April Online Socials

 

We’re missing being out and about and meeting all of you, but we’ve been looking at ways to do all the same things online!

We’re going to run video chats, online games nights, film screenings and more, in these time slots on our discord server until the end of April, and we’ll add more if they’re successful!

Thursday 6pm-9pm
Sunday 12pm-3pm

You can find all the details, and the link to our discord server, on our forum:
https://forum.scottishbinet.org

If anyone has any suggestions for online games, films to watch, books to read, or topics to be discussed, let us know.

And if anyone would like to run an online event, we would love to hear from you!

We Have A Forum!

We are excited to announce that we have launched a forum for bi+ people, and those who are questioning their attraction to multiple genders!

It’s something that a lot of people have asked us for, and we are happy to have another way to be able to support the bi+ community in Scotland.

You can sign up at – forum.scottishbinet.org 

Once you’ve signed up, don’t forget to check your email for the activation link!

If you would like to talk privately, or if you are an ally:
You can message us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or email us at contact@ScottishBiNet.org
We aim to answer all messages within 48 hours, but this is not always possible due to holidays and illnesses.



Stonewall Scotland Workplace Conference 2019

We were honoured to be invited to take part in this year’s Stonewall Scotland conference.
It was a fantastic opportunity to build links with other organisations, and there was a variety of workshops to help us develop our skills, and grow as a network.
Being around other people who have LGBTQ+ rights at the forefront of their work in diverse professions and sectors was inspiring, and we have picked up lots of tips and tricks that will be useful for the continued growth and expansion of our network. 

We were also part of the panel on the importance of a holistic approach to intersectionality and inclusion, which was a valuable insight into the ways that organisations can do better to support the intesecting identities of their members, staff, and/or service users.


Thank you to everyone at Stonewall Scotland for an amazing day, and to all of the speakers and panelists for sharing their stories and experiences with us!



Bi Furious Test

When we started the Scottish Bi+ Network, our first event was a film screening, and since then we’ve ended up doing a lot about bi+ representation in the media.


https://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/scott_pilgrim_vs_the_world43.jpgTwo of the questions we get asked a lot are: Why is representation so important? And what do we mean when we as a community ask for ‘good’ representation?

There’s been more and more mainstream films featuring bi+ characters, but when it comes to box office takings, there’s one film franchise that are in a league of their own.

Thor: Ragnrok is widely considered a bi+ film by those in the community, even though no-one is explicitly stated or shown in the film to be attracted to multiple genders.

One of the reasons it’s considered a bi+ film is its use of ‘bi lighting,’ where pink, purple and blue lights in the background of shots are used to subtly indicate that a character might be bi.

Is this ‘good’ representation?

If you’re bi+ and know what the colours signify, then it can be a subtle clue as to a character’s sexuality without having to spell it out.

But for those outside the bi+ community it’s just pretty colours. Explicit representation is the only way to show them that we exist, and let them see that we are more diverse than the stereotypes about us.

Which leads us to the hardest question of all; what is ‘good’ representation?

There is no single character or film that can fully represent the diversity of the bi+ community, but from talking to lots of bi+ people there’s a few things we all seem to agree on.

So, with all this in mind, we wanted to create a test that would help people judge the quality of bi+ representation in film.



The Bi Furious Test:

  1. The character’s bi+ identity is not revealed through cheating.
  1. The character is explicitly stated or shown to be attracted to multiple genders.
  1. The character is integral to the plot, and not just there to be ~sexy~ or for a throwaway joke, i.e. removing them would have a significant impact on the story.
  1. Their sexual orientation (and gender identity, if applicable) isn’t their only defining trait.
  1. The character is not later retconned to be gay/lesbian/straight.

In the last five years, we have been spoiled with a selection of films that pass the Bi Furious test, but there’s quite a few classics that were ahead of their time when it comes to bi+ representation.

Velvet Goldmine was a relative box office success back in 1993. Set in the 70s glam rock era, a time of rebellion and sexual fluidity.

Period dramas always pose a problem for bi+ representation, as a lot of the labels we use to describe our attraction to multiple genders didn’t exist or weren’t used in the same context back then. Even though it is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Colettemanges to explicitly show that she is attracted to multiple genders, leaving no doubt in the viewer’s mind that she would identify under the bi+ umbrella.

My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend set a new high bar for tv representation of bi+ people. Not only does the show use the word bisexual many times, but they have a full song and dance routine for Darryl coming out as bi, complete with saxophone solo.

