Bi Fest is an initiative by Bialogar (Bisexual+ Visibility collective and podcast – to known more go to: bialogar.pt ), with the collaboration of various LGBTQIA+ associations, collectives and allies, small businesses, among others. This will occur throughout the entire month of September, since it is the month where we celebrate Bisexual Visibility Day (23rd of September), with various events throughout Portugal (yes, islands included!).

This initiative came to fruition do to the stigma and preconceptions associated with people who identify as bisexual+ (Bi, Pan, Omni, among other Bi+). Reports from ILGA and APAV has demonstrated that, even within the LGBTQIA+ community itself, exists many occurrences of discrimination and psychological suffering towards the Bi+ Community. For that reason, we developed many opportunities for people to meet, share experiences and reflect on them, with the objective to create a sense of community and support system. This in reality translates as, conversation circles that approach themes related to bisexuality, an exhibition with the purpose of raising visibility to Bi+ people, hangout events that promote new friendships and support networking, among others.

Bi fest is a community based, volunteer-run, and non-profit event, without sponsors, and is primarily funded by the members of Bialogar, in different proportions, according to their own individual financial capabilities, with that being limited. That being said, there also isn’t any form of compensation associated with this support by the members. We also have the support of other entities that are part of the organization of Bi Fest, where they supply materials for specific events and the availability (free of charge) of event venues and support with event promotion.

Even though we have this support, it is not enough to cover the necessary costs of its execution. For this reason, we would like to count with your support to promote and start this initiative that we know is very important to a lot of people as well as the construction of a more inclusive and aware society. We would like to reinforce that all events promoted by Bi Fest will be free of charge* for everyone.

For this edition, a total investment of approximately €5,000 is planned, distributed across the following costs:

• Transportation of people and materials to the locations where the events occur;
• Production of the materials for the exhibition and other events;
• Accessibility (ex.: Portuguese Sign Language interpreter, braille placards);
• Promotion (ex.: posters);
• Fees and Licencies (Necessary for the fulfillment of Legal Requirements and/or necessary for hosting specific events)

Your donations, no matter how small, makes a diference! This help allows the sustainability of Bi Fest and guarantees that we can do as many events in as many places as possible.
The crowdfunding will be hosted on Bialogar’s Ko-fi with prizes: click here to access it!
For the prizes and other information, check the FAQ below.

* With the exception of events not organized by Bialogar, where there might be a symbolic participation fee (for example: to pay artists and the staff).