By Soudeh Rad
The seventh ILGA Asia conference was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from December 4th through 8th, 2017. ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association is the largest worldwide LGBTQIA+ rights association and has members from all over the globe. ILGA activities are organized through six different geographic regions: North America, South America, Europe, Pan Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
More than 350 individuals from more than 48 countries joined the 2017 ILGA Asia Conference to debate and discuss various subjects. Pre-conferences on the topics of bisexual, intersex, interfaith, trans, United Nations advocacy, and LBT Women were held during the two days prior to the conference. Some of these spaces were closed events. For example, intersex pre-conference participants had to self-identify as intersex, while the bi pre-conference was open to everyone.
The bi pre-conference was the first in ILGA Asia history and welcomed more than 50 individuals. Candy Yun from the Korea Sexual Minority Culture and Rights Center and Soudeh Rad from the Iranian Dojensgara co-hosted the event. During the first half day, participants introduced themselves, talked about the situation for bi+ individuals in their respective countries, and shared their definition of bisexuality. Hearing the variety of definitions given by people from Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Lebanon, China, Hong Kong, etc. was interesting and revealing. There was no clear consensus on the definition of bisexuality. Most participants were wondering if they would be considered bisexual and many were there to find their own answers to questions such as: “Is this my label?”; “Do I have the right to identify as bi?”; “I am a lesbian woman, but I have a child—am I bi?”
Thus, facilitators Candy and Soudeh decided to change their plans in favor of more discussion about the layers of identity, behavior, fantasy, orientation, and fluidity to help find a definition that could satisfy all participants. Not surprisingly, everyone seemed to be happy with Robyn Ochs’ definition: “I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge in myself the potential to be attracted romantically and/or sexually to people of more than one sex and/or gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree.”
After lunch, more people joined the bi pre-conference. Almost every participant invited someone else to join.
During the afternoon session, Robyn Ochs’ “Beyond Binaries” program, facilitated by Candy and Soudeh, moved the the people in the conference room, melted hearts, and put smiles on faces. It also brought tears to some eyes, as some attendees felt lots of pain answering the survey questions. This discomfort did not last, though, and the explanations, conversations, and support of hosts and participants created a safe and judgment-free space. Some participants realized how they have been denying their desires or identities because of discrimination.
In this happy, friendly ambience, hosts facilitated a brainstorming session outlining the first bi-pre-conference statement, which was then approved by participants to be read during the closing ceremony. The organizers consider the pre-conference a success because of compliments from participants and questions about bi+ issues that came up during the rest of the conference.
A statement issued from this group follows on the next page.
Soudeh Rad is a queer, feminist, bisexual, Iranian immigrant, who arrived in Europe 27 years ago and has been living France for 18 years. Among other things, Soudeh Rad serves on the board of ILGA Europe, and co-curates BWQ’s “Research Corner.”
Statement of the first Bi Pre-Conference at ILGA Asia
On December 4th 2017, the very first bi pre-conference took place at the biannual ILGA Asia conference. We, bisexual and/or ally attendees are proud and pleased to be participating in this one-day event and thank ILGA ASIA for this first step!
We recognize that all over Asia, we face the same issues, in different forms and degrees. There is a general lack of awareness about bisexuality, bi+ and bi visibility, not only in society broadly but also among our own movements. We are seeking greater awareness and inclusion of non-mono-sexuality at the local, regional and international levels.
We ask ILGA ASIA to act more inclusively and encourage all members to help foster this inclusivity. We demand ILGA ASIA to provide members with adequate educational material and empower them to face the challenges presented by monosexist communities. We want ILGA ASIA to consult with local and regional NGOs and activists about specific bi issues at local and regional levels.
We want non-monosexuality-related sessions to be inte- grated into the next biannual conference and not only in a pre-conference event.
We also wish ILGA ASIA to become an incubator for the Asian bi movement by facilitating collaboration between individuals, activists, and organizations. Dedication of funds for research and activism is vital.
We ask all participants in ILGA Asia conference, and all members in general, to recognize bisexuality for what it is: an independent valid sexual orientation. We seek acknowledgement that biereasure is real and biphobia is a form of homophobia. Inclusion is a duty and not thinking/acting/ talking inclusively is a failure.
Taking into account intersectionality is key for all of us who want to bring change, and forced or conventional marriages, bi-parenthood, self-identification, and fostering community belonging are the important topics in need to be addressed promptly.
Signed,
Participants of the bisexual pre-conference
(https://ilgaasia2017.com/2017/12/15/first-bisexual-pre-conference-statement/)