Stonewall Scotland: Free Bi Empowerment Programme

We call this programme bi empowerment while recognising the limitations of this term. This is an inclusive programme for everyone who identifies under the non-monosexual/monoromantic umbrella. This can include people who are bisexual/biromantic, pansexual/panromantic, fluid, omnisexual/omniromantic, polysexual/polyromantic and queer. 

We understand our identities are complex and nuanced and there are specific challenges around feeling valid within our community. There are no requirements to attend, you don’t need to be out, or sure of your identity – if you think you’d get something from the programme, you’re welcome to apply! 

We want to ensure that this programme reflects the diversity of our community. We would love to hear from LGBTQ+ individuals who are also Black or People of Colour, people of faith, disabled people, trans and non-binary people – and of course those who are at the intersections of these identities.

We encourage anyone to sign up for a place on these programmes, but particularly welcome applications from community groups and third sector organisations.

We know the power of coming together with other people who share some of our experiences. This programme gives you the chance to explore what being bi means to you in a supportive and nurturing environment. It also creates space for you to meet and connect with other members of our community. 

With the focus on your journey and experiences, as well as solidarity, this programme can also help you explore how you might want to step up as a bi person in your community. Attendees on previous programmes have gone on to speak at events and conferences, organise national networks, deliver workshops and participate in Stonewall events.

We want our events to be accessible to everyone. All delegates should expect to feel safe, welcome, and included at our events. These programmes are grant funded which means they are entirely free to attend. We will provide lunch and refreshments throughout the day - let us know about any dietary requirements when you sign up.

We understand that attending a programme such as this has hidden financial costs, which may prevent LGBTQ+ people from attending. We have therefore made funding available to cover reasonable travel, accommodation, and food costs for those who most need it to be able to attend this programme. Please see our FAQs below or email workplace@stonewallscotland.org.uk to find out more about the support we have available.

If you have any access needs, including the provision of equipment and BSL interpreters, please email workplace@stonewallscotland.org.uk. We will do our best to accommodate any access requirements you need. 

Stonewall is committed to ensuring that attendees of our programmes can participate in a safe and supportive environment. 

Through different interactive exercises, we encourage delegates to challenge themselves, grow their understanding and develop new connections with the people in the session. 

Exploring issues and developing knowledge of different identities is encouraged and we see all identities as valid. Debating the validity of identities is not accepted on our courses. 

Do I need to be in employment to apply?

We welcome people to attend our programmes regardless of their employment status.

I do not live in Scotland, can I attend?

As this is a funded programme you do have to live in Scotland to be able to attend this programme. You can find out more about other opportunities to attend one of our programmes or events here.

What travel, accommodation, and food costs are covered?

Travel & accommodation

As this is an in-person programme, there is a requirement to travel to central Edinburgh to participate. We have secured funding to be able to cover reasonable transport costs (train, bus, car) for delegates who need this support to attend the programme. We will also consider requests for accommodation for those who need it.

As a charity, we ask that participants take steps to secure the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport options. 

If you need support in booking travel, please contact us via workplace@stonewallscotland.org.uk.

Food and drink

All delegates attending the event will receive lunch and refreshments on the day. When registering, we will ask you for your dietary requirements.