Every year, the 11th of September marks National coming out Day – a day where people can, hopefully, come out of the closet. Now, I’ve written a post about the history of coming out and my advice and my coming out story before, so think of this as a yearly reminder of sorts?

I am a bisexual, nonbinary (they/them pronouns ONLY) person – because yes, bisexuality isn’t binary. Though recently I’ve come to like the term ‘Diamoric’ – which is a term used by some nonbinary people to describe their orientation which doesn’t fit typical gender attraction, so it’s a term for strictly #nonbinary identifying people! (I also wrote about it on my blog – so check it out if you want to find out more  here).

As you may have seen on my Twitter, I’ve started bind chest again as pre #NationalComingOutDay (Also I’ve forgotten how much I love my @gc2bapparel binder – but at the same time, I’m aware of the privilege I have). This is because I was lucky enough to have a lovely cousin who lives in America, which meant that I could start binding my chest on the 22nd of March 2019 – so thank you, Emily. 

But I wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the privilege I have as I have accepting parents, friends and other family members – so I’m also lucky that I was in a situation where I could come out safely. But if you are in this situation, hang in there – and as cliche, as this sounds – it does get better, trust me. 

As anyone who doesn’t want to come out, that’s also fine – you aren’t ‘any less’ apart of the LGBTQ+ community because you choose not to be out and proud like I am – though this is most likely because being queer is a big, crucial part of my identity – which I am aware will continuously be in flux -forever changing. 

So remember not to out anyone (ever), and be proud of yourself whether you are out and proud like I am, in the closet for any valid reason, or if you chose not to come out – so remember to be kind and considerate to those within the community whose experience is different to yours – as everyone’s coming out experience is unique, and that is OK. 

I’m not a  lesbian  – as I experience sexual and romantic attraction to multiple genders. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t support ALL lesbians  – which I do. You are all valid as fuck and are a valuable member of the queer community. Yes, this includes nonbinary lesbians, trans lesbians, lesbians of color, etc.  

But obviously, having pride in your queer identity is crucial all year round – and not just one day a year – or just during pride. However, I wanted to take the time to write and tell you that lesbians are good, and today is your day – so take to time to celebrate whether you are out or not (both of which are perfectly fine by the way). So have a lovely day lesbians! 

September is bisexual awareness month – and Bi Visibility Day is every 23 September (since 1999). So I just wanted to write a post about why I’m so proud to be a bisexual nonbinary person. But firstly, I want to provide a brief history of Bi visibility day at least. The day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, has existed since each year since 1999 to highlight biphobia (both within the LGBTQ+ community and outside the community) and to help people find the bisexual community. 

Firstly, and in terms of politics, I’m revolutionary just by existing. Unfortunately, people still recognize that bisexuality isn’t a legitimate sexual/romantic orientation – even in a mostly socially progressive political climate. Despite this, it’s really awesome being a bisexual – refusing to ‘pick a side’ or conform to people’s stereotypical expectations of what it is to be bisexual. This is why I’m so proud to be both bisexual and nonbinary – because it means I can redefine what it means to be bisexual – because bisexuality isn’t binary (as in, anyone of any gender can be bisexual). 

Speaking of my attraction, I also love being bisexual because I never have to question my sexuality because I’m attracted to them. My bisexuality includes all genders, and while this technically makes me pansexual rather than bisexual, I prefer the term bi – so scoping out that attractive guy/girl/nonbinary person should be easy – providing I don’t have a bisexual panic because of how attractive that person is. Besides, I can pursue a relationship with anyone you think is rad, regardless of gender. But if you’re going to take anything from this, I find people attractive. 

Furthermore, I know that I can’t assume someone’s orientation just by who they’re dating. This is because of straight/gay passing – which basically means a couple appears to be straight/gay relationship (e.g. A girl dating a girl isn’t always a lesbian. A man dating a woman isn’t necessarily straight). But one of those people could identify as something else (e.g. bisexual, asexual, nonbinary). So when you have these unnecessary assumptions about someone’s relationship based on how you perceive them (and maybe regularly), you can work on becoming a positive role model that inspires others.  

On a more positive note, another reason I love being bisexual is the flag. The flag consists of pink (on the top), purple (in the middle), and blue (at the bottom) – which, if you ask me, is one of the best flag color combinations (besides the design of the nonbinary flag). Personally, I love the design of both my flags because I just think the colors work well together. Furthermore, I really enjoyed researching the history of the bisexual flag and what each color on the flag represents. 

