand-up comedian Margaret Cho, musician Jason Mraz, comedian and YouTube star Lilly Singh, True Blood actors Anna Paquin and Evan Rachel Wood, and some of the better known bi folks of recent years of course include Kristen Stewart and Lady Gaga. Long may the proud coming out of bi folks continue - for themselves and for those in the community yet to come out or realise their identity.
ShoutOut is a safe and happy place for bi folks with many of us on the exec and volunteer teams identifying as bi. Bi representation in school workshops is hugely important - to ensure that young people get a chance to meet those of us who identify beyond the binary of gay or straight. Whatever your sexuality, however you identify, we in ShoutOut would love to have you on board as a volunteer to help us improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ people, young and old, across Ireland.
