Adrienne Williams, Bi Social Network Founder, Talks 'I Am Visible' Campaign and Snagging Alan Cumming

Adrienne Williams created a campaign called I Am Visible, featuring a range of people who identify as bi, from bisexuals next door to one very famous bisexual on the big and small screen: Alan Cumming.
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What does a bisexual person look like? How can you tell if someone is bi, just by looking at them? I don't have the answers, but I know someone who is trying to get us to think more critically about the questions.

Adrienne Williams, founder of the Bi Social Network, created a campaign called I Am Visible, featuring a range of people who identify as bi, from bisexuals next door to one very famous bisexual on the big and small screen: Alan Cumming. Mr. Cumming, an Emmy nominee, star on The Good Wife, and out-and-proud bi man, is the current face of the campaign.

I recently caught up with Adrienne to learn more about her work.

What inspired the campaign?

The I Am Visible campaign came out of a year-and-a-half discussion with my [website] members, email feedback and support, and a chronic case of insomnia. Right about 2 a.m., I was talking to a friend about how I want to do something more with Bi Social Network -- how many in the bisexual community felt they were invisible, in the straight community and under the LGBT umbrella as a whole. I had a lightbulb moment, [and] two days [later], I started to work on the new site for other bisexuals to share their own stories, and work on a plan of action to get others to participate in imagery, storytelling, and sharing video of their unique stories of being bisexual.

What response have you gotten? Any surprises?

There are no words I can say [about my excitement] on landing Alan Cumming. Just to see the shots he did was such an honor. I think I cried that day when he said yes, and when the shots were sent to my email box. It doesn't get any better than that, as a campaign goes.

How can people participate?

[When the campaign started] out bisexuals submitted their own images per our specs. That section is now closed, but it was great to see people wanting to join in there and show the world how important [it is to be] visible and stop bi-erasure and biphobia. [At this point in the campaign] I want more community participation -- particularly leaders in advocacy, activism, and entertainment -- and everyday bi people and bi allies. There are two ways to contribute: 1) posting articles on the site, or 2) doing a video.

What is your hope/plan for the future of the campaign?

We haven't stopped. We have decided to extend the campaign for another year because, even after getting Alan Cumming on board, I still feel it's needed. Many didn't know Alan was bisexual/queer. When [most people] see a bi person in a same- or opposite-sex relationship, they think gay or straight. We are trying to help others see that bisexuals have to continue to come out every day of our lives. If I'm dating a guy, it doesn't mean I don't like other genders. It just means I'm not available, because I'm into the person I'm involved with. Of course, I would also love if bisexual activists join us this year and take a stand in supporting a bi project. One of the great things I [have seen while] being a part of the LGBT community for over 20 years is that gay and lesbian leaders join in what matters to them. We need this same drive to showcase we exist. Without that, it won't be successful. We are about to do another form of the I Am Visible campaign, but I'm still fleshing out the idea, so when I have it, I will let you know.

It would also be a dream to get more [out bisexual] celebrities joining this campaign, and perhaps even people who are allies of the bisexual community -- straight, gay, and lesbian [allies]. Who knows, perhaps we'll get Anna Paquin or Angelina Jolie. Yes, it doesn't cost anything to dream!

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