Besides, I absolutely adore bi culture. This isn’t to be confused with the negative stereotypes surrounding bisexual people (or anyone attracted to multiple genders). This refers to positive things that are associated with bisexual people do – e.g. finger guns, the band Green Day (Billy Joe Armstrong is a gigantic bi), and the cherax pulcher.

In the US at least, October is LGBTQ+ history month (and this happens during February in the UK) – and like the name suggests, it is a month-long celebration of queer history. It first occurred when Rodney Wilson, a history from Missouri proposed that LGBTQ+ history should solely focus on the queer community. The sole aim of LGBTQ+ history month is to educate those who are not in our community – or those who may be unfamiliar with – the historical site of the LGBTQ+ community. It is also a time to encourage people to be open and honest about being queer – though, like with Pride and intersectionality, I think we should be having these discussions at all times of the year, not just for one month. It’s also important to celebrate queer history this year because it is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. 

It is important, for any minority group to know their history – because while celebrating our history by showing how far we’ve come is important, it is ESPECIALLY crucial to know how far we still have to go. Though if you look back at our history, it is clear that we have made massive strides in terms of gaining rights -from same-sex marriage being legalized to LGBTQ+ characters on TV and the movies improving  – and like I mentioned earlier, though we’ve made progress, our fight isn’t over. So the most important reason why learning and remembering queer history is because it’s important. With events like Stonewall being the first Pride event, so it’s crucial to remember that the event was run by two (2) trans women of color (Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera). We also need to remember all the people who came before us, so that we can continue to fight for the living. 

So by teaching people about these events we can get a better look at a). how far we’ve come and b). figure out what we can do to move forward. In terms of moving forward, we can raise the voices of places around the world who are extremely anti-LGBTQ+ – and while we must fight for rights the rights of queer folks all around the world, I believe that it won’t always be necessary to fight for equality. This can lead to a better conversation about we can make the world a more equal and inclusive – and as a result, your activism will improve. 

Finally, wherever you identify within the LGBTQ+ acronym, know that you are important and that your stories, experiences and history matter. 

This post was actually inspired by a badge I made from  Bristol Pride this year which said ‘intersectionality matters’ and featured the Philadelphia Progressive Flag, which was made in 2017 to include QTPOC (which stands for Queer / Trans People Of Colour). Which got me thinking a lot about the concept of intersectionality and why it matters so much. I touched on it a bit where I gave my identity an intersectional look, but I want to talk about it more generally – besides, I also wrote about the history of the original pride flag, where I briefly mentioned the new flag and its creator Gilbert Baker.

But if you aren’t aware of the situation, in 2017, the city of Philadelphia learned that the rainbow flag wasn’t as include everyone. So for the Pride, they added two (2) different colors – black and brown to the existing flag to represent Queer and Trans people of color. This obviously comes from a good place, because the more inclusive we can be, the better – right? Of course! But, unfortunately, this sparked controversy. This is because the flag has historically meant to represent the community as a whole, and those who have criticized Philly’s decision was unnecessary because the flag already represented unity. What’s even more ridiculous about this discussion surrounding the new flag is that some people had asked for a white stripe, because they thought that adding was disrespectful or even – and hear me out on this – racist for not including white people. Now, as a white person (who therefore benefits from white privilege), I have no problem with including these new colors, and I don’t think it’s racist to not include the color white on the flag – and this is just another way that some white people believe that reverse racism is a thing (which it isn’t – and if you look at the context, it is ethnic minority groups that are discriminated against – not white people). 

At first, fighting over what the flag should look like might seem like a ridiculous idea and seem like an unnecessary thing to do. But here’s the problem – it represents a deeper divide within the community – because despite the LGBTQ+ communities fight for equality, POC has been left behind. This, as VICE magazine puts it, creates “the lack of intersectionality” within the community. What this means is that some LGBTQ+ individuals will fight for specific LGBTQ+ rights (e.g. same-sex marriage), but may not do the same when it comes to other issues (e.g. the intersection between being a queer and a woman, or racism). Furthermore, one way that we can combat this issue by listening to QTPOC, as they may have first-hand experience of this, and therefore have valuable knowledge and experience. 

