the complete bisexual manifesto text
for your accessible reading pleasure
(you can find screenshots and breakdowns of the manifesto in this tumblr post, this tumblr post, and this tweet)
the bisexual manifesto that is spread around and used to invalidate pansexuality is only part of what was published by the bay area bisexual network in the magazine “anything that moves” in the 1990s. the full text was the “about our name” page at the beginning of the magazine. it reads:
Our choice to use this title for the magazine has been nothing less than controversial. That we would choose to re-define the stereotype that ‘bisexuals will fuck anything that moves,’ to suit our own purposes has created myriad reactions. Those critical of the title feel we are purporting the stereotype and damaging our image. Those in favor of its use see it as a movement away from the stereotype, toward bisexual empowerment.
We deliberately chose the radical approach. We are creating dialogue through controversy. We are challenging people to face their own external and internal biphobia. We are demanding attention, and are re-defining ‘anything that moves’ on our terms.
READ OUR LIPS: WE WILL WRITE OR PRINT OR SAY ANYTHING THAT MOVES US BEYOND THE LIMITING STEREOTYPES THAT ARE DISPLACED ONTO US.
This magazine was created by bisexuals and their friends. All proceeds are invested into its production and the bisexual community. It is published by the Bay Area Bisexual Network and reflects the integrity and inclusive nature of the BABN Statement of Purpose. ATM was created out of pride; out of necessity; out of anger. We are tired of being analyzed, defined and represented by people other than ourselves—or worse yet, not considered at all. We are frustrated by the imposed isolation and invisibility that comes from being told or expected to choose either a homosexual or heterosexual identity. Monosexuality is a heterosexist dictate used to oppress homosexuals and to negate the validity of bisexuality.
Bisexuality is a whole, fluid identity. Do not assume that bisexuality is binary or duogamous in nature: that we have 'two’ sides or that we MUST be involved simultaneously with both genders to be fulfilled human beings. In fact, don’t assume that there are only two genders. Do not mistake our fluidity for confusion, irresponsibility, or an inability to commit. Do not equate promiscuity, infidelity, or unsafe sexual behavior with bisexuality. Those are human traits that cross ALL sexual orientations. Nothing should be assumed about anyone’s sexuality—including your own.
We are angered by those who refuse to accept our existence; our issues; our contributions; our alliances; our voices. It is time for the bisexual voice to be heard. Do not expect each magazine to be representative of all bisexuals, for our diversity is too vast. Do not expect a clear-cut definition of bisexuality to jump out from the pages. We bisexuals tend to define bisexuality in ways that are unique to our own individuality. There are as many definitions of bisexuality as there are bisexuals. Many of us choose not to label ourselves anything at all, and find the word 'bisexual’ to be inadequate and too limiting. Do not assume that the opinions expressed are shared by all bisexuals, by those actively involved in the Bisexual Movement, by the ATM staff, or the BABN Board of Directors.
What you can expect is a magazine that, through its inclusive and diverse nature, creates movement away from external and internal limitations.
This magazine is about ANYTHING THAT MOVES: that moves us to think, that moves us to fuck (or not); that moves us to feel; that moves us to believe in ourselves—To Do It For Ourselves!
The Bay Area Bisexual Network is an alliance of bisexual and bi-supportive groups, individuals, and resources in the San Francisco Bay Area. BABN is coalescing the bisexual community and creating a movement for acceptance and support of human diversity by coordinating forums, social events, opportunities, and resources. We support relationships among people regardless of gender, which can include relating intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, sensually, and sexually. We support celibacy, monogamy, and non-monogamy as equally valid lifestyle choices. We support open expression of affection and touch among people without such expression necessarily having sexual implications. The BABN is by nature educational in that we are supporting the rights of all women and men to develop as whole being without oppression due to age, race, religion, color, class or different abilities, nor because of sexual preference, gender identity, gender preference and/or responsible consensual sexual behavior preferences. We also support acceptance in employment, housing, healthcare, and education. This includes access to complete sexual information, free expression of responsible consensual sexual activity, and other freedoms. Membership is open to all bi-positive people whether or not they consider themselves bisexual.”
the only part of this that people cite as a source for various things in arguments against pansexuality is, “Bisexuality is a whole, fluid identity. Do not assume that bisexuality is binary or duogamous in nature: that we have 'two’ sides or that we MUST be involved simultaneously with both genders to be fulfilled human beings. In fact, don’t assume that there are only two genders.” and honestly, i have never understood why. nothing in those three sentences negates pansexuality or proves it biphobic.
“do not assume bisexuality is binary” does not mean “do not assume bisexuality doesn’t include non-binary people”. it means, as the sentences continues, “do not assume bi people have two sides”, or in other words, don’t assume bi people are half gay and half straight. bisexuality does include non-binary people, that’s just not what’s being addressed there.
“don’t assume there are only two genders” literally just means exactly that. there are more than two genders.
neither of those sentences are defining bisexuality as anything. the only thing the entire bisexual manifesto defines bi as is a “whole, fluid identity”.
but even if those sentences were saying “bi includes non-binary people” or “bi is all genders”, that still wouldn’t negate pansexuality or prove it biphobic.
because pansexuality has been defined as all/regardless before this was published, so nothing in it can prove “pan people stole bi’s definition.”
now that we’ve addressed that part of the manifesto, again, let’s get to the important part that everyone ignores.
“Do not expect each magazine to be representative of all bisexuals, for our diversity is too vast. Do not expect a clear-cut definition of bisexuality to jump out from the pages. We bisexuals tend to define bisexuality in ways that are unique to our own individuality. There are as many definitions of bisexuality as there are bisexuals. Many of us choose not to label ourselves anything at all, and find the word 'bisexual’ to be inadequate and too limiting.”
ya hear that? stop using the bi manifesto as some ultimate, holy, universal definition of bi. not only does that definition of bi not exist within it, but the manifesto itself does not support defining bi as one thing for every bi person.
most important, though? the blatant, explicit support for mspec people who don’t identify as bi.
i included the “about babn” because it really drives home how this manifesto that exclusionists clutch so hard onto is written by people who are supportive and inclusive of every flavor of queer.
so please stop pretending this manifesto is an ancient queer document. it’s literally just a page from a '90s magazine. it’s part of queer history, but it is not the be all end all of it. nor does its existence erase or negate what predates it.
and it does not support your panphobia, bi policing, and exclusionism.
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