I am proudly, vocally, and vehemently bisexual, regardless of my relationship status or the gender of my partner.
I’ve also thrown myself into the bi community, and that’s meant attending many an event discussing bi activism. Most recently, I went to the book launch of Dr Julia Shaw’s Bi: The hidden culture, history, and science of bisexuality, which was a truly excellent event. We spoke about everything from bi icons, bi science, the history of the word bisexual (the two in bi is homo & hetero, and has been for more than a century), and the bi gene. A crucial focus was put on the plight of asylum seekers, more critical than ever given the Rwanda situation, and the burden of proof for being LGBTQ, and specifically bi – how does one prove that, and how do we counter the assumption that bi people can just choose to hide their homo side and ‘be hetero’ in dangerous situations?
A room full of bisexuals celebrated our history and our culture, and I was reminded of how many excellent bi activists are fighting the LGBTQ fight. But what we’re missing is the bi fight – what’s the ‘bisexual ask’? What are we fighting for?
I ask this as someone championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, who has in turn been asked this question by people trying to do the right thing. With gay and lesbian employees, the asks are relatively clear – inclusive policies including fair parental leave, freedom of expression especially when talking about partners and social lives, not being sent to homophobic countries without adequate protection. And even for the trans community, the fight against transphobic is a mammoth task but there are some clear asks for businesses and organisations; gender neutral loos, pronoun use, healthcare coverage for trans-related health needs as a start.
So what’s the bisexual ask? Some, but not all, of us will benefit from the gay & lesbian policies. And some, but not all, will benefit from the trans ones. But it seems we are lacking policy structures and a clarity of ask which is specific to us – while there is no shortage of community-specific problems. Bi people have unique health issues (both in terms of mental health and physical health), a glaring lack of accessible communities (though things have improved some in recent years), and ultimately lower life expectancies; almost half of all bi women have considered or attempted suicide.
When I asked Dr Shaw my ‘bisexual ask’ question, she spoke about visibility. She advocated for using the word bisexual in press releases and messaging (especially during pride or when talking about LGBTQ issues). She was clear about having bisexuals on your ‘LGBT’ panels, and inviting bi employees to share their stories.
This is vital, but there’s a huge burden on bisexual people – it necessitates a grassroots approach which other groups don’t suffer from. This is especially hard when 80% of bi people aren’t out, and of those that are out, a further 40% go back in the closet at work.
I think we need more research, thought, and activist time to go into finding solutions to these problems. Part of this ties to funding, or the lack thereof – bi groups are almost always run by unpaid volunteers, and a tiny proportion of LGBTQ funding goes to bi-specific causes. It’s incredibly hard to fight for intangible solutions, and in the move to increased DE&I work at a corporate, policy, and societal level, the bi community needs to have its asks to hand.
This is no mean feat. We also cannot simply do nothing until it happens. So in the meantime. here are my calls to action for those looking to improve the experience of bi people in the UK and beyond.
Sandy Downs is the head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Teamspirit, the financial services communications agency (part of VCCP Business), where she is responsible for DE&I strategy, advocacy, and communication. She is also an experienced public relations practitioner, specialising in financial services communications including reputation management and crisis comms.
May
13may10:0011:00Breaking the Silence | Menopause & Mental Health at Work
13/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
Menopause can have a profound impact on mental health and yet it’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored in the workplace. This session is designed to help managers,
You’ll gain:
A clearer understanding of how menopause can affect mental health in the workplace
Confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling
A simple, effective approach to starting supportive wellbeing conversations
Date: Tuesday 13th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free