Besides, the Stonewall Riots, which was lead by two (2) trans women of color, means that black (especially of color) have, and to an extent continue to be, at the center of the movement because of this intersection of racism, sexism, and transphobia. So I admit that I benefit from white privilege, and I know that being a white person is OK – and more importantly – it grants me advantages within society. So, therefore, it is crucial that a). that I (and any other white person), acknowledge this, b). speak out against all the discrimination that transfeminine people face, and c). raise up the voices of transfeminine people & share any work they do on social media.

In terms of protests, however, I believe that not necessary to go to them and that it doesn’t make you “any less of” an activist for not going to one. There are many different types of activism, and many activists may choose not to go to them for several valid reasons (e.g. inaccessibility, mental health, they are in a minority group). While I understand that going to protests is is an important way to make change, it doesn’t give you an excuse to “look down” on those individuals who can’t attend. Plus, as I mentioned, there are many different ways to be an activist – you could start writing a blog, make YouTube videos, or do art. By doing what you love as a form of activism, you are still contributing to the causes that you love and care about – and in my book, that makes you an activist. So if you can go to protests, then go ahead, but just be mindful of your privilege – and be sure to protest on behalf of those who can’t.  

However, unfortunately, it isn’t the only problem within the community. Judgment based on race, or body type, gender, or mannerisms – specifically with gay men, mean that any gay man that doesn’t fit the “ideal” gay man is somehow is less. This is especially prominent on dating apps such as Grindr and Tindr. As a result, this means that although the LGBTQ+ community is a minority group, it still discriminates (eg. black people, fat people), which shows that they are still more than capable of discriminating against other people. 

 In conclusion, PLEASE make sure that your activism is intersectional because it really does matter, as you may get valuable knowledge and experiences that aren’t yours – plus it’ll make you a better ally to minority groups that you may not be a part of. I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m just trying to be more aware of the problems of the many problems the community has – and by being aware of these problems, I’ll become a better activist and ally to other groups. Finally, the more inclusive our activism is, the better it will be. 

Disclaimer – I am, by no means, trying to shame those who enjoy going to queer-friendly clubs! In fact, alcohol within reason can lead to further enjoyment, but that doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be more LGBTQ+ friendly social spaces that don’t center around the nighttime. Also, in the UK at least, 18 is the age where someone becomes an adult. 

Having a safe space is important – especially if you are in a minority group. But I wanted to write about why safe spaces are crucial for LGBTQ+ people – especially if you are a young person under the age of 18.* This is because all to option, queer spaces for adults tend to be centered around alcohol and clubbing – and though this is all well and good, it is also crucial to remember that there may be queer people who don’t drink (like me), elderly LGBTQ+ people, etc. This then, unfortunately, adds to another problem that LGBTQ+ people may face – increased loneliness which may be because many queer spaces are centered around nightlife.  

Firstly, not everyone enjoys it – for someone like me, clubbing and alcohol aren’t really my thing, so having a safe space like Freedom Youth is crucial for me because they allow me to be in a queer-friendly, non-alcoholic space where I can still be myself. It also means that I can socialize with other LGBTQ+ young people in a safe space, without the presence of alcohol. Besides, allowing people to socialize with other people without the presence of alcohol means that everyone there will have a good time. 

Besides, I feel as though social media can help with this. Sites have a messaging system people can talk to each other – I’m a part of a few groups, and by talking to other queer people has definitely improved my social life – and the same goes for Freedom Youth. It also means that you get to stay in the comfort of your own home, and for some, this can be a very safe space. 

Secondly, it’ll allow fewer people to meet new people. By possibly going to places where there is the chance of there being no alcohol or loud music, it’ll allow individuals to meet and actually get to know other people – because you never know, you might find another person who shares similar interests. You might even find someone with a shared experience, which is great because it’ll mean that you feel less isolated, and you might even learn something.

So here are some ideas for non-alcohol safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people:

• Queer friendly cafes
• Queer friendly bookstores (bonus; with LGBTQ+ books of all genres!) 
• Queer friendly film, book, TV clubs and general social spaces. – also, I’m aware that these will take a lot of time & money, but it is nice to think about what type of places we could have. I’m also aware that these places will have to be accessible for queer/trans people who are disabled / are neurodivergent (or both). 

