S2E6: Resisting Bi+ Oppression with Alicia Ortiz

In this episode of Bisexual Killjoy, we sit down for our first-ever in-person interview with Alicia Ortiz. Alicia shares insights on using songwriting to inspire social action, drawing from her extensive experience in organizing campaigns for LGBTQ+ equality, workers' rights, immigration reform, reproductive justice, and racial equity. Her work emphasizes coalition building and the transformative power of uniting diverse communities—a core principle in her anti-oppression programs and her teachings on empowerment, healthy relationships, and self-defense.

Together, we explore how bi+ folks can strengthen their voices and find allies across different communities, even amidst erasure and rejection. Alicia’s passion for coalition building shines through as we discuss ways to sustain ourselves in activism, foster resilience, and recruit allies. Join us for an inspiring conversation on lifting up bi+ identities and the communities we support.

Activist, educator, and musician Alicia Ortiz (pronounced a.LEE.cee.a) uses songwriting as a vehicle for uplifting people and inspiring social action. With a community organizing background, Alicia has led campaigns for queer and transgender equality, workers' rights, immigration reform, reproductive justice, and racial