Wednesday 23 September 2026 marks the 27th anniversary of Bi Visibility Day and the 28th year of the annual celebration, which began in 1999.
Bi Visibility Day was originally established as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day by three bisexual activists from the USA: Wendy Curry, Michael Page (who also created the bisexual flag), and Gigi Raven Wilbur. The day aims to celebrate bisexual and bi+ identities and experiences, raise awareness and challenge bisexual erasure.
Bi Visibility Day is celebrated annually on 23 September and provides an opportunity to recognise the diversity of bisexual and bi+ experiences, challenge stereotypes and celebrate the contributions of the bi+ community.
The University is committed to advancing LGBTQ+ equality, as set out in our Inclusive Sussex Framework 2025-35. As part of this commitment, we have a dedicated LGBTQ+ workstream, supported by an LGBTQ+ Action Plan and Steering Group. We also use Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation as a tool to benchmark and evaluate our progress towards greater LGBTQ+ inclusion.
To mark Bi Visibility Day, the bisexual flag will fly over Sussex House, recognising and celebrating bisexual people and their contribution to our University community.
A message from Hermione La Chapelle:
Hermione La Chapelle, Co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, shares her perspective on bisexuality and visibility.
“For me, being bisexual is about more than attraction across genders. It is about having the freedom to connect with people without being constrained by rigid ideas about gender or relationships. Bisexuality has encouraged me to value personality, individuality and authenticity, and has shaped the way I understand and connect with other people.
Bisexuality is still widely misunderstood. There can be an assumption that being bisexual is a transitional identity, that people are simply ‘on their way’ to identifying as gay or straight, or that our sexuality should be defined by the gender of our partner. These assumptions can be incredibly damaging and can contribute to bi+ people feeling invisible, misunderstood or reluctant to be open about their identity.
For me, bisexuality represents openness and possibility. There is no single way to be bisexual, and our identities and experiences can be diverse and fluid. That openness is something to celebrate, particularly at a time when creating inclusive and welcoming communities matters so much.
Universities have an important role to play in making sure bi+ students and staff know that they are seen, valued and supported. Visibility is not simply about putting up a flag for one day; it is about creating a culture where people can be themselves throughout the year. Seeing the bisexual flag flying over Sussex House is a small but meaningful way of showing that bisexual identities belong here.”
Upcoming events
Bi Visibility Day – Wednesday 23 September 2026
Look out for activities, information and resources across the University and Brighton to mark Bi Visibility Day and celebrate bi+ identities.
Hot Pockets' Queer Pool Night
Brighton's queer pool night offers a relaxed social space to meet people and play pool. No advance booking is required.
- Date: Tuesdays, 7pm–11pm, including 15 and 22 September 2026
- Location: North Laine Brewhouse, 27 Gloucester Place, Brighton
- Find out more about Hot Pockets' Queer Pool Night
The venue's event page describes the night as running every Wednesday, while its current 2026 listings show Tuesday dates, so please check the venue listing before attending.
Movement is Medicine with Chloe
A sober, queer-inclusive Friday night gathering featuring electronic music, dancing and body check-ins.
- Date: Friday 18 September 2026 at 8pm
- Further sessions: Through October
- Location: Hanover Community Centre, 33 Southover Street, Brighton
- Find out more and book via Eventbrite
The Coast is Queer
The UK's biggest and brightest LGBTQ+ literature festival brings together authors, poets, performers, scriptwriters, activists and audiences to celebrate queer lives and writing. The 2026 festival includes talks, panels, workshops, performances and films.
- Date: Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 October 2026
- Location: Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, University of Sussex
- Student tickets: Available from £2 for selected events
- View The Coast is Queer 2026 programme and tickets
The festival's opening event takes place on Thursday 15 October at 7pm.
More LGBTQIA+ events in Brighton
Brighton has a wide range of LGBTQIA+ social, community, arts and nightlife events throughout the year.
Bisexual organisations and support
Brighton Bothways
Brighton Bothways is a local social and support group for bisexual and bi+ people in Brighton. It provides opportunities to meet other bi+ people, socialise and access peer support.
Bi Pride UK
Bi Pride UK is a UK organisation focused specifically on bisexual and bi+ visibility, community and representation.
BiCon
BiCon is a UK bisexual and bi+ convention bringing people together for a weekend of community, discussion, workshops and social activities.
Stonewall Bi Hub
Stonewall's Bi Hub provides information and resources about bisexuality, bi+ identities, visibility and tackling bisexual erasure.
Support for staff and students
LGBTQ+ Staff Network
LGBTQ+ staff can join the University's LGBTQ+ Staff Network, which provides an informal network for LGBTQ+ staff and organises events and activities throughout the year.
LGBTQ+ Students
LGBTQ+ students can join the Students' Union LGBTQ+ Society and access support, events and activities through the Students' Union.
Report and Support
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 bullying, harassment, discrimination, a hate incident, sexual violence or domestic abuse, you can report it through the University's Report and Support service.
Wellbeing and further support
Staff can find further resources and support through the staff wellbeing hub:
Students can find further resources and support through the Student Centre and the University's sexuality and gender support information:
Why Bi Visibility Day matters
Bi Visibility Day is an opportunity to celebrate bi+ people and recognise the experiences of a community that can sometimes feel invisible, both within wider society and within LGBTQ+ communities.
It is also an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about bisexuality, including the idea that bisexuality is a phase, that someone's identity is determined by the gender of their current partner, or that there is only one way to be bisexual.
Visibility matters because representation can help people feel recognised, understood and part of their community.
Bi visibility matters all year round – not just on 23 September.