Stereotypes about bisexuality are still common within both the queer and straight communities. One which arises frequently is that bisexuality constitutes a ‘stepping stone’ towards a gay identity, thus rendering bisexual communities completely invisible, or, as it's more commonly referred to: bi erasure. Chris O’Donnell takes a closer look at a prejudice which needs to be discussed.

Chris O’Donnell

Bi-visibility day takes place on September 23 at the end of bi-visibility week. It’s been happening for 20 years now since it first kicked off in Johannesburg in 1997, but there is still a long way to go in terms of social acceptance and understanding of bisexuality.

To rather succinctly pose the question, as one bisexual journalist - Anna Broster - did, “Because of ‘passing privilege’ (the idea that bisexual people can pass as heterosexual by being in a romantic relationship with someone of a different sex) we’re often treated as not being gay enough for the queer community and not straight enough to be heterosexual. So, where does that leave bisexuals?”

I spoke to Marie from Galway who is in her mid-30’s. She recounted some of the things which were tied to her experience as a bisexual woman: “I think some people have misunderstood being bi; they think that when you are bisexual that you are confused. Like, they think that maybe you’re a lesbian but you’re not sure, or that you’re just a ‘tourist’.