Inclusivity isn’t binary

As I write this blog post, we’re just over two weeks away from the beginning of Pride Month 2023.  Pride is a busy time for us here at Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei), and I’m currently preparing to speak at a member event taking place in July 2023.  

While not officially part of enei’s Pride activities, the event is entitled Sexual Orientation: Understanding Workplace Experience and Increasing Support for Employees. The timing of the event serves as a reminder that if employers wish to create truly inclusive workplaces, it’s critical that LGBTQ+ employees are always effectively supported and that the focus doesn’t shift away once the June Pride celebrations are over. 

Every year, Pride pays tribute to the bravery and resilience exhibited by those pioneers who fought against societal prejudice and unequal treatment. It pays homage to the activists who paved the way for progress, empowering future generations to continue fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. 

Pride parades, events, and demonstrations create highly visible spaces where LGBTQ+ people and their allies can come together, be themselves, and openly celebrate their unique identities. By being visible, outspoken, and unapologetic, members of this community are able to challenge societal norms, stereotypes, and misconceptions.  

While significant strides have been made in LGBTQ+ rights, there is still work to be done. The LGBTQ+ community has fought tirelessly for equality, acceptance, and recognition and has been a beacon of hope for those seeking support and understanding in a world that often fails to embrace diversity. However, within this vibrant community, there exists a lesser-known issue: the discrimination and erasure faced by bisexual (bi) and pansexual (pan) people. 

Unfortunately, bi and pan people often find themselves marginalised, misunderstood, and subjected to prejudiced attitudes. This can not only come from the workplace and society at large, but also from the queer community itself. 

Bi people experience unique challenges in terms of erasure and discrimination. Bisexuality is often misunderstood, leading to stereotypes such as “going through a phase”, “being unable to make up one’s mind”, or the flat-out denial that bi people exist. This kind of erasure can have devastating consequences for individuals struggling to embrace their own identity and find acceptance.  

One of the reasons behind bi erasure is the prevailing binary thinking that assumes individuals are either heterosexual or homosexual. This binary perspective overlooks the reality that bisexuality encompasses a spectrum of attraction to more than one gender. Moreover, bisexuality is not dependent on an equal split in attraction and varies greatly from person to person. By disregarding the diverse experiences and identities of bi individuals, society perpetuates discrimination and denies them the inclusion and belonging they deserve. 

Similarly, pansexual people like me face our own set of unique challenges. Pansexuality refers to an attraction to people regardless of their gender identity. Unfortunately, it is often ignored or misunderstood due to limited awareness and lack of visible representation. We frequently face dismissive attitudes, assumptions, and intrusive questions about our identities. These behaviours can be incredibly excluding and alienating. 

Many misconceptions arise from the assumption that bisexuality and pansexuality are synonymous. While they share some similarities, they represent distinct sexual orientations. Pansexuality’s focus on attraction beyond gender binaries challenges the conventional understanding of sexuality and demands a shift in perspective. 

The queer community should serve as a haven for all its members, providing safe and inclusive spaces. However, internal discrimination persists, with bi and pan people frequently finding themselves at the receiving end of exclusion, stereotyping, and hostility. This issue is referred to as “biphobia” or “panphobia”. 

Bi and pan erasure within the LGBTQ+ community is a double blow. It creates a situation where we struggle to find acceptance in wider society and within the queer spaces that should welcome and support us. 

To combat discrimination and erasure within the LGBTQ+ community, education and awareness are essential. It is crucial for everybody, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, to acknowledge and respect everyone’s individual experiences. I firmly believe that recognising and celebrating the diversity within this community strengthens the fight for equality and inclusion as a whole. 

Visibility and representation play a vital role in combating erasure. As we strive for equality, inclusivity, and belonging by amplifying the voices and experiences of bi and pan individuals, we can challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate erasure and discrimination.  

A wealth of useful information about supporting all members of the wonderful rainbow community in your workplace can be found at enei’s LGBTQ+ and Pride Hub.

This blog post was written by Michelle Davies, enei Service Design and Operations Director. It was originally posted on 23 May 2023.