Coalition Building for a Chaotic World
Be tired, but don't give up. We need you.
If there’s anything we’ve learned lately (or rather, been reminded of), it is that the world is predictably unpredictable. Bi+ people are no strangers to unpredictability—to be honest, we’re experts. Though we are Bisexual Killjoys, we aren’t alarmists or doomsayers. There’s a lot that we can and should do together. But when everything feels out of control, starting can feel overwhelming. Enter: Coalition building, which is one of the best ways to create stability, band together, pool resources, and push back against oppression.
Power in Numbers; Wisdom in Differences
Coalitions are more than alliances—they’re networks that bring together groups with shared challenges but different perspectives, needs, and strengths. This diversity isn’t a drawback; it’s the power source. Bi+ people are all too familiar with how our unique experiences are often overlooked within LGBTQIA+ spaces. Building coalitions gives us a chance to connect with others who also live in the in-betweens: trans folks, disabled folks, BIPOC folks, and so many more who navigate complex layers of marginalization. Honestly, one bi+ person is statistically likely to live within many intersections.
ACT UP itself started as a coalition and turned into a movement that was instrumental in raising awareness and demanding action during the AIDS crisis, bringing together LGBTQIA+ activists, healthcare professionals, and allies to demand better treatment and resources for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Women’s March coalition is another example, uniting diverse voices around feminist, reproductive, and civil rights, including LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC folks, and people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
When we show up for each other, our individual fights become more impactful. We can pull resources, broaden our reach, and amplify voices that don’t always get heard independently. In coalitions, when one of us wins, we all gain ground.
Vulnerability as Unity
We often hear about vulnerability as a strength, and for coalition building, it really is. Different marginalized communities might not have the exact same fights, but we do know what it’s like to be dismissed, underfunded, or outright ignored. These shared vulnerabilities create common ground and deepen our understanding of what we’re up against. From economic instability to attacks on healthcare and civil rights, we face many of the same barriers. Coming together is a way of saying, “Your struggle is tied to mine”—and meaning it.
Breaking Free from Single-Issue Silos
One of the biggest advantages of coalition building is that it pushes us out of our single-issue bubbles. So often, we’re encouraged to focus only on one slice of the problem. But as bi+ folks, we know what it’s like to live at multiple intersections; our experiences are shaped by our race, gender, class, ability, and more. Fighting for bi+ visibility isn’t just about “bi issues”; it’s also about challenging the structures that make it hard for anyone who lives outside the norm.
Imagine the impact when we break down these silos and recognize the intersections—like bi+ people of color facing unique discrimination that can’t be captured by LGBTQIA+ or racial justice spaces alone. Coalition building encourages us to adopt a more holistic approach to social change, where we support each other’s issues because, ultimately, they’re all our issues.
Building Connections Through Community Care
For a coalition to thrive, it needs more than shared goals; it needs real relationships grounded in trust and care. These networks aren’t just tactical; they’re personal. This is community care—support that goes beyond public advocacy to show up for each other on a deeper level.
This type of community building among bi+ folks isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s been shown to have real benefits for mental health and resilience. Studies have found that bi+ people face some of the highest rates of mental health challenges within the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, the 2023 Trevor Project National Survey found that 48% of bi+ youth seriously considered suicide in the previous year, and studies have consistently shown higher rates of depression and anxiety among bi+ adults compared to their gay or straight counterparts. However, when bi+ people can find and build supportive communities, these connections can counterbalance these mental health challenges. Social support and belonging are two of the strongest protective factors against depression, and for bi+ folks, community can serve as a critical buffer against the stigma, isolation, and erasure they experience.
One example of bi+ community building is the Bisexual Resource Center (BRC), which has created support spaces for bi+ people since the 1980s. The BRC provides resources, discussion groups, and events that center on bi+ experiences, helping people see they’re not alone and connecting them to others who understand their struggles and triumphs. Similarly, online spaces like the #StillBisexual campaign have built community by letting bi+ people share their stories, fostering a sense of visibility and solidarity. Seeing one another’s experiences out in the open helps diminish feelings of isolation, reminding us that we’re part of a larger network with shared history and ongoing advocacy.
When bi+ folks and other marginalized people work together, we build resilience through these connections. We all come with different levels of burnout, trauma, and challenges. Knowing we’re not alone helps us keep going. It’s about creating spaces where people are fully seen, acknowledged, and valued, a reminder that we’re all in this together, not just as allies but as an extended family.
Building Coalitions as Radical Defiance
Coalition building is radical because it goes against the grain of an individualistic society. It defies the message that we’re all supposed to fend for ourselves. When marginalized groups unite, we challenge the idea that our liberation is a zero-sum game. Coalition building reminds us that liberation is collective, not competitive.
Bi+ folks, who are often left to navigate multiple worlds, know how to build bridges. We know how to make connections across differences and are uniquely positioned to unite communities. Coalition building is a chance to lean into these strengths and take them to the next level.
A Path Forward: How to Start Building Your Coalition
Start Small, Grow Gradually: Coalitions don’t need to be grand-scale to be effective. Start with small, informal gatherings with people or groups that share parts of your mission. Begin where you are, and let things build naturally from there.
Stay Accountable: Trust is the backbone of a strong coalition. Show up for others, listen to their needs, and support them in tangible ways. Accountability is essential to keep the coalition intact.
Learn and Unlearn: Expect growing pains. When groups come together, conflicts will happen. Often, in conflict, we grow. Keep an open mind, be ready to learn, and unlearn when needed.
In a world of chaotic change, coalition building offers a way to move forward. By standing with each other, we can face whatever comes, knowing that our liberation is interconnected. The path may be challenging, but together, we can make it strong.