The Power of Small Acts in Visibility
It all started with a sticker.
Amber, one of the founding members of the Sydney Bi+ Network, shared this story on the podcast as their "bi-light" of the week–an empowering bisexual-related moment that brought joy and a sense of connection.
“Someone brought me this really, really cool sticker,” Amber shared, “It says 'Bi Furious,' and it’s huge. It’s got the bi flag colours, and I slapped it on my laptop.
I took a whole stack of extras that my friend snagged from the Green’s office and put them on the table in the shared kitchen area at work. By the end of the day, they were all gone.”
A small act.
A simple sticker.
But that small act had a major impact, and that’s where this story begins.
This blog is inspired by an episode of Give It To Me Bi, 'Community Organising and Bi+ Visibility'. Want more? Listen here.
Chad Barnier and Steve Spencer of Give It To Me Bi, with Amber Loomis of Sydney Bi+ Network
The sticker is a symbol
As bisexual people engaging in community and advocacy work, we often set our sights really high. We want to change large, sweeping government policy or plan radical marches.
And while I'm all for that (call me if you need extra hands!), sometimes we overlook the simple gestures that matter.
The sticker was not just a sticker.
That little sticker was a symbol—a declaration that bi+ people exist, that they matter, and that they are proud of who they are.
The context of where this symbol was found was just as important as the symbol itself. It was in a workplace, not at a Pride event or a march—an office, where people are often not given the opportunity to be seen.
Visibility, even in its smallest forms, can make a big difference, not just for the person putting it out there but for those around them.
It’s these little acts that slowly chip away at the invisibility imposed on marginalised communities.
Steve's Conference Flyers: Another Small Act of Visibility
Steve also shared a powerful story about another small act of visibility that had a big impact.
It was during the 2022 National HIV Conference, where he was distributing flyers specifically for bi+ HIV-positive people.
He talked about how impactful it was to see the response, with people genuinely surprised and appreciative to see bi+ issues being represented.
By the end of each day, hundreds of these flyers had been picked up, and people approached him saying they had never seen bi+ representation at that kind of event before.
It was proof that even something as simple as handing out a flyer can make a difference, showing people they are seen and represented.
The Over-Indexing Impact of Small Gestures
“What I love about these stories is that it really is just one person doing a thing. One person deciding, 'I'm going to take a risk, take a chance.' And then suddenly, it spreads. It’s small but mighty,” Chad said.
The truth is, visibility isn’t always about grand gestures.
More often, it’s about these seemingly simple moments—the ones that can spark something bigger,
Amber’s story about the "Bi Furious" stickers is a perfect example of how something small can create a lasting impact. They placed those stickers on a table in the shared kitchen area of their workplace without much fanfare. And yet, by the end of the day, every single one of them was gone.
Amber’s stickers resonated with their coworkers. They picked them up, put them on their laptops, or took them home. It was a reminder that bi+ people are everywhere—even if you don't always see them.
“I have chills,” Amber said, recalling the moment. “We are everywhere, and people want that. They want to see representation; they want puns; they want to be part of it.”
The Importance of Everyday Visibility
It’s easy to underestimate the power of everyday objects like stickers, pins, or badges.
For many, these items are more than just decoration; they are symbols of belonging and support, small but powerful markers of identity.
Steve shared his thoughts on this: “Visibility is about showing people they’re not alone. Even if they’re not ready to be out, seeing someone else being visible can be a lifeline. It says, ‘You’re not alone, and you’re seen.’”
Amber’s story didn’t stop at the stickers in the kitchen.
Another moment that stayed with their was when they was out on the street, and a stranger saw their bi flag badge. “They stopped me and said, ‘I love your badge. I’m bi, too. I never see that anywhere.’ It was this beautiful connection moment,” they said.
The Ripple Effect of Visibility
Visibility can create ripples—one sticker, one badge, one moment of recognition can lead to so many others.
It’s a reminder of why visibility matters, especially for those who may not yet be ready to share their own identity openly. Seeing someone else with a badge or a sticker can be that spark that lights up hope.
Reclaiming Space in Ordinary Places
Many people think of activism as something that happens in the streets, with protests and marches.
And while those moments are critical, visibility can also mean reclaiming space in everyday environments—places like offices, schools, cafes—where bi+ identities are often overlooked or just not visible.
Amber’s sticker story is a perfect example of this. They wasn’t leading a march; they wasn’t on a podium. They was just at work, putting stickers in the shared kitchen area. It was a subtle but bold action—a way to assert bi+ identity in a space that might not feel explicitly queer-friendly.
“Even just putting something like that out there makes a difference,” Chad said. “It’s about making a space for us where we weren’t before.”
“It's the power of small acts,” said Steve. “We think of coming out or being visible as these grand announcements, but sometimes it's just a matter of showing up with a sticker or a badge. And that can be just as powerful.”
How Visibility Ripples Through the Community
Amber’s experience shows how one simple act of visibility can inspire others. Their coworkers took those stickers home, put them on their laptops, and maybe even sparked conversations with their own friends and families.
It’s these small actions that lead to a broader cultural shift.
As Amber reflected, “It’s about people seeing that we’re here. And then suddenly, someone else feels comfortable showing up, too. It’s a domino effect.”
“Even if you think you’re just one person, what you do can create change. You don’t know who’s watching, who’s waiting for that little sign that says, ‘Hey, I’m here too.’” Chad agreed.
Call to Action: Sparking Your Own Visibility
So, what can you do to be part of this movement?
Visibility doesn’t have to be about standing on a stage or shouting through a megaphone. Sometimes, it’s as simple as putting on a sticker, wearing a badge, or sharing a post online.
Here are a few ways you can spark your own visibility:
Wear your identity proudly: Whether it’s a pin, a badge, a sticker, or a piece of clothing, these small items can make a big difference.
Place bi+ symbols in shared spaces: Like Amber did with their stickers, leave something visible in a shared space—at work, at school, or at your favourite cafe. It could spark a conversation or help someone feel seen.
Support bi+ creators and events: Whether it’s attending events like SBN's BiLines or sharing resources from bi+ creators, support makes all the difference.
Talk about your identity: If you feel comfortable, share your story. You never know who might need to hear it.
Visibility as a Form of Resistance
Visibility is a form of resistance. It’s a way of saying, “I exist, and I’m not going anywhere.”
For bi+ people, who are often erased or ignored, these small acts of visibility are revolutionary. They create a sense of community, they foster connection, and they let people know they are not alone.
“If you’re thinking about being visible, know that your actions matter,” Chad said. “You might not realise it, but someone out there is watching and finding hope in what you do.”
Conclusion: The Power of Small Acts in Visibility
Amber’s story started with a simple sticker.
Steve's began with an A4 print out.
These both carried with them a bold message of pride and defiance that sparked conversations, created connections, and made bi+ people visible in spaces where they are often forgotten.
They say, “We’re here, we belong, and we’re proud.”
So, the next time you think your action might be too small to matter, remember Amber’s sticker story. Remember the power of showing up, no matter how subtle it might seem. Because those small acts? They spark waves of change.
