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We Exist: Aoife FitzGibbon O'Riordan

22/8/2017

1 Comment

 

Tell us about you!

Very bi, very queer. Passionate about creating a world where we can live our lives authentically- so I'm also very pro-choice. After we fix the world, I'm gonna cook a lot of veggie food and roller skate all day. ​

When did you first know you were bi+?

That's a tough one. I remember the first time I heard the word- it was in an article in Newsweek back in the '90s.
Picture of Aoife FitzGibbon O'Riordan
Aoife FitzGibbon O'Riordan
I remember being fascinated by the concept. But I also remember clearly getting the impression from it that bisexuality was something incredibly rare. I don't remember if my 12 year old self had any inkling that I might not be straight. I do remember thinking that if it was that rare, I had nothing to worry about.

The next thing I remember was a couple of years later. I can't recall the context, but I have this memory of me, awake through the night terrified that I might be gay. I guess I must have been about fourteen or fifteen? But I shoved that feeling right back down - I knew I had crushes on guys, and bisexuality was really rare, wasn't it? So it must not be me. Being anything other than straight felt impossibly scary to me.

Then I hit 16 and so many things changed in such a short time. I discovered Placebo and oh-MY. Here I was, having a massive crush on someone who was so openly bi and all of a sudden that was a real thing that real people could be. And then, well, my super-shy self started getting dragged out to go be social with other humans by my friends and I caught a crush on a girl that I couldn't deny or brush under the rug as just wanting to be really good friends. You don't lose the ability to form sentences around someone 'cause you like hanging out with them, you know? Suddenly I had words for how I was feeling. And it was amazing. ​​
You don't lose the ability to form sentences around someone 'cause you like hanging out with them, you know? Suddenly I had words for how I was feeling. And it was amazing. ​​

Are you out as a bi+ person?

I sure am!
​
It's weird, though. I'm not sure how it's possible to be more out than I am - especially after I said "I'm Aoife, and I'm bisexual" in front of how many thousands of people at Dublin Pride? But when I'm in lesbian spaces, people still assume I'm gay all the time. And I still don't correct them most of the time, because I feel a lot like that means I have to be a perfect bi person and sometimes I just want to drink a lot of gin and dance badly (like really badly) and not have to defend myself, you know?

I feel badly about that. I put myself under a lot of pressure to be out. I feel so lucky - my family and friends love me just as I am. I work in a company I cofounded where most of my coworkers are queer women. I have a ton of privileges that so many other bi+ people lack. If I can't be out everywhere, then who can be?!

I often wish that there was a way that I could simply be out, without having to repeat it all the time. I feel like there are ways that people can signal to the world that they're gay, that are pretty much understood. They aren't ideal for everyone, but they exist. But there isn't really a way that you can be that leads to people assuming that you're bi+. You have to say it over and over again, and you have to defend it constantly. You don't get to just come out and be done with it. That's exhausting. 

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

The most accepted? This year! There have so many moments when I felt so accepted and loved, bisexuality and all. Hilarious late nights in a gazebo out the countryside with the other Bi+ Ireland volunteers, bonding over bottles of wine, dodgy card games and our bi+ stories. Hearing the crowd cheering to proud bi+ performers at our Bi-lesque night and feeling that sense of joy and community and fun. All the times I've been approached by Bi+ Ireland members- and all the wonderful and poignant stories I've heard from them. Standing in front of thousands of people at Dublin Pride. Swallowing my fear and saying at the top of my voice that I'm bisexual and being almost bowled over by the power of the cheer and applause in return.

This year I think I've felt more loved in my bisexuality than I ever have, and honestly it's turning me into a right sap! I'm talking about how much I love the community around me almost every day. And I wouldn't change that for the world.
Swallowing my fear and saying at the top of my voice that I'm bisexual and being almost bowled over by the power of the cheer and applause in return
As for feeling least accepted?
I hated the pressure during the marriage referendum campaign for bi+ people to keep relatively quiet about our orientations. That time was incredibly difficult for all LGBTQ+ people, of course. But every time I saw the phrase "equal marriage for gay and lesbian people", or heard about how this was going to be so important for gay and lesbian people, my stomach lurched. Because it felt like, just as much as the No side was against me, even the Yes side wanted to shove people like me under the carpet. Like many people, I worked hard during the campaign - knocking on doors, talking to everyone I could, writing articles, even sending handwritten notes to everyone in our apartment complex to ask them to vote for our rights. It hurt a lot to know that the campaign that meant so much to me wouldn't even admit that it was fighting for equal marriage for bi people as well. It felt like we were too shameful to put on a poster.

