The Dallas Principles
May 24th, 2009My friend Joanne Herman directed my attention to this new website/ grassroots LGBT movement call to action, The Dallas Principles, which she was involved in creating!
Although I am disappointed that none of the 24 authors of the Principles are out bisexuals (at least, according to their bios on the site) — especially considering that in the US there are as many bisexuals as there are gays and lesbians combined — I’m glad that the Principles are inclusive of bisexuals in the movement.
It’s my hope that if any of the authors are bi, they’ll come out, as several of the authors who are gay and lesbian and trans have done. Considering:
a. the depth of biphobia and bi-invisibility in the community,
b. the fact that bisexuals have poorer physical, mental, and (yes) financial health than gays and lesbians, and
c. the fact that biphobia/ bi-invisibility and this poor health among bisexuals have a causal correlation,
I think it’s crucially important that bisexuals who are involved in movement politics — and there are many! — be as out as possible.
Closets make things harder for us all. Coming out promotes better health and well-being among bisexuals, because we need out role models; and this in turn promotes an increase in activism and community involvement by bisexuals, who, as I mentioned, comprise 50% of the LGB population. We bisexuals need our inspired and inspiring leaders.
It’s very sad to me to think that some might be closeted or reluctant to be out as bisexual, especially in the context of a group of individuals who are advocating for our civil rights. Think how much more we could accomplish if the B half of LGB were healthy and active and out — and fully vested in and recognized for their contributions to the movement!
In the meantime, until any authors who might be bi come out as such, please join with me in spreading the word about the Principles. We’re all in this together, closeted or out and proud, and our rights matter.
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