TheFeels, a series of short films, released one a day for pride month, is the story of a bi guy with too many feels. As the episodes are only a few minutes long, it allows them to have such a varied cast of bi+ people that the series does feel like it shows the full diversity of the bi+ community.

Ironically the film that gives it name to the test, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, at first glance, wouldn’t qualify as good representation, because Ramona’s bisexuality seems to be there as a throwaway joke. But there wouldn’t be a story without her, and she has more to her character than her sexuality. Also, her fluffy jumper in the bi pride colours is a huge hint.

Like all of these simple representation tests, there is always room for debate, and even if a film is ‘good’ representation, it may not be to someone’s personal taste.

Leading the push for better bi+ characters seems to be coming from bi+ creators and actors, but there’s still a long way to go before all of the bi+ community sees themselves reflected on the big screen.

The small screen is rising to the challenge, with streaming services allowing more creators to get their work out, and combined with the rise of web series such as The Feels, we are starting to get the diverse representation we deserve.

To find more bi+ films and tv shows, check out our Bi+ Media Project https://forum.scottishbinet.org/wp-test/p/media.html or @BiMediaProject on twitter.

Presentation on Bi+ Issues

Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on LGBTI Issues

Not only are we the first bi+ specific group to be a part of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on LGBTI Issues, but this is also the first time that bi+ issues have been presented to the group.

We covered some of the biggest issues facing the bi+ community, including the increased risk of violence, the poor mental health outcomes, and how LGBTQ+ services fail to meet the needs of the bi+ community.

View or download our presentation.

Bi Visibility Month 2019

Bi Visibility Month Round Up!

September is always a busy month for us, as the bi+ community gets the visibility it so desperately needs.
This year was extra special, because the first Bi Pride UK took part in London on the 7th of September. We also hosted our own Bi Visibility Day event, and helped organise BiTastic, a free one day event for bi+ people and their allies.

Bi Pride UK
We arrived in Hackney after a long night on Megabus, to bi, pan, and poly flags decorating the street, and lots of people wearing their badges and flags with pride.
Over 1300 people attended The Round Chapel in Hackney for a day of all things bi+ including music, panel discussions, and information stalls.
This is now the biggest bi+ gathering in history!

Find out more about Bi Pride UK at www.biprideuk.org

GFT Screening of Velvet Goldmine

We had at least 80 people show up for this very special screening of Velvet Goldmine in 35mm, with a panel discussion about how music and musicians have been consistently providing LGBTQ+ representation for decades.
Velvet Goldmine itself is a beautiful trip of a film, and for a film with lots of sex, drugs, and rock n’roll it does a nice job of humanising the characters, where it could so easily have ended up with the greedy and depraved bisexual tropes. If you love 70s and 80s music, fabulous costumes and glamorous people then this is the film for you! 
Also, it has a cameo by Brian Molko and Placebo, as well as featuring songs of theirs.
Thank you to all our of our lovely panelists for taking part, and to the GFT and their amazing staff for making this wonderful event happen.

To find screening times or to sign up for their newsletter visit www.glasgowfilm.org

Stall at City of Edinburgh Council with their LGBT Network and UNISON
We spent our lunch on Bi Visibility Day with a stall at the main office of City of Edinburgh Council, with their own LGBT+ staff network and UNISON, talking to people about the issues facing bi+ people in the workplace.
And, thanks to the hard work of the local UNISON officer, Edinburgh councillors passed a motion to fly the bi pride flag on bi visibility day.

 

 
Panel Discussion with Edinburgh Uni Staff Pride Network, and PrideSoc
We had a lovely evening talking with the Edinburgh University Staff Pride Network, Edinburgh University PrideSoc and Monstrous Regiment publishers about all things bi+ including how representation in the media is getting better, and how a lot of us struggle with feeling ‘queer enough’ especially in LGBTQ+ spaces. 

Find out more about them at pridesoc.com and twitter.com/UoEStaffPride

BiTastic!
We were honoured to be a part of this year’s BiTastic event, a free one day event for bi+ people and their allies, organised in partnership with Equality Network, Stonewall Scotland, and Bi & Beyond Edinburgh.
There was something for everyone with discussions, crafts, information stalls, and presentations on a wide range of topics, including how to better support BAME people in the community, bi+ representation in the media, as well as safe spaces for those who are non-binary, neurodiverse, and on the aromantic and/or asexual spectrum.
It was a very enjoyable day, and we had people from all over Scotland attending, and we hope to see you all there at BiTastic 2020!