That still hurts, if I'm honest. 

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

I wish they'd ask what it is actually like being bi+ in the world, and that they'd listen without preconceptions.

We get asked the same questions all the time, you know? Normally trying to put us into a "really" gay or "really" straight category. And then we get told the same things- either that we're really one or the other, or that we're privileged 'cause we can be in both gay and straight spaces.

I wish people would ask what it's like to have to spend your life being assumed to be something you're not, no matter where you go. I wish they'd listen to how it feels less like a privilege, than being continually shoved into one closet or another, over and over again. How stifling it feels to have different aspects of your self dismissed, and how the small bi+ spaces that we create feel like breathing fresh air for the very first time, every time.

How stifling it feels to have different aspects of your self dismissed, and how the small bi+ spaces that we create feel like breathing fresh air for the very first time, every time.
I wish they'd ask what it's like to always have to worry about coming out to the person who you fancy and who fancies you back. To have to handle insecurities and misconceptions about your orientation from your partner. To have the person you love see your sexuality- the very thing that drew you to them in the first place- as an obstacle to get over and not something important and good about you. ​
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We Exist: Cíara Doyle

22/8/2017

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Tell us about you!

It is so hard to determine how I identify - like most people there is so much that is integral to my being. I am bisexual, polyamorous and utterly confused by my gender although I was born female. I am proud to be Irish in particular a Northside Dub. I am a geek and nerd. I am depressed and generally a very anxious introvert. I see myself as a gender equalist who is very interested in ensuring thought and consideration is given to everyone. ​
Image of Cíara Doyle
Cíara Doyle

When did you first know you were bi+?

From a very young age (maybe 4) I was interested in both girls and boys. Soon I became confused though. I knew it was okay to like girls. I knew it was okay to like boys. But I was the freak that liked both. So I kept it to myself. As I reached my pre teen years I quickly realised that not everyone was okay with people being gay. Soon I became even more frightened of the idea of telling people that I liked girls but still I found myself attracted time and time again to people in my class (a good catholic all girl school). It was only in my discovery of emo music did I first come across the term bisexuality. And suddenly, just like wearing my glasses for the first time, I could see clearly, I knew what was going on and I finally felt comfortable in my sexual preferences.
And suddenly, just like wearing my glasses for the first time, I could see clearly, I knew what was going on and I finally felt comfortable in my sexual preferences.

Are you out as a bi+ person?

I would love to say I am fully out as bi but I don’t think it is that simple. Nearly everyday people see me with my cis male partner and my baby girl and assume I am heterosexual. All too often I make a comment of a female celebrity crush and I am met with confused looks, that’s when I find myself coming out once again. Although at least now I am confident in my sexuality and confident that I can take on any challenge in my stride. Though to be honest since I first came out at 15 I have generally speaking not been afraid to say who I was. Despite being locked in bathrooms, being spat upon and losing my first beautiful girlfriend to biphobia I always tended to stand up for my sexuality and fought for respect of those who meant to put me down. That was of course for everyone bar my family, it wasn’t until MarRef that I found the confidence to come out to my family while ranting about the need for people to vote yes.
 I always tended to stand up for my sexuality and fought for respect off those who meant to put me down.

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

In fear of sounding cheesy I have never felt so accepted as when I became a coordinator of Bi+ Ireland. Amongst our amazing online community I have found my people. I have found those who understand the frustration of hearing the phrase “Oh she is gay again” and I have found wonderful people who are just so beautifully kind and considerate. On top of our outstanding group I realised something else on becoming a coordinator of Bi+ Ireland: a level of respect I didn’t know my sexuality had amongst my family. A cousin in particular is very fond of directing any bi+ friends in our direction proudly stating my small involvement in the group.
As the weeks of campaigning escalated and the ferocity of the debate heated up I found myself crying alone on more occasions than I wish to think about. 
In contrast the MarRef lead to a lot of moments that had me feeling anything but accepted. Like many people I advocated a Yes vote any opportunity I got. I was involved with several Yes Vote campaigns and community groups. As the weeks of campaigning escalated and the ferocity of the debate heated up I found myself crying alone on more occasions than I wish to think about. From personal attacks to more generalised social media frenzies the cruelty of the campaign hit me time and time again. However amongst all this the moment that stands out for me the most is while I was at a community yes vote planning session. In this tiny room of allies I was the only LGBT member in the group. But all too often I was reminded by these allies that I was not actually “LGBT”. One day in particular we were recording videos on why we wanted people to vote yes to post as part of our social media campaign. 

