Winter 2010: Dec/Jan/Feb Bi Women Vol. 28 No. 1 • Bisexual Health A newsletter produced by the Boston Bisexual Women’s Network, for women everywhere My Experience At The National Equality March By Maria, a.k.a. Mizz M were glad to see us out. So many things had I had also heard on the been speculated about radio an announcer the National Equality had been interviewing March that took place on one of the organizers October 11, and there had of the march, and been so much controversy the announcer had and hastiness in throwing called it the “gay and it together that no one was lesbian march” and sure how well it would the organizer had go. Well, despite all the corrected him “gay, trouble leading up to it, the lesbian, bisexual march went off amazingly and transgender” well, and I had a blast. march. I was amazed, On Sunday morning, and I hoped these I was supposed to meet were good omens! the bisexual groups that We met at the coffee were marching at a coffee shop not far from where the house. There were four official bisexual groups: BinetUSA, march was supposed to start. I took the subway into town the New York Area Bisexual Network, the DC Bi Women, with another bi friend, and on the way in we ran into two and BIMA DC, and three of them brought banners. guys who were together and also were going to the march. Overall, there were about 25 of us total that showed up They saw our bi flags and asked what they stood for. We there. I had hoped there would be a bigger turnout, but I told them, and they responded that it made sense and they Equality March, continues on p. 8 Bi-Inclusion in the Boundless Program at Fenway Health By Julie Ebin or prefer socializing in mixed-gender bi/queer environments. Boundless: Events promoting holistically healthy lesbian and Our initial series consisted of four trans-friendly, women- bisexual women’s communities. Transgender-friendly. Unless focused events per year, with the occasional “open to all” otherwise stated, all events are for lesbians, dykes, bisexual event thrown in, and later when we were able to collaborate and pansexual women, MtFs, genderqueer folks, and same- more with Fenway’s men’s wellness series, Living Well, we gender-loving women but people of all genders and orientations were able to have two gender-free, bi-focused events per year. are invited to attend. All Boundless events are FREE. Boundless event topics, which have often come from community members, have ranged from physical well- When I started the Boundless queer women’s wellness being (“HPV from Woman to Woman: The 411 on series in 2004, I wanted to make sure that Boundless would the Vaccine and More;” “Getting Flashed: The Before, be bi-inclusive, meaning not only explicitly welcoming During, and After of Menopause), to mental health and bi bisexual women in name as part of the intended audience, community support (“Fighting Biphobia: What You Can but also trying to walk the fine line of making the content Do [for bi folks and allies];” “Home for the Holidays: A and format inclusive of bi women, while still being queer- One-Time Support Group”), to relationship and dating focused in content (i.e. info that queer women could not get concerns (“Getting the Queer Sex You Want [And Not elsewhere, or topics that they would feel more comfortable the Sex You Don’t Want];” “Women – Is Your Partner/ discussing in a queer women’s workshop or event). The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Trans? A One-Time Support Group”). approach I took was to both have queer-women focused Other bi-specific events have included the first-ever events that included information relevant to bi women Boundless event (before Boundless even got its name): (e.g. our HPV event a few years ago included information “Bisexuality. Feminism. Heterosexual Privilege. Our Bodies.” about sexual transmission and prevention of HPV between (with Robyn Ochs – this was a powerhouse kick-off event women, and also between women and men), and also having with over 50 people attending), and later, “So How’s some multi-gendered bi events, because many bi folks enjoy Boundless, continues on p. 7 Bi Women • P.O. Box 301727, Jamaica Plain MA 02130 Winter 2010 • Vol. 28 No. 1 • page 1 HONOR ROLL From your editor Katelynn Bishop Next in Bi Women Caitlyn Kekeissen The theme of this issue is “Bi Health.” Related Emilia Dunham to this theme, we offer essays by Jen Bonardi, Gail Zacharias Julie Ebin, Paige Listrud, Neelima Prabhala The theme for the Spring ‘10 issue: Deb Morley and Mike Szymanski. Bi Youth Ellyn Ruthstrom In addition, Mizz M, a.k.a. Maria, offers Gina Siesing a