Richmond Bi+ Discussion Group

hosted by MCC Richmond

BiPlusGroup@mccrichmond.org

When — We are currently meeting every other Thursday from 7:00 - 8:00.

See Our Current Meeting Schedule

Description — Join us for…

A confidential discussion and support group.
Open especially to anyone who identifies as pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, bi-curious, questioning, people attracted to more than one gender, and those who just don't like labels.

All friends and allies are welcome, regardless of orientation!

What Do We Talk About?

The discussion group covers an array of topics that are applicable to the Bi+ community, including: coming out, bi+ visibility and erasure, community, relationships, physical and mental health, etc. Conversation starter questions are provided, but discussions are informal and follow the flow of what group members feel the need to discuss. We always have time at the beginning of the meeting to share stuff about ourselves.

See some of our past topics and sample questions.

Agenda (for in-person meetings during non-pandemic times):

30 minutes — Coffee, Greetings, Check-ins, Life Discussion
~ 60 min — Focused Topic Discussion

For more information, contact BiPlusGroup@mccrichmond.org

Questions

Q: What is the “Bi+ Umbrella”?

Bi+ means an acceptance of many different labels and identifications.
One older, now often rejected convention is the binary idea that all people are either straight or gay.
This binary ignores (bi+) people who may have attraction to more than one gender.
This binary also ignores (asexual) people who don’t have attraction to anyone.
Bi+ can be a spectrum, a space between a binary.
The Bi+ Umbrella is particularly welcoming of people who may identify as….
- Pansexual
- Polysexual
- Omnisexual
- Bicurious
- Fluid
- Homoflexible
- Heteroflexible
- Questioning
- Non-monosexual
- Biromantic, Panromantic
- Grey-A
- Queer
- Or people who don't like labels.

Q: Why invite friends and allies?

We acknowledge…

that friends and allies are an important part of our community,
that people learn from each other,
that a cause for equity is stronger when those with privilege stand in support of those oppressed or diminished,
that we use our voices together to bring better tolerance and inclusion to our world.

Q: Do I Have to Be “Out of the Closet” to Join?

We have many different members who may be at different levels of disclosure and comfort.
- Some may be working on affirming their own identity to themselves (personal),
- Some may have only told a small group of trusted people (private),
- Some may have told people on a more public scale.
All group members are expected to respect the confidentiality of all other participants.
While someone may decide to reveal their identity in our private and confidential group setting, what happens in group stays in group. If you see someone from group in public, don’t assume they are out in a public setting.
We absolutely respect the right that each person gets to decide who, where, and when to come out (or not at all).

Q: What Kinds of Things Are Off-Limits for Group

We are not a Counseling group, but encourage those who could find those services useful to seek them out.
We do not endorse political parties or political candidates.
We are respectful that people may come from a variety of religious backgrounds or spiritual perspectives.

Vision

People need community. Connection with others and a place to belong are important for human well-being. Community provides engagement and support, but also helps us question and grow. Bi+ people deserve a space to meet others like them and to identify issues that make a difference in our lives. We want the chance to find meaning and identity in life and to be our best selves.