Although bisexual (and TQIA) representation at Pride is on the rise, their lived experiences can be underrepresented when it comes to mainstream events and media.

This has resulted in smaller breakaway movements happening. Most recently we saw the first ever Dublin Trans Pride being held and in London, activist Kate Harrad has organised the return of BiFest, which is a one-day celebration of everything bisexual that has been happening since 1999.

There will be chances for attendees to socialise in a safe environment and will have craft areas.

Harrah spoke to PinkNews about the importance of hosting an event for the bisexual community.

“The bi community doesn’t have the same kind of established pub or club culture that the gay community does. There are no bisexual pubs and only a handful of club nights,” she explains.

“If you are bisexual and don’t know anyone else who is, you might not know there’s a community at all. Worse, you might try entering the gay or lesbian communities and be rejected for your sexuality, which does still happen.”

A recent Pride in London survey found that nearly 4 times the number of bisexual people are not out to their families when compared to gay men.

Harrad wants BiFest to be an accessible friendly event which gives people a chance to talk about bi issues.

“I didn’t go to Pride [in London] this year, and that was partly because it’s not been great for bi representation,” Harrad says.

“Although we had our first bi+ float this year, which was a massive achievement.”

Even though the event is aimed primarily at bisexual folk, allies are welcome to attend.

“Anyone who is bi-friendly can come,” Harrad says.

“We try to remove as many barriers to attendance as we can. We offer free tickets to people of colour, hold BiFest in a wheelchair accessible venue, keep it affordable and provide a code of conduct.”

The venue also has gender-neutral toilets.

Head to http://london.bifest.org/ to find out more.