Group Photo From BiCon 2008
International Conference on Bisexuality
March 12th, 2010
BiCon is an annual conference/convention for bisexual people and their friends, allies and supporters, and anyone with a supportive interest in bisexuality. It's a friendly, welcoming event – BiCon is enjoyed each year by people who are just beginning to make links with the UK bisexual community, as well as by regular attendees who come back time and time again.
The first International Conference on Bisexuality took place in 1991, and ran every two years until the last ICB, 9ICB, in 2006. In 2010 the International Conference on Bisexuality will be combined with the 28th UK BiCon. It is a chance for bisexual activists from across the globe to get together and combine strategies, compare solutions, and forge partnerships in the fight against prejudice and biphobia.
And in addition: On August 26th 2010 the first international BiReCon event will be taking place in London, UK, as the first day of the weekend-long international BiCon. The first national BiReCon took place in 2008 bringing together researchers and writers with activists, organizations and members of the bi community.
This year, a number of prominent international writers, researchers and activists will be presenting their work. The work that is happening in the UK will be presented as well as cutting edge research from around the world. BiReCon also provides an opportunity to share good practice about working with bi people in groups or organizations.
Visit the BiReCon 2010 Website (Coming Soon)
Visit the Bi UK Website
Visit the BiCon UK Website
AIB Rep Appears On Dr. Phil Show
October 3rd, 2009
Denise Penn of the American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB) appears this week on the Dr. Phil Show.
Penn, a writer and social worker, was invited to attend and comment from the front row after the show's producer had consulted with GLAAD in order to find a spokesperson.
Cindi Creager, Director of National News with GLAAD, placed Penn on the show and provided invaluable assistance and support for her
The episode, entitled, "Relationship Surprises," features guests who have struggled with or had shifts in their sexual orientation, including Headline News Anchor Jane Velez-Mitchell. Also featured are a lesbian mother who finds herself attracted to men since giving birth, and a straight mother calls in wondering about her teenage daughter's bisexuality.
Dr. Phil asked Penn for comments during taping.
The program is distributed by CBS. The episode airs Thursday, October 8th.
About The Show:
Relationship Surprises - Thursday - October 8, 2009
You may think you know your loved ones, but could they be hiding a secret that would shock you? Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of HLN's Issues with Jane and author of the new book, iWant: My Journey from Addiction and Overconsumption to a Simpler, Honest Life, opens up about her struggles with alcoholism and sexual identity. Learn how she came to terms with being a lesbian, how she revealed her sexuality on a radio show and how it affects her loved ones.
And, Barbara, 39, knew she was gay at the age of 13, but ever since having a child via in vitro fertilization, she finds herself having doubts. What is behind her shift in sexuality? And, a mother of a teen claiming to be bisexual wants to know if it's just a phase. Is she harming her daughter by not supporting her sexual identity?
Visit The Dr. Phil Website for a recap and more information on this show.
Visit the GLAAD Blog at OutGayLife.com to read their take on the show.
AIB Attends AASECT Conference
June 30th, 2008
For the second year, AIB participated for the second time, in the Annual Conference of The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). The 2008 conference was held in New Orleans.
AASECT is a not-for-profit, interdisciplinary professional organization. In addition to sexuality educators, sex counselors and sex therapists, AASECT members include physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, allied health professionals, clergy members, lawyers, sociologists, marriage and family counselors and therapists, family planning specialists and researchers, as well as students in relevant professional disciplines.
The AIB table in the exhibit was popular this year. AASECT members share an interest in promoting understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior, and were interested in the Journal of Bisexuality. Many attendees signed up to receive issues of the journal and explored the option of submitting material with Editor Jonathan Alexander and Managing Editor Regina Reinhardt.
The American Institute of Bisexuality Applauds The California Supreme Court Decision on Marriage
May 15, 2008
The American Institute of Bisexuality Applauds today's California Supreme Court ruling that the state may no longer exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage. AIB also congratulates and thanks lead counsel NCLR, Lambda Legal, the ACLU and Equality California who have been fighting for this victory for four years on behalf of all of us.
AIB Director Denise Penn stated: "Some say that The California Supreme Court just ruled favor of "gay marriage,"but it is so much more than that: They have affirmed the right that each of has the freedom to marry the person we love, regardless of their race, their religion, their social class or the gender of the person they choose to spend their life with. Many who wish to enter into a same -sex marriage do not identify as 'gay' and will benefit from this decision."
"The California Supreme Court decision protects more than gay marriage," added AIB Director, Brad Kane. "It also protects the rights of lesbians and bisexuals. The court applied strict scrutiny to sexual orientation and bisexuality is a recognized sexual orientation. This decision goes well beyond marriage. It will affect state adoption rights, benefits, child custody, hospital visitation, personal injury damages, state taxes, all sorts of family rights."
"It is a victory for fairness and justice and equality, and it is important to acknowledge that all of us benefit from this decision.Today, we are proud to be Americans and proud to be living in the great state of California, leading the way to greater freedom, opportunity and prosperity for the rest of the country," concludes Penn.
The American Institute Of Bisexuality is a 501c3 public charity that supports and sponsors projects likely to promote understanding and visibility about bisexuality through education, research, training and media outreach. The American Institute Of Bisexuality raises awareness about the diversity of sexual orientation. AIB is dedicated to the support of the bisexual community and the education of the public at large about the bisexual community.