What we’re about
Whether you're newly coming out or a veteran bi activist, there comes a point when it's time to stop talking and it's time to start LIVING as bi people. It is sometimes easy to forget that our sexuality is ultimately about how we love - that our bisexuality is about love, a love that transcends boundaries of sex and gender. It is not up to others to give us the affirmation we, like all humans need; it is up to us to give that acceptance, love, and respect to each other and then build upon that foundation together. That's where amBi comes in.
amBi Portland is not just another Meetup group that offers fun events. While we get to explore the Northwest and enjoy ourselves, we also have a higher purpose.amBi's mission is nothing less than to build a vibrant and visible bisexual community here in Greater Portland. amBi is a diverse social group that hosts public and private events and activities for bisexuals, our partners, and allies. Our use of meetup.com is intended to help overcome the obstacles of distance and logistics by allowing us to plan, discuss, and get to know each other - all from the comfort and convenience of wherever we happen to access the internet.
The first amBi chapter was founded in 2006 in Los Angeles as a social and activities group for bisexual adults and friends. amBi Portland was launched in late 2014. amBi exists to build a Bi Community through a variety of events and activities that allow bisexuals to meet, establish meaningful friendships, and have fun! If you're interested in expanding your sense of bisexuality, getting to know good people, and doing all sorts of interesting and fulfilling events - all while hanging out with other bis - then this group is for you. But remember, as with any group, you get out of it what you put in!
JOINING amBi:
amBi is a private Meetup and you will need to be approved by an Organizer in order to join. We do this to protect the privacy and integrity of the group. Some of our members are closeted outside of amBi, and we want to protect their anonymity. Inside amBi, however, we are open and out to each other.
Before Joining, please read
THE THREE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP:
1) A real or real-sounding name.
This is the name by which people in the group will refer to you. User names like "BiGurl23" or acronyms like "KFS" sound pretty silly when used in person. If you absolutely do not want people to know your real name, pick something. Just be prepared to answer to it! If you prefer, you may tell us your name in your "Introduction." If you are applying as a couple, we require names for BOTH of you.
2) A photo clearly showing your FACE.
(no groups of people, no animals, no cartoons, no picture ID's, no nature scenes, please)
This helps us find you when meeting at a busy venue and also helps people learn and remember who you are. Photos help prevent spam and make the group safer for everyone. Any discretion you may have gained by submitting a photo in which you cannot be identified is quickly lost when you find yourself at a crowded venue, looking for the group, trying to think of creative ways to ask random strangers if they are bisexual!
As long as you have your meetup.com settings to "keep groups private," nobody outside of amBi can see your photo in association with the group.
3) Answers to some basic profile questions.
Introduction [=introduce yourself!]
Why is this the group for you? Why would you like to join a BISEXUAL (fluid, pansexual, label-lessly not-straight...) group?
We want to know a little more about you. Please tell us a few tidbits about yourself, like your favorite spots in Portland, your interests/hobbies, what types of events you would like to see and where you would like the events to take place.
*** REMEMBER: We may be sexy, but we are NOT A HOOKUP GROUP. Keep it classy. ***
These questions aren't here to make you feel awkward. They enable us to make sure you are a real person who is here to meet and socialize with the bisexual community. Your answers also serve as your introduction to the group.
Sorry, but incomplete profiles will not be approved for membership. Profiles without recognizable photos or incomplete profiles will not be approved for membership.
We look forward to meeting you!
PLEASE NOTE: While many of our members are single, amBi is not a hookup group. amBi is not a swingers' group. We are here to help build a community in Portland that is welcoming, safe, diverse, vibrant, and visible. If you are here only looking to arrange dates and/or sexual encounters, we are definitely not the Meetup group for you. Please also note that posting any sexually explicit photos will result in immediate removal from the group. Thanks!
A WORD ON LABELS: amBi uses "bisexual" as an umbrella term for people who recognize and honor their potential for sexual and/or emotional attraction to more than one gender (bi+, heteroflexible, pansexual, fluid, omnisexual, queer, and all other free-identifiers). We celebrate and affirm the diversity of identity and expression regardless of labels.