Keep an eye on www.BiTastic.org or follow @BiTasticEvents on twitter for more information about BiTastic 2020!

#BWithTheT

Unless you’ve been living in a cabin in the woods, isolated from society for the last few years, you can’t have missed the increasing hate towards trans and non-binary people in the mainstream media, and from organisations and individuals on social media.
Their basic human rights are being threatened and oppressed, and trans and non-binary people shouldn’t be left to fight that battle alone.
That’s why it’s so important to let people know that we, the bi+ community, are standing in solidarity with trans and non-binary people.

The #BWithTheT hashtag is a quick and simple way to show the trans and non-binary community that we support them.
We’ve had people coming up to us at pride because of our #BWithTheT banner, as it’s easily identifiable in a crowd, a sign of safety to many people.

B With The T Banner at Edinburgh Pride

There is a significant intersection of the trans and bi+ communities, with a large proportion of trans or non-binary people using one or more of the bi+ labels.
According to a report by MAP, more than 40% of trans people identify as bi+. Which is why our work will always be inclusive of trans and non-binary people.
And you can help as an individual by supporting Scottish Trans Alliance’s Equal Recognition campaign, more details here: https://www.scottishtrans.org/equal/ 

Cis people (of all sexualities) here’s a few tips on being a good trans and non-binary ally:

  • Normalise telling/asking people about pronouns by putting your pronouns in your social media bio(s), and by telling people what pronouns you use when you introduce yourself. If you have the ability to put your pronouns on your name badge, do so!
  • Wear or display things in your workspace that show you are an ally. This could be badges or stickers that show the #BWithTheT or say ‘trans ally’ (there’s many wonderful designs out there by many talented people)!
  • If you do accidentally misgender someone, simply correct yourself and move on, making a scene out of it can be awkward and embarrassing for the person who’s been misgendered, and it makes it all about you instead of them.
  • Practice using singular they/them pronouns, and familiarise yourself with neopronouns.
  • Instead of using (s)he or s/he in documents, use they, which is inclusive of all genders.
  • Reach out to trans and non-binary friends and let them know that you’re there to support them.

More details about the #BWithTheT campaign and to add your name to the open letter, visit BWithTheT.org

Scottish Bi+ Network turns one!!!

Unicorn Cake

It’s been a busy year for us, and we can’t believe that it’s September again!
Founded by three people who kept saying ‘someone should really do that,’ we went and did it.
Set up to provide support and resources for Scottish bi+ people, and the general public, we’ve been busy organising events, attending prides, and liaising with other groups.
When we started the Scottish Bi+ Network, we had no idea how much our services would be valued. We’ve lost track of how many people have come up to our stall at pride events and told us that they are surprised to see themselves represented at pride.
This time last year we were busy planning our very first event, a screening of Call Me By Your Name at the GFT (and we are still eternally grateful for all their help and support). It was a sold out event, and it was both amazing and slightly nerve-wracking to see so many people there!

Poster from the GFT Call Me By Your Name Bi-visibility screening and flyer from Out at the Cameo screening

We then ran workshops at BiTastic, and spoke at various events, including LGBTQ+ staff networks, building links with the community.
On the way we acquired Steve the Unicorn, our faithful mascot, who accompanies us to events.

A group of supportes with banners at Glasgow Pride and Steve The Unicorn

We started this year with Trans Pride in sunny Dundee, and recently we attended pride number ten for the year (and Bi Pride UK will make eleven)!
This year saw a return to the cinema, in partnership with Out at the Cameo.  A screening of Desiree Akhavan’s Appropriate Behaviour, which is a rare treat; a bi film, with a bi main character, made by a bi creator.
We’re the first bi+ specific group to be part of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party working group on LGBTI+ issues.

Montage of photographs of Scottish Bi Plus Network at pride and other events

Our Virtual Meetups have been a success, and through this we are able to support bi+ people across Scotland no matter how remote their location, and even if they’re still in the closet.
We’re also one of the partners behind this year’s BiTastic, a one day event for bi+ people and their allies. With fun and games, arts and crafts, and workshops; there’s something for everyone.

Montage of photographs of Scottish Bi Plus Network at pride events

And this is the only the beginning!


We’re preparing for this year’s Bi Visibility Day event, in partnership with the GFT, a screening of the classic bi film Velvet Goldmine in 35mm.
Plus we’re currently trying to secure funding so that we can do more next year, including get to more of the Highlands and Islands, and run Bi Visibility Day events outside the central belt.

So, to everyone that has supported us this year: Thank you!