​In contrast the MarRef lead to a lot of moments that had me feeling anything but accepted. 
My video naturally spoke of love and how I felt that as a bisexual, society was invalidating part of my sexuality by saying yes I can marry a future boyfriend but no I couldn't marry a future girlfriend. Now this video was much more adequately worded at the time but however my video was the only one that didn’t make the social media cut as “It was rude to suggest that bisexuals have a say in this vote because honestly it is nothing to do with them if gay people get to marry or not. And honestly Cíara you have to stop this attention seeking, even if you are really bi this isn’t about you lot.” Needless to say I ended up posting a series of videos to my own social media, none of which got shared by the group as they were "diluting and confusing the issue". However JK Rowling did retweet one which made me so giddy that for a brief moment I didn't care about the negativity.

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

Simple: 'How can I help?'
Whether that is an lgbt organisation asking how can they help integrate Bi+ into the space. Or someone asking how they can help fight biphobia or bi erasure. Like everyone in the world us bi+ peeps need help and I wish people would just ask how they can help!

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We Exist: Sharon Nolan

8/8/2017

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Tell us about you!

Queer, femme and bi as fuck! I'm a passionate feminist and activist, and enjoy getting stuck into campaigns locally and nationally to try and help make our little country a better place. I also play games and work in my spare time.

When did you first know you were bi+?

During my teenage years I realised I was attracted to women, and without any knowledge or representation of bi+ people I assumed I was gay and panicked. The label 'gay' didn't feel right as an identity for me, and initially I couldn't put my finger on exactly why - but then I later realised I was still attracted to men, and in time I learnt that it was perfectly okay. It took some internal adjusting and acceptance that being attracted to people of different genders was okay, and then started coming out to people when I moved away for college.
Picture of Sharon Nolan
Sharon Nolan
I want to help build spaces and understanding for our bi+ community, where we're not erased or reduced to a joke. ​

I grew up in rural Ireland and as a teen I'd have loved to have a safe space to be myself and discuss my sexuality with peers, but I never had that. This experience immediately drew me to the advocacy side of our LGBT+ community when I did find them, so I threw myself into being involved in LGBT+ spaces in college. Sadly, these spaces were where I experienced some of the worst biphobia of my life... but it empowered me to try and stay involved and change these experiences for others. I want to help build spaces and understanding for our bi+ community, where we're not erased or reduced to a joke. This journey led me to becoming involved with Bi+ Ireland, which is honestly one of the best decisions of my life!

Are you out as a bi+ person?

I'm out everyone I believe (or as much as you can be in a hetronomative world I guess) but it definitely was a process that took years. With being bi and in a relationship, there's always a process of repeated coming out as so many people assume you're gay or straight depending on your partner's gender.

Some people took it better than others over the years, but I've come to accept that (mostly). I love nerding out on all things gender and sexuality which leads me to doing a lot of reading and research on the topics - but not everyone shares that passion and can be unsettled when people don't fit their black and white worldview.

I've a small tattoo on my wrist, a heart in the bi colours. The naysayers out there consider bisexuality to be a phase, and tattoos to be regretful - so what better way to give the middle finger to them all with a bi+ tattoo! It's a little reminder I carry everywhere to remind myself that nobody has the ability to erase my identity or who I am.
Nobody has the ability to erase my identity or who I am.

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

Nothing should be about us without us.
Most accepted? During our Bi+ Ireland events. Be it a meetup with just a few people, marching in Pride, monthly meetings with the other coordinators, my heart sings when I'm with my fellow community members.

Least Accepted? During the marriage referendum. It was pretty harrowing to be so personally affected by an issue I was campaigning for, but also completely erased from the campaign. I was actively involved with leafleting and canvassing - but with the campaign style it lead to people assuming I was gay and that only gay people were affected by marriage equality. The bi and trans erasure during that campaign was extremely frustrating, nothing should be about us without us - and even challenging the erasure within our LGBT+ community was tough.

