The #BiWeek, a yearly celebration aimed at raising bisexual awareness and embracing the community, has just been concluded—but it doesn’t mean the fight for acceptance is over.

“#BiWeek draws attention to the public policy concerns of bisexual people while also celebrating the resiliency of bisexual culture and community,” according to GLAAD.org, which has been at the forefront of this goal for over 30 years. “Throughout #BiWeek, allies and bi people learn about the history, culture, community, and current policy priorities of bi communities.”

In the media industry, bisexuals seem to have been portrayed in a negative light. “The most common stereotype is that bisexuals cannot be fully satisfied with only one partner because half of their desires must then obviously be denied,” media professor Dr. Nora Madison said in an interview with CBS News. How is it problematic? “It begins with the definition of bisexuals as being attracted to both men and women, but with assumptions that bisexuals are only attracted to men and women, and are always equally attracted to men and women at the same time.” 

Debunking these assumptions, Madison continued on to talk about bisexual educator and author Robyn Och’s definition of being bi, which is “far more accepted” by the community. According to Madison, Ochs described it as “the potential to be attracted—romantically and/or sexually—to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree.”

Today, we celebrate the bisexual community, including those in the limelight who have moved us with their courage and love. Here’s a list of some proudly bi Filipino personalities altogether pouring their hearts out for the cause.

Alex Diaz

Former VJ Alex Diaz came out as bisexual late last year, following an indecent proposal he reportedly sent to a male fitness coach. In an Instagram post, he laid his cards down the table to make a bigger statement, “Never again will I be shackled by the fear of what might be said about who I am for fear of losing my career and instead, I will seek help, heal and champion change, acceptance and representation for the bisexual community and/or anyone who is met with prejudice in our society.” He has since been the new face of bisexuality, engaging in talks, movements, and other bi acceptance-advocating occasions.

Fifth Solomon

Fifth Solomon came out as bisexual on Pinoy Big Brother, saying without any hesitation, “Kung marami man ang hindi tanggap yun, yun lang po, basta tanggap ko ang sarili ko at mga taong nagmamahal sa akin." After acting, Fifth went on to be a film director with Nakalimutan ko nang Kalimutan ka as his latest work. 

Patty Tiu

Patty Tiu, who used to be with Kat DJ, may be married to DJ Mark Thompson now—but she has always been proudly bisexual. “For me, sexuality is liquid. It’s so broad. For me, I never believed that a woman can only be attracted to a man or a man can only be attracted to a woman or like only to their opposite sex. I always believed that when you’re attracted to someone, it’s so free na it’s (more of) a feeling," she said in a previous interview with ABS-CBN Lifestyle.

Mari Jasmine

After ending her relationship with actor Sam Milby, host Mari Jasmine came out as bisexual on Instagram where she posted a photo with her then-girlfriend, director Sam Lee. “My dream is to live in a world where I feel safe walking down the street holding my girlfriend’s hand. A world where I have the same fundamental human rights that I would be entitled to if I were in a straight, heteronormative relationship,” she wrote in the caption. Mari, a blogger and influencer, would profess her newfound identity by joining pride movements online and offline.

Issa Pressman

Yassi Pressman's younger sister was never shy online about her relationship with then-girlfriend, DJ Marga Bermudez. In one of her posts, she wrote, “Ain’t there anything more beautiful in the world than genuine happiness.” Issa and Marga even joined a brand campaign in November 2018 that celebrated freedom in love.

Mark Bautista

In his autobiography “Beyond The Mark,” singer Mark Bautista opened up about his sexual orientation and wrote how he’s much happier now that he knows himself a lot better. He launched the book in February 2018, as a tell-all on his journey after years-worth of rumors about his sexuality hounding his career.

 Banner image taken from Alex Diaz' Instagram account