Up to date as of 10:00 on Sunday 30th Nov, but is – as ever – subject to change. We'll edit it as required, including on the day as there is also a fourth room available if anyone wants to run anything.
Saturday
Doors open: shortly after 09:30
Opening hello: 09:50
In person and also online.. just not the same 'hellos'.
Slot one: 10:00 to 11:15
In person and online:
Equality and Inclusion – James, Equality Network
"People who belong to more than one marginalised group (e.g. LGBTI and/or disabled and/or racially minoritised) can be erased and excluded from our own communities. This is often true in groups like BiCon that primarily focus on one characteristic and may not have the knowledge and understanding to help. This can lead to attitudes and practices that make spaces unsafe or unwelcoming for those who may need to access them the most.
"This session is aimed at helping us become more inclusive of everyone and respect every part of their identity. This inclusion work can start without a big budget or paid staff and benefit everyone regardless of their identities."
In person:
Playing with identity – Simon
"Short talk followed by open discussion on identity play for self-exploration, particularly through self-constructed pseudonymous identities (e.g. ttrpgs, social media, furries)"
Poly 101 – Jess
"A gentle introduction to polyamory and consensual non-monogamy. We'll go over the basics – what, who, why, and how – as well as discussing some common struggles, challenges, and pitfalls. This will be an interactive and discussion-oriented session so come armed with your questions (which you'll be able to ask anonymously if you prefer!)"
Slot two: 11:25 to 12:40
Online:
Unreasonable adjustments – Rowan Alison, Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusion Officer, Equality Network
"A discussion led by a disabled and neurodivergent person about what we need to make groups, services and events as inclusive and accessible as possible for disabled and neurodivergent people. What works for us, what doesn't and why we should maybe start asking for unreasonable adjustments…
"This discussion is open anyone who needs or wants to help make things more accessible."
(At BiCon in person and want to do that? There's a room where you can login to Zoom with your mobile data. Use earphones / headphones, please! Not got any Bluetooth ones? There will be some on sale.)
In person:
Verbal self-defence against biphobia – Irene
"On the basis of typical situations in intimate relationships, family, work or educational settings, public space etc., we'll develop strategies to verbally deal with biphobia. Verbal self-defence comes in all shapes and sizes, just like we do, and there is no one correct response. Therefore we'll dive together into the toolbox of feminist self-defence* so that everyone gets a couple more options to their existing repertoire. Max. 14 participants
"* = everything that makes minorities people's lives safer"
Gen X gathering – Lisa
"For people born in or before 1980 (we won't turn away 'boomers' and we won't be checking ages either). Just a chance to get together and chat and maybe reminisce and maybe find out about other social opportunities or ways to connect as Bi and Bi friendly people who're no longer young (though of course many of us are still young at heart)"
Lunch: 12:40 to 13:40
In person:
Meet Continuity
"BiCon Continuity is the UK bi community charity that looks after BiCon's money and enables the event to happen. Several of the trustees will be having lunch together – come and talk to us!"
Slot 3: 13:40 to 14:55
In person and online:
The history of bisexuality in the 1970s and 1980s – Martha
"Sharing some of the research from her forthcoming book, Loving Outside the Lines: A History of Bisexuality and Multiple-Gender-Attraction in Modern Britain. The talk will focus on the development and early years of BiCon and British bisexual organisations in the 1980s, with time for audience questions and discussion."
In person:
Sharing circle for couples – Philip and Emily
"Bi and and in a couple? Both bi? Or just one of you? If so, how does the other one feel? Does it work? What are the issues? Could sharing as a group help us in some way?"
Bi+ sport – Sophie
"Discussion space about sport, fitness, health, gender and queerness"
Slot 4: 15:05 to 16:25
In person and online:
I want it! – Ian
"Attendees will split into a number of groups, who will then talk about something they want to happen in the UK bi community. Everyone will get back together to see what the various groups have come up with."
End of online BiCon
Evening: 18:00 to 21:30
Tables booked at the The Nag's Head pub. There will be some (mostly not vegetarian) snacks served from 19:00, but there are also numerous places to eat in the area first.
Sunday
Slot five: 10:25 to 11:40
Non 'sexual' bisexuality – Grant
"Bisexual = attracted to more than one gender, but for some of us attraction isn't same as fancying doing intercourse / oral / manual. It could be BDSM or being Ace or.."
Origami paper crafting – Kathryn
"Learn how to make some cool origami things, and/or teach someone how to make a cool origami thing. No origami skills necessary, and materials will be provided. Alternatively, bring your own craft project along."
Slot six: 11:50 to 13:05
Online and in person
Bi+ temporality – Samu/elle
"Building up on my talk at the Bisexual Research Conference 2024 and my own activist work in the German Bisexual Network."
In person
Bi+ film festival – Alice
"Getting community feedback on a UK Bi+ film festival some collaborators and I are potentially looking at setting up."
Hand in hand parenting – Sara
"An intro to the Hand in Hand parenting approach. Sara is currently in training to become a Certified Hand in Hand Instructor. After a short summary of the approach participants will be invited to ask questions and share parenting situations that they currently find challenging. This approach was Developed by Patty Wipfler, who founded the non-profit Hand in Hand Parenting in 1989."
lunch: 13:05 to 14:05
Slot seven: 14:05 to 15:20
BiCon 2025/26/..
"A chance to find out what would be involved in running a BiCon. This one was done partly to reset people's expectations and make running one less intimidating."
BSL – Davey
"Learn some BSL (British Sign Language)"
Sci-fi bi – SJ
"Do you have your fav sci-fi bi character? Or one you loath? Looking at bicoding and troupes as well as positive role models though discussions. This session will be exploring sci-fi/ fantasy bi characters, plot lines and subtext. Looking what makes this genre have more visible bi characters."