Monday 23 September is Bi Visibility Day. Bi Visibility Day aims to celebrate and raise awareness of bi identities and experiences as well as challenge bi erasure. Bi Visibility Day is the final day of Bisexual Awareness Week, which runs from 16-23 September. The bi flag will fly over Sussex House from 22-24 September.
Hermione La Chapelle, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, said:
“Being bisexual is not simply about attraction across genders; it is about the freedom to connect with people beyond rigid categories. For me, bisexuality means valuing personality, individuality, and authenticity above gender. It has shaped me into a more open-minded and empathetic person.
Bisexuality is often misrepresented. There is still a tendency to view it as a transitional identity, or to assume that bisexual people must eventually conform to binary expectations. These stereotypes are damaging, contributing to the fact that bisexual people are more likely than others in the LGBTQ+ community to feel invisible or to hide their sexuality. However, perceptions are beginning to shift.
I see bisexuality as inherently inclusive. Sexuality can be fluid, and bisexuality reflects that openness - it resists narrow definitions and creates space for connection and understanding. In today’s climate, this inclusivity is essential to fostering stronger communities. Sussex University provides a space where bisexual identities can be visible and celebrated. Flying the bisexual flag at Sussex House is an important step in ensuring that recognition.”
Bisexual organisations and support
Brighton Bothways is a support and social group for bisexual people based in Brighton.
BiCon is a yearly bisexual convention that takes place over a weekend.
Bi Pride UK is the only Pride event in the UK aimed solely at the bisexual community.
Stonewall have a Bi Hub with a range of resources and articles including ‘Why Do We Need A Bi Visibility Day?’
Upcoming events
The LGBTQ+ Staff Network, in collaboration with the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network, is pleased to invite you to Vibrations from Mars, an immersive sound bath and meditation experience led by queer drag artist and certified yoga and meditation teacher, Gaylien de Mars. The session will take place on Wednesday 17 September from 1pm - 2pm at the Meeting House Chapel (first floor).
This session will use sound bowls, chimes, steel drum, and vocals to create a restorative experience designed to support relaxation and wellbeing. The event is neurodivergent-friendly, with options to sit, stretch, or simply rest in the way that feels most comfortable for you.
Places are limited, so please register to secure your free ticket here.
The Coast is Queer is the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ literature festival. It takes place on Sussex’s Falmer Campus, at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, 9-12 October.
The festival brings together authors and poets, performers, scriptwriters, activists and audiences to celebrate queer lives and writing with a number of brilliant talks, events and activities planned.
Support for staff and students
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LGBTQ+ staff members can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year, and provides an informal network of LGBTQ+ staff. Many of their events are open to all staff, and some events are also open to students. To find out more, see the Staff Networks webpage.
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LGBTQ+ students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support.
Other resources and support
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The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.
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The University’s Wellbeing Support Guidecontains a dedicated section signposting to a variety of LGBTQ+-specific resources
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Students can find resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.