A new bisexual social and advocacy group will hold its first gathering in Brisbane next Sunday, welcoming people from all parts of the community.
The Brisbane Bi+ Network supports people who are bisexual, pansexual, and other orientations under the bi+ umbrella.
“The network is here to offer similar support to the Bi+ Networks in Melbourne and Sydney,” said organiser Bridget Macrae.
“We want to offer the bi+ people in Brisbane an opportunity to build and connect with the community, and to provide advocacy and education about the issues facing our community to the broader public.”
Macrae said that the Brisbane Bi+ Network has a focus on improving education about bisexual people for health professionals, particularly those working in mental health and sexual health.
“We are aware that currently, service providers in mental and sexual health are rarely aware of the unique issues that bi+ people are affected by,” she said.
“We are working to educate these professionals so that they will provide more appropriate support to our community and we can improve health outcomes for bi+ people in our area.”
The Brisbane Bi+ Network will meet at The Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley from 3 pm to 6 pm next Sunday 23 February.
The event will be attended by volunteer Bi Buddies, identifiable by special badges, who can assist anyone who may feel out of their comfort zone and wish for support from a peer.
Future social meetups are planned for the last Sunday of every month.
As well as bi+ people, the group invites family, friends, and supporters to attend.
Connections and support are crucial for bisexual people, who, like other members of the LGBTIQ community, may have poorer relationships with family.
“While this event is to build community for bi+ folks, all are welcome,” said Macrae.
“The purpose is just to have fun and build community for bi+ folks near Brisbane.”
Anyone who would like to attend the gathering is asked to RSVP online.
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