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Still Complicated > Summary (Community and…

Report Chapters
  1. Acknowledgements
  2. Foreword
  3. Introduction
  4. Methodology
  5. How we define bi+
  6. Demographics
  7. Key findings
  8. Community and belonging
  9. Belonging to the LGBT+ community
  10. Belonging to a bi+ community
  11. Belonging to a ‘straight community’
  12. Summary (Community and belonging)
  13. Bi+ experiences in LGBTI+ services
  14. Biphobia in LGBTI+ spaces
  15. Other barriers to participation in LGBTI+ spaces
  16. Mainstream public services and the bi+ experience
  17. NHS services
  18. Sexual health services
  19. Police services
  20. Religious services
  21. Other services
  22. Summary (Mainstream public services and the bi+ experience)
  23. Bi+ intersectionality
  24. Employment
  25. Covid-19 pandemic and the bi+ experience
  26. Covid-19 related healthcare
  27. Social challenges
  28. Financial hardships
  29. Bi+ community groups
  30. Summary (Covid-19 pandemic and the bi+ experience)
  31. Good practice
  32. Recommendations
  33. Increased knowledge and understanding
  34. Avoiding assumptions and generalising
  35. Dealing with discrimination
  36. Bi+ specific support and inclusion
  37. Increase representation of bi+ people
  38. Resources and further reading
  39. Bibliography
  40. Glossary

Summary (Community and belonging)

LGBTI+, and bi+ specific, community connections offer opportunities for networking and resource sharing. Bi+ individuals can connect with others who share their interests, hobbies, or professional pursuits. These connections foster a supportive environment and create spaces for collaboration, mentorship, and personal growth. Communities can equally provide access to resources such as information on healthcare providers, support groups, mental health services, and legal guidance.

“I have a lot of bi+ friends through chance, which helps solidify my feeling of belonging.”

Belonging to a bi+ community provides a platform for bi+ individuals to engage in advocacy and activism. Having a strong bi+ community allows for collective action, raising awareness about bi+ issues, and advocating for policy changes that address the specific needs and rights of bi+ individuals. By working together, bi+ people can effect positive change, challenge biphobia, and contribute to a more inclusive society.

The importance of communities of shared experience, especially when you belong to a marginalised group, cannot be overstated. A strong sense of community provides validation, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Many bi+ people face unique challenges related to their sexual orientation, including societal misconceptions, stereotypes, and biphobia. Having a community that recognises and affirms their identities helps combat feelings of isolation, invalidation, and self-doubt.

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