Bisexual Health Awareness Month 2023

Bisexual Health Awareness Month is an important awareness month that takes place every year throughout March.

Founded and led annually by the Bisexual Resource Center, #BiHealthMonth raises awareness about the bisexual+ (bi, pansexual, fluid, queer, etc.) community’s unique social, economic and health disparities; advocates for resources; and inspires actions to improve bi+ people’s well-being.

To find out more about Bi+ health resources, click here.

Despite the fact that bisexuals make up nearly half of all people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, making the bisexual population the single largest group within the LGBTQ community, bisexual individuals face many health disparities compared to their 'L & G' counterparts. They are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, resulting in higher rates of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts, as well as an increased risk of substance abuse, including cigarette smoking and heavy drinking.

They are also more likely to experience stigma and discrimination, which can negatively impact their overall health and well-being.

Moreover, transgender people and people of colour comprise large portions of the bisexual community –– with more than 40 percent of LGBTQ people of colour identifying as bisexual, and about half of transgender people describing their sexual orientation as bisexual or queer –– making these groups vulnerable to further disparities that occur at the intersections of biphobia, racism and transphobia.

To find out more about why Bi+ health matters, click here.

Because of these alarming statistics, one of the key goals of Bisexual Health Awareness Month is to promote education and awareness about these disparities, and to encourage healthcare providers to be more inclusive and knowledgeable about bisexual health.

Another important goal of Bisexual Health Awareness Month is to increase visibility and representation of bisexual individuals in the media, and to combat stereotypes and myths about bisexuality. This can help to reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote a more inclusive and accepting society, as well as helping to create more supportive home and social environments.

To find out more about the Bi+ community, click here.

It's also a time for bisexual individuals to prioritise their own health and well-being, and to connect with others in the community for support and resources. This can include seeking out mental health services, finding local support groups, and engaging in self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, and therapy.

To become a Bisexual Health Awareness Month Partner, click here.

Remember, Bi+ Health Month is only one month a year, but bisexual+ health disparities persist year round. Bisexual+ health equity is only possible when when the unique needs of our diverse bi+ community have been met and discrimination against BIPOC, transgender, and disabled members of the bi+ community has been eliminated.