“We Want to Send a Strong and Clear Message That, Despite the Numerous Outdated and Incorrect Myths, Bisexuality Is Valid”: BCLP on Marking Bisexual Awareness Month

At Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, we recognise the specific challenges faced by bisexual people in workplaces and in greater society, and it is critical that all employees feel comfortable to be open about who they are, regardless of sexuality or any other aspect of their identity.

By joining MyGwork in marking Bisexuality Awareness Month, we want to send a strong and clear message that, despite the numerous outdated and incorrect myths, bisexuality is valid. Bi people can regularly face stigma, misconceptions, and inappropriate comments about their identity. This can lead to internalised shame, self-doubt, and a belief that they should stay closeted or risk discomfort and invalidation.

There can be huge impacts for an individual not feeling comfortable to be out in the workplace, and so it is important that we build and develop a workplace where no-one is left out, and where everyone is able to be open and authentic. People who are hiding their identity in the workplace can suffer from a vast drop in productivity – which means a worse experience for them, but also an impact on the outcomes for the firm.

A key part of our work to reduce stigma and assumptions at BCLP is a greater incorporation of gender neutral language. Across all of our policies and internal & external communications, we never want anyone to feel that their identity is not seen and respected. Whether someone has a same-gender or different-gender partner, they should not feel left out of considerations such as parental leave.

We are working to make sure that everyone at BCLP is aware of the importance of gender neutral language, and that whilst we might make assumptions about someone based on partial information, this can often be rooted in biases or preconceptions, and should not cloud our communication. Our hope is that this helps to develop a culture where bi people feel welcome at BCLP, whether as employees or visitors, and able to feel comfortable in who they are.

We invite everyone to celebrate Bisexuality Awareness Month with us, and hope that we can continue to dispel the myths and stigma that have affected bi people for too long. We hope that your Bisexual Awareness Month is a time of celebration and learning, and can lead to a more welcome environment for all.