Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Merger unites key Victorian LGBTIQA+ groups

The Victorian Government has announced the merger of two of the state’s leading LGBTIQA+ organisations – Melbourne Bisexual Network and Bisexual Alliance Victoria – to form Bi+ Pride Victoria.

Minister for Equality, Harriet Shing and Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe Ball today visited the Victorian Pride Centre to announce the merger that aims to strengthen support and advocacy for bi+ Victorians, and release Australian-first research highlighting the unique challenges of biphobia and bi-erasure.

The Government invested $32,000 in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support the merger, which it says marks a key step to advancing the interests of bi+ Victorians, while reducing duplication and expanding regional networks.

“Here in Victoria, equality is not negotiable – and the merger to form Bi+ Pride Victoria will deliver and advocate for the issues that affect the bi+ community – highlighted through the nation-leading research launched today,” said Minister Shing.

Commissioner Ball congratulated Bi+ Pride Victoria on what he said was an important day in the history of bi+ activism in Victoria.

“This research highlights bi+ people’s ongoing need for connection and community, important protective factors in their health and wellbeing,” the Commissioner said.

Bisexual Alliance Victoria, formed in 2010, has been dedicated to promoting the acceptance of bi+ people within and outside of LGBTIQA+ communities. Melbourne Bisexual Network, formed in 2017, has worked towards improving bi+ Victorians’ health and wellbeing through advocacy, education and community engagement.

The nation-leading research released to coincide with the merger highlights the history and impact of bisexual community groups in Victoria while offering insights into the unique challenges of biphobia and bi-erasure, along with the crucial role these groups play in supporting the largest demographic within the LGBTIQA+ community.

Spaces to Be – A History of Bisexual Groups in Victoria is one of the first comprehensive histories of bisexuality in Australia, providing an invaluable overview of bi+ community building and activism in Victoria over nearly 50 years.

The report highlights lived experiences and recommends increased research, along with specific resources and supports for bi+ people, emphasising the critical role of dedicated groups in fostering connection and belonging.

“Despite bi+ Victorians representing the largest population in our rainbow community, they continue to endure high rates of isolation from within and without queer spaces,” said Spaces to Be researcher, Dr Hamish McIntosh.

“This report sheds much-needed light on the ways that bi+ people have come together for solidarity and support over the last five decades in the face of this erasure.”

Bi+ Visibility Day, also known as Celebrate Bisexuality Day, is held every year at the end of Bisexual Awareness Week and focuses on celebrating bi+ people and their resilience, diversity and histories, recognising that bi-erasure undermines their identities, experiences and wellbeing both within and outside of LGBTIQA+ communities.

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