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

The one thing I wished I was asked is from gay-centric spaces and "LGBT" organisations. It's "How could we do better to include bi+ people?" There is so much progress with the gay and trans movements that has me beaming with pride, but I'm tired of bi+ people being marginalised in the majority of LGBT+ spaces. We need to do better.
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We Exist: Jon Hanna

8/8/2017

1 Comment

 

Tell us about you!

Bisexual, Irish, cis, white, male, pagan, witch, parent, kinky, pro-choice AF, occasional depressive, rape survivor, of a working-class Northern Irish upbringing.

When did you first know you were bi+?

I realised I was bisexual during puberty, finding myself attracted to boys and men around the same time in early adolescence I found myself attracted to girls and women (knowledge of other genders didn't come until later). I had some knowledge of issues around LGBT liberation before then, and did consider that maybe I was projecting those politics, but I soon realised that when I mooned over River Phoenix that talking about politics wasn’t top of my list of things I would like to do with him. (Though it was still up there; in hindsight my teenage romantic fantasies had a certain earnest quality).
Picture of Jon Hanna
Jon Hanna

Are you out as a bi+ person?

I came out toward the end of my time in grammar school, first to someone who I thought might be bisexual too (who came out to me pretty much simultaneously), and then to others I trusted. Soon I was quite assertively out there, even if still not out at home.

I took going to college as an opportunity to be fully out, and was active in the LGB (now LGBTQ+) society, leading it during the second year of my studies. Since then I’ve been pretty thoroughly out in just about every context and circumstance including at work, in professional organisations, to my kids, and so on. How I’m perceived is another matter though, and people will almost always assume you are monosexual. When I was younger I was sometimes read as gay, and now I’m almost always read as straight, either way an assumption that isn’t correct.

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

Most of all when among other bi+ people. Bi+ Ireland itself would be a prime example, and the last three years at Pride when I’ve marched with them have had much more of a sense of belonging than the first Prides I went to in the 1990s. But there have been other times in my life when I’ve been in groups where several of us where out as bi+ and it was just part of the norm of that group.

Circles that might sometimes be considered “alternative” like the kink scene and the pagan community can often be among the most accepting groups, but they can also be among the least so, too; being deemed as outside of the mainstream can often encourage acceptance but also lead some to exclude those who are outside of that perceived mainstream in more ways than one.
Biphobia within the LGBTQ+ community can be all the more alienating
Least accepted in a rather blatant sense during physical attack, as I’ve had eggs thrown at me while doing LGBTQ+ work in college and had people try to beat me up more than once around the same time in my life.

Biphobia within the LGBTQ+ community can be all the more alienating though, as well as being more clearly biphobia when less accompanied with or parcel of homophobia from the majority community. The LGBTQ+ community is after all something we are meant to be part of, and a community so many of us have worked to serve, but still we find biphobia ranging from the subtle and plausibly deniable through to demanding outright that we should be silent so we don’t “complicate the message” during the fight for marital equality.

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

Whether we feel we might have a different perspective on some of the assumptions cissexist-heterosexist society expects us to make, because just sometimes we can do; not to an extent that gives us any sort of get-out-conditioning-free card, but enough to make different contradictions stand out
But mostly I’d say that we are not only diverse but where we find ourselves rubbing up against expectation will make us hesitant to deny that diversity, and that is when we as a community are at our best. Whether or not I might match some stereotype isn’t the point. Maybe I do, but another bi+ sibling does not. Maybe I do not, but another bi+ sibling does. Do not ask me to deny them in order to define me.
Do not ask me to deny them in order to define me.
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We Exist: Paula Dennan

8/8/2017

2 Comments

 

Tell us about you!

I'm a queer angry feminist, activist, writer and book reviewer. When not spending far too much time online, I can usually be found organising with pro-choice groups. Always learning. 

When did you first know you were bi+?

I was 28. I’d been out as gay since my teens, I never had a big ah-ha moment about it and it didn’t cause me any angst or stress. I just was, until I wasn’t. ​
Picture of Paula Dennan
Paula Dennan
Questioning my sexuality in my 20s was something I didn’t expect. It wasn’t without its ups and downs, what the fuck moments, lots of soul searching and dismantling the internalised biphobia I felt that lead me to say and do some things I wouldn’t say or do today. I eventually realised that for me sexuality is a spectrum and being bisexual now doesn’t mean I was lying to myself or others when I was gay. My sexuality evolved and I’m OK with that. ​

Are you out as a bi+ person?