The positive representation, of any minority group (e.g. LGBTQ+ people, women, or people with disabilities) is crucial, especially with the power that the media holds. But I don’t want to talk about negative topics such as queerbaiting, because I’ve already covered it. Instead, I want to talk about the positive impact and power of positive queer representation. I can’t speak for everyone, but I believe that the media (especially media forms such as films and TV shows) can provide a positive outlook on underrepresented groups within society – and this is even better if these stories are told within those groups.

First and foremost, finding positive representation can massively help with normalization. By normalizing LGBTQ+ content, it can help any queer or trans person feel OK with being ‘different.’  Not only can normalizing be a massive factor with positive representation, but it can also be used as an educational tool – I believe that education is the most important tool for a person’s activism (especially for someone who might be just be starting out). 

But how do we positively represent the LGBTQ+ community? Well firstly, we have to avoid negative stereotypes and tropes surrounding – because while diversity has increased (and this is a positive in itself), many LGBTQ+ characters are still plagued with negative characteristics or storylines (especially queer female characters). For example, according to the Huffington Post, in 2016, at least 25 LGBTQ+ characters were killed off in TV shows – and the vast majority of them were either lesbian or bisexual female characters, and this only served the purpose of advancing the plot of a cishet male character. The plot can still be advanced WITHOUT these queer female characters dying, so this negative trope needs to go in order for genuine, positive representation to move forward. 

In addition, if this continues, it’ll also do more harm than good – because, in order for representation to move forward, queer characters NEED to have more positive outcomes for their storylines, because if cishet people can have positive storylines with happy endings, then so do queer characters. This is especially crucial for questioning people because if they only see the negative outcomes, then it will only make the situation worse for them. So in order to combat these negative tropes in the media, we need to emphasize more positive outcomes and representation – especially in media aimed at children and young people.  

Secondly, we need more LGBTQ+ stories told from actual LGBTQ+ people – this can have a powerful impact on how we view the queer community. If we allow members of the LGBTQ+ community to share their work, it’ll hopefully help people (both within the community and outside the community) to better understand each other’s experiences. It also allows space for people who are in more minority groups to share their experiences. So as a result, we are brought closer together – and that’s the whole point of ANY community, right? 

Yesterday was Bristol Pride, and it’s the day in the year that I always look forward to it! I had a lovely day filled with lots of flags and good people (and walking). I first went to Pride in 2017 – and that was my first official Pride event. I couldn’t go last year because I was on holiday with my family and we didn’t get back until the day after (woe is me). But this made me more excited about Bristol Pride this year – and I had a lovely day! 

Here are some things I loved about this years Pride: 

• The atmosphere: Bristol Pride had a lovely atmosphere, and I felt so safe during Pride because I had a whole community behind me (plus I was marching with my youth group, so I know they would have my back if anything bad happened to me).
• All the flags: What I love about Pride is seeing all the flags, and that’s mostly because I’m a massive flag nerd. 
• The people: All the people I saw / met / interacted with at Pride were lovely, so it added to my enjoyment of the event because I love seeing complete strangers and friends showing pride. 
• Togetherness: Pride is about supporting all members of the LGBTQ+ – not just during Pride season, but all year – because pride is all year round.  The chance to be my authentic, queer self around other members of the LGBTQ+ community added to my sense of Pride, which I also try and practice every day. 
• The signs/chants: I did see some signs and partake in some chants because we still have a long way to go in terms of having rights. Because equality takes standing up to people who are actively and openly homophobic/transphobic etc, we are reminding ourselves that Pride was originally a riot. The chants I did at Bristol Pride created a real sense of togetherness and community, which is a nice reminder given the current political climate surrounding our community.  
• The Location: To celebrate 10 years of Bristol Pride (and 50 years since the Stonewall Riots), Bristol Pride was located at The Downs. Besides being a convenient spot for leaving (for me at least, since I can walk home from there), it is just a lovely location – and it really added to the overall atmosphere. 

What I’m trying to say is that Bristol Pride was a blast, and it’ll continue to be my favorite event of the year. It’s such a great event for the reason listed above – but the biggest reason for my enjoyment was the people I spent time with. I’m already looking forward to the next Bristol Pride event because I really enjoyed this year, and I’ve already planned for what I’m doing next year for Pride season. Here’s to the next season of Pride!