Bisexual Organizing Project
I started questioning my sexuality shortly after coming out as polyamorous. I not only wondered about whether or not I was attracted to females, but whether I truly identified as female. The years of soul-searching and conversations that occurred afterwards helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself as a person, as well as what it means to identify as a certain label (or with no label at all). I consider myself a bi-ally (especially with the local community here) because I have a greater appreciation of both the internal struggles of coming to terms with one's sexuality and gender identity, and also with the struggle for understanding with the outer world.
I learned about the Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP) through our local polyamory community. There appears to be a significant overlap between those that are polyamorous and those that identify as bisexual. I'm not sure if the St. Paul - Minneapolis area is the exception or the norm in this. While not all polyamorous people are bisexual, and not all bisexuals are polyamorous, both question the acceptance of cultural norms regarding human sexuality.
One of the things that I greatly appreciate about the Bisexual Organizing Project is its inclusiveness. The group does not limit itself to the "generic" definition of bisexual (attraction to both males and females). The community includes those that identify with and are attracted to those outside of the male/female binary, transexuals, lesbians, gays, and heterosexuals. They also welcome bi-allies, friends and loved ones that support the bisexual community and help further the causes of the bisexual movement.
Mission:
- Advocate for equal acknowledgement and recognition of bisexual identities and communities.
- Create a safe community for bisexuals and our allies within and outside of GLBTA spaces, allowing each individual to fully be who they are.
Vision:
- Foster inclusiveness, awareness and acceptance of bisexuals.
- Be utilized by regional GLBTA organizations as a resource on bisexuality.
- Ensure GLBTA organizations offer service regarding bisexuality as a standard part of their programs and initiatives.
Additional information on BOP's strategic plan can be found here.
BECAUSE- members of the B.O.P. community organized and ran the BECAUSE Conference (Bisexual Empowerment Conference: A Uniting, Supportive Experience). This weekend-long event features activities, panels, and sessions/workshops to help members of the bisexual community care for themselves both as individuals as well as community organizers.
Community Development: BOP hosts a variety of events within the Twin Cities area in order to nurture a growing bisexual and bi-ally community. These events include:
- Bi's Eat Out - monthly social gathering that supports a local restaurant
- Bi's Eat In - montly brunch at a member's home
- Guy Gab - social gathering for community members that identify as male
- Chic Chat - social gathering for community members that identify as female
Outreach: BOP hosts informational booths at area PRIDE celebrations and other events.
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About Jessica K
Jessica Karels is a writer, speaker, and workshop facilitator that is helping to bring about greater public awareness about polyamory. She has been a council member for the St. Paul - Minneapolis polyamory group, MNPoly, since 2004.
In addition to leading on a local level, Jessica is helping to build a poly-friendly web presence. Her blog, Young Metro Poly, consists of her writings about poly leadership development as well as her personal musings about being Generation Y, a corporate professional, and openly polyamorous.
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