I am. I was out as gay, so coming out as bi was both an easy and complicated task. Easy because it never occurred to me to remain in the closet, something I am eternally grateful for. Complicated because people were used to me being gay, were used to me only dating women and seeing me any other way, took some people time to get used to. Some people never accepted it, which was difficult to accept at the time. For many it wasn’t an issue at all.

Funny story - my now husband and I almost didn’t get together because he thought I was gay. When we met there was an immediate connection between us, but he didn’t think it would ever turn romantic. It took a few months before I realised he had missed my coming out as bi, so I set him straight (pun most definitely intended!) and, well, we got married so you can guess what happened next. 
​

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

Most accepted - In the Bi+ Ireland community. I would be lost without the people I’ve met and friendships I’ve made within the group. Whether people are out outside of the group or not, we all see each other and we know that each one of us matters. That’s incredibly powerful.
We all see each other and we know that each one of us matters. That’s incredibly powerful.
Least accepted - I’ve made no secret of the fact that I found the bi-erasure of the Yes Equality campaign difficult to deal with. So many bi+, trans and non-binary people were made to feel at best like allies in a campaign that directly impacted them and at worst like their experiences and feelings didn’t matter. I still feel anger, sadness and frustration about that. ​

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

Don't assume that everyone in a queer space is a lesbian or gay and don't assume that everyone in a different gender relationship is straight. 
The question I wish people asked - What can I do to help stop biphobia? This isn't something bi+ people can do alone. We need help. We need others to call it out when they see it. Don't assume that everyone in a queer space is a lesbian or gay and don't assume that everyone in a different gender relationship is straight. People's sexuality isn’t dependent on the gender and sexuality of the person they’re dating. Believe us when we talk about our experiences. ​
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We Exist: Jess Connor

2/8/2017

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Tell us about you

​Irish, cis woman, fat, supremely privileged, bi as fuck, pro choice, feminist. I've worked in tech as a Project Manager for 7+ years.

When did you first know you were bi+?

Picture of Jess Connor
Jess Connor
I've had bi+ experiences since I was very young. They never felt weird to me. I never stressed about it. Well, that's half true. I have two distinct memories of having anxious times, mainly I wanted to explore more with women, but I had no idea how to. 
As a 17 year old teenager I remember being online and talking with women, and desperately wanting to meet up with them, but being terrified at the prospect of meeting someone 'from the internet'. LGBT+ womxn just weren't around where I grew up, and so I felt trapped. This was the first time I ever felt like I was doing something taboo. There were no LGBT resources, and there wasn't a lot of representation in the media. I felt lost and alone. ​
"There were no LGBT resources, and there wasnt a lot of representation in the media."
When I was about 22, and in a long term relationship with a cis man, I began to wonder about being with womxn again. Because it was something I was still unsure of, I became incredibly focused on it. I spent a whole summer wondering if I was, in fact, gay.

Anyway, all of this is to say, one day my boyfriend at the time walked out of the shower naked and I grinned while checking out his behind. And I had this sudden realisation (or affirmation) that no, in fact, I was absolutely attracted to him and men in general. And to womxn and non binary folk. And that was just undeniably true. A fact. And it was ok. It was a huge relief, because I hadnt been able to bring myself to speak to anyone about my feelings that summer. I stayed happily in that relationship for many more years. And I found my voice and talked about it with my partner and friends about being bi+.​

Are you out as a bi+ person?


​Yes, but it took me until I was 29 to be 100% public about it even though I've been having bi+ experiences since I was very young and my partners and friends had known. When I look back at my life and experiences, I feel denied. ​
Denied a community, a language and experiences. I try not to be regretful, but so much of my anguish could have been avoided. That's why I volunteer as a coordinator with Bi+ Ireland. Visibility matters. It's also why I am labouring over this series, I think/hope it can make a difference.

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

The most accepted? The Bi+ Ireland community. The group. The people who I march with us at pride, who might be total strangers, but who stand with me and all of us and declare that we are here and queer and we matter. We exist.