With special thanks to – Equality Network, The Glasgow Film Theatre, Bi Community News, Bi & Beyond Edinburgh, Pink Saltire, Positive Change Arts Project, Out at the Cameo, OPI Glasgow

You can see more photos of what we are getting up to on our Instagram

Bi+ at the fringe

File:St Cuthbert, Edinburgh, exterior.jpg

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now underway and we are pleased to report that there are a number of Bi+ themed shows and Bi+ performers!
Below is a list of the shows we are aware of so far.

“A bisexual Bridget Jones for the online generation.”

Venue 33, Pleasance Courtyard, £11

“A spin on self-worth, sexuality and spin class.

Venue 300, Underbelly, George Square, £9
“What does it mean to be bisexual? No, actually, what does it mean? Are we doing it right? How can you tell? […] an hour of comedy as confusing as coming out.
Venue 239, PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Street, Free
Collapsible:
“Collapsible is a funny, furious new monologue about holding on in this collapsing world. For anyone who has ever felt crumbly.”
Venue 139, Assembly Roxy – Upstairs, £12 (£11 Concession)
 

Fempire: Cleo, Theo & Wu by Kirsten Vangsness:
“Careening through time and place on a heroine’s journey with the women who are more than what the HIStorians have you believe.”
Venue 20, Assembly Rooms, £10 (£9 Concession)
               
If you know of any more shows to add to this list let us know via social media:
We have not seen the shows listed above so cannot vouch for the standard of representation in each one, but if you have seen the shows let us know via our social media channels.
The List has details on many more queer themed shows taking place in Edinburgh.

Virtual Meetups

Virtual Meetups


We are excited to announce that we are going to start running Virtual Meetups!
We are going to run them on the last Monday of every month, from 7pm – 9pm, through Telegram (for more information on installing and using Telegram, see their website https://telegram.org/ )
People will message us to register their interest, and invite links to the Virtual Meetup will be sent out by 6.30pm to give people time to register if necessary.
We are going to run them on a trial basis until the end of 2019, which will give us time to assess how effective they are.

What is a Virtual Meetup?

A virtual Meetup is a group chat at specific times where, in our case, bi+ and questioning people can chat to other bi+ and questioning people.
It offers a judgement free space where people can be themselves and talk about issues that are affecting them.
It runs at set times, and has at least one moderator.
Group rules can be found at the bottom of this page, and will be pinned at the top of each chat.

Who can benefit from Virtual Meetups?
Everyone!
It’s especially useful for those who aren’t yet fully out, or for those that prefer text chats over in person meetings.
Other factors like accessibility, caring commitments, and travel costs can be a barrier to people attending an in person meeting.
Also, it’s available to everyone across Scotland, even those that don’t have an in person bi+ support or social group near by.

What if I would like to meet other bi+ people in real life?
Bi & Beyond Edinburgh
www.facebook.com/biandbeyond
Social group that meets every first and third Wednesday of the month, 7pm – 9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh.

Bi+ Glasgow (formerly Bi Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/BiScotland
Peer support and social group, see Facebook page for more information

For general LGBT+ groups, including over 50s, trans and non-binary specific events, please visit LGBT Heath & Wellbeing’s event calendar:
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/whats-on/

What if I prefer to talk privately?
If you would rather talk one-to-one with a member of the Scottish Bi+ Network team, you can message us through Twitter and Facebook, or email us at contact@ScottishBiNet.org
We aim to answer all messages within 48 hours, but this is not always possible due to holidays.

My partner/friend/relative just came out as bi+ and I have questions – can I join the Virtual Meetup?
No.
The group is a safe space for those who are bi+ to talk about their experiences without judgement.
However, feel free to contact the Scottish Bi+ Network team with any questions you have, you can message us through Twitter and Facebook, or email us at contact@ScottishBiNet.org
We are in the process of putting together a guide about supporting a partner/friend/relative who has come out as bi+ and we will link it here as soon as it is finished.

Group Rules:
    1. The group is only for bi+ people, and those who are questioning their attraction to multiple genders, who are over 18 years old.
    2. This is a peer led group. It is not a therapy group nor a substitute for professional counselling or emergency services.
    3. No discrimination of any sort will be tolerated.
    4. Be respectful of other people’s pronouns, and personal identities. Just because you don’t agree with the use of a particular label, doesn’t mean that it isn’t useful for someone else.
    5. What’s said in the group stays in the group. Don’t reveal any personal information about yourself, or others. That includes your full name, email, social media pseuds, phone number, and address.
    6. This is not a place for finding dates!