bi perspective on the National Equality If you are a young bi person, 25 or under, Jen Bonardi March, Sarah E. Rowley reviews M+04EVR, tell us your story. What is it like to be you? Julie Ebin and Martina Robinson shares a poem with How did you come to identify as bisexual? Justin Adkins us. Where did you learn about bisexuality? Lucy Lizard Malkah Feldman Our “Bis Around the World” feature Was there a Gay/Straight Alliance in your Martina Robinson takes us to Portugal, our Bi of the Month is high school? Are your friends accepting Maria, a.k.a. Mizz M the amazing Deb Morley, and of course, we of your bisexuality? What about your Mike Szymanski offer our fabulous calendar of events in the family? Do you have any bi role models? Neelima Pradhalba Boston area. Where do you get support? What Paige Listrud advice would you give to other young S. McLaughlin people who think they might be bi? Sarah Rowley Remember, fabulous women: Susanah Layton Robyn Ochs this is YOUR newsletter. Please Submissions to the next issue Sarah Prager consider supporting us with are due by February 5th. Sarah Viera Taira Torres your dollars (if you have any). Send your submissions and suggestions for future topics to biwom- And many more Please read the important [email protected] fabulous people! announcement on page 16. Upcoming themes will include: You know who you are! Trans/Gender; Fantasy; Choice; Out at And please consider writing something for Work; Faith & Religion; Intersectionality; Bi Women is published the next issue! and more. quarterly. Bi for now, STAFF Robyn Submit to Bi Women! Editor: Send articles, calendar entries, letters, Robyn Ochs poems, black-and-white art, news, and views to: Calendar Editor: Ellyn Ruthstrom Bi Women: Proofreader: [email protected] Katelynn Bishop If you do not want your name published, or wish to use a pseudonym, please tell us. All articles and art ap- pearing in this newslet- ter are copyrighted by Bi Women can be found online the authors and artists. Bi brunch at Lucy’s at biwomenboston.org. The Boston Bisexual Women’s Network is a feminist, not-for-profit collective organization whose purpose is to bring women together for support and validation. It is meant to be a safe environment in which women of all sexual self-identities, class backgrounds, racial, ethnic and religious groups, ages, abilities and disabilities are welcome. Through the vehicles of discussion, support, education, outreach, political action and social groups related to bisexuality, we are committed to the goals of full acceptance as bisexuals within the gay and lesbian community, and to full acceptance of bisexuality and the liberation of all gay and transgender people within the larger society. Bi Women • P.O. Box 301727, Jamaica Plain MA 02130 Winter 2010 • Vol. 28 No. 1 • page 2 Bis Around the World: “Paula”: the Portuguese Word for Bi Activist? By Robyn Ochs coming out? Did it make it harder or RO: Are there bi organizations in From July 16 through August 4, 2009, easier? In what ways? Portugal? I did a European book tour to promote the new second edition of Getting Bi. In PA: I studied twelve years in catechesis PA: There is currently only one Bi Oporto, Portugal, I was warmly welcomed in order to become a catechist. I sang organization in Portugal, which is into the home of Paula Antunes, Sofia in the church and I was responsible for PontoBi, with a website at www.pontobi. Fonseca and their daughter Mariana. one of the groups in MCE (Catholic org. It started about four years ago Of the first three Portuguese bi activists I Student’s Movement) – a large in Braga and Oporto, with monthly had met, two were named “Paula.” This organization of Catholic youth, so, meetings. It took a while for people led me to wonder for a moment: are all yes I have to say that I had a religious to show up. Today Braga’s group is bi activists in Portugal named “Paula”? background. Strangely enough this “on pause” and Oporto meetings have The answer is obviously, “no.” But Paula did not have a negative effect on my usually 10-15 persons. Valenca, who has an essay in Getting Bi, coming out. Maybe because at MCE and Paula Antunes, interviewed below, we had Christ’s philosophy, “love one RO: You have been an activist for are the most prominent bi activists in another, no matter what,” and that was several years. What motivates you to stay Portugal. Here is an interview with much stronger than the church’s point involved? Paula Antunes: of view on homosexuality. PA: Simple. I cannot stand being Robyn Ochs: Paula, please tell us part of a society that is not fair and about yourself.