The least? I hated talking about or marching for equal marriage rights, and feeling like I was 'just an ally', and not someone who this directly impacted. So that was an internal struggle. It was part of what made me come out, and eventually find acceptance.​

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

​I wish people understood the complexity of being bi+. Because we are everywhere on the spectrum, we're not easy to put in neat little boxes. So I wish people would ask how they could help more. I'd tell them to accept us, no matter where we are in our bi-ness. Just to believe us, and accept us as valid without question.
"Ask us how you can help. Believe us."

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We Exist: Chris Noone

2/8/2017

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Tell us about you!

Queer guy, democratic socialist, feminist, humanist, activist and researcher.

When did you first know you were bi+?

I knew that I wasn't just attracted to girls from a very early age. In fact, I don't remember ever feeling any other way - but I do clearly remember learning that it was not a widely accepted way to be. ​
Picture of Chris Noone
Chris Noone
I remember agreeing with some of the girls in primary school about how cute our mutual friend's older brother was. I hadn't even thought twice about what I was saying but suddenly I was being ridiculed. It was almost another 10 years before I told anyone that I was open to dating any gender. I think the first time I realised that other people did feel like this and that they identified as bisexual was actually while watching "Desperate Housewives" one night with my mam when I was about 15. I don't remember the character's name but I do remember him clearly articulating that he was bi and finding that exciting because it seemed to fit my own experience. 
I don't remember ever feeling any other way - but I do clearly remember learning that it was not a widely accepted way to be."
Still, seeing no LGBT+ people in the town where I grew up, and the lack of acceptance for those thought to not be straight resulted in many years of convincing myself that it was best to stay in the closet. My sexuality became a source of significant anxiety for me, though nobody else would realise this. Later, in my final year of college, a drunken confession to a gay friend led to my first time kissing a guy. It was only then that I really knew that I wanted to embrace my sexuality for what it was. It wasn't easy, it took more years, but I began to come out and to explore my identity and our community. Getting involved in LGBT+ activism really helped this process!

Are you out as a bi+ person?

I am lucky enough to be out to my family, friends and colleagues. However, coming out took a long time. For several years, it was just a few close friends and my girlfriend at the time who knew, and I barely ever talked about it. It is only since the months after the Marriage Equality referendum that this has been the case though. This campaign gave me the chance to participate in LGBT+ spaces without fear of being outed or of feeling like an outsider. I met many fantastic people during this, including my first boyfriend. This gave me the confidence to come out, and this was the most liberating thing I have ever done. It wasn't easy, and it was particularly difficult to ensure that people understood my bi identity, but I'm fortunate to have friends and family who support me and the LGBT+ community.

When have you felt the most accepted as a bi+ person? The least accepted?

Most accepted - I've immersed myself in the local LGBT community since coming out and in activism more broadly. I feel a tremendous sense of belonging in these spaces, but my bi identity is often not known or forgotten about. I'm usually assumed to be straight or gay depending on where I am and who I'm with. The most accepted I've ever felt as a bi person was the first time I met the other coordinators from Bi+ Ireland. We shared our stories, much like this, and it was refreshing to have the usual interest and acceptance to be accompanied by real understanding.
​
​Least accepted - I remember a time before I came out where I was experiencing a lot of anxiety and generally feeling low. I decided that I should seek help and I found one of the very few mental health professionals in Galway with whom I could afford to book an appointment. I talked about how I was feeling and about me in general but it took me almost the entire hour to mention that I was bi. As soon as I did, I immediately sensed a discomfort from her that was not there before. She then completely glossed over what I had said and immediately linked "feeling confused" as a natural response to anxiety. I didn't go back to her. She didn't listen and she didn't understand. All mental health professionals have the responsibility to inform themselves regarding LGBT+ identities and issues; nothing less is acceptable.  
All mental health professionals have the responsibility to inform themselves regarding LGBT+ identities and issues; nothing less is acceptable.

What is something no one asks you about being bi+ that you wish they would, and what would you want to tell them?

I wish people would simply ask what the best aspects of being bi are instead of making the usual assumptions. I would tell them that it is liberating to be part of, and learn from, a group embraces true diversity, practices radical inclusion and combats oppression of all forms.
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This organisation is run 100% by volunteer coordinators. We welcome donations and promise 100% transparency with our spending. Learn more here.
Bi+ Ireland is a network of people who fit somewhere under the bi+ umbrella, and who have close ties to Ireland. We are community group run by volunteers. You can reach us at biirelandnetwork@gmail.com.
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