About this session

The bi+ community includes bisexual, pansexual, queer and other multi-gender attracted people. Research shows that the bi+ community has high rates of health and support needs compared to the general community and other parts of the LGBTIQA+ community. However, bi+ people often face challenges in accessing and feeling welcome in organisations and services.

This discussion convened by Bi+ Pride Victoria will explore vital questions including:

• What are the key health and support needs for the bi+ community?
• What are the barriers to bi+ people accessing services and support?
• How can practitioners and services improve access and inclusion for the bi+ community?
• What does effective bi+ inclusive practice look like, and what positive examples can we learn from?

Please join us in person for this interactive panel session and Q&A at Thorne Harbour Health in Abbotsford, followed by snacks and socialising. We will also livestream the panel session as a webinar for those who can’t attend in person.

Speakers

Our panel of researchers, advocates and practitioners will share their professional expertise and personal experience on these topics. Featuring:

• Bella Bushby (she/her) - Bella proudly identifies as queer and bi+ and is a PhD candidate at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, focusing on bi+ sexual health. She coordinates the BiSHH study and is passionate about community-led research and improving health outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.
• Ruby Mountford (they/them) - Ruby was a founding member of Melbourne Bisexual Network, now Bi+ Pride Victoria, and pioneered Joy Media’s first bisexual+ program Triple Bi-Pass. They have led LGBTIQA+ and disability inclusion initiatives in healthcare and now work as a human rights advisor.
• Dikshita Guha (she/her) - Dikshita is a Social Worker and a Lawyer who is passionate about conversations that promote visibility, inclusion, and representation. She is currently working as Rainbow Door Practice Lead at Switchboard. Being a bisexual migrant woman of colour from India with Bengali heritage, Dikshita understands the intersection of culture, gender, sexuality, and belonging.
• Additional speaker TBC

The event will be opened by Victoria’s Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe Ball, and facilitated by Aria Planigale and Tyler McRae from Bi+ Pride Victoria.

All bi+ people and allies interested in bi+ health and inclusion are warmly invited to this important discussion. Practitioners and representatives of services are encouraged to attend.