Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), often referred to simply as 'Beijing', is one of the key guiding documents on gender equality and women's empowerment. The BPfA was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. It outlines 12 "critical areas of concern" that are considered vital to the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The BPfA requires all governments who have ratified the document to develop policies and national plans of action detailing which steps will be taken to implement the BPfA locally.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) monitors the implementation of the BPfA. Each year, the CSW adopts action-oriented recommendations in the form of agreed conclusions on one of the 12 critical areas of concern, and reviews progress on the implementation of agreed conclusions adopted in previous years.
Bi-Gender
A person whose gender identity is a combination of two genders; this can be reflected in their gender expression, but this is not necessarily the case.
Biphobia
The fear of, discrimination against, or hatred towards people who are bisexual. Biphobia can be seen in general society, but sometimes also within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bisexual
A sexual orientation whereby someone is aesthetically, romantically, sensually, and or sexually attracted to two genders. This attraction does not have to be equally split between these two genders, and there may be a preference for one gender over another. Note: some people who are attracted to people regardless of gender also identify as bisexual, while others identify as pansexual.