Stonewall today have launched a major campaign to combat homophobic language in schools. But with the focus on the word “gay”, it yet again leaves bisexuals on the sidelines.
In fairness to Stonewall, the original stat they shared was for LGB pupils.
99% of LGB pupils hear homophobic language at school in Scotland. It has no place in schools #getoverit pic.twitter.com/198HR5n6dl
— Stonewall Scotland (@StonewallScot) November 18, 2013
Look how quickly the BBC managed to erase bisexuals:
99% of homosexual children say they hear the word gay being used as an insult, according to @stonewalluk. http://t.co/2HnmW8RzYz #getoverit
— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) November 18, 2013
Now, this stat is not technically incorrect. Lesbian and gay pupils are a subset of LGB pupils, and it’s safe to assume (within tolerance) that if 99% of lesbian, gay and bisexual kids hear “gay” used as an insult, then 99% of lesbian and gay kids hear “gay” used and an insult. But where did the bi kids go? Are they not worth mentioning? Or is it easier to throw them under the bus in favour of simplifying the message? After all, no one uses “That’s so bi!” as an insult.
But you know what? Hearing “That’s so bi!” used as an insult would actually be progress for us bisexuals. Because right now, most people don’t even seem to think we exist.
I continue to wait with bated breath for the day when a national self-styled LGB organisation runs a major campaign on bisexual issues. We do, after all, make up over half of the LGB community.
ETA: This post now also appears on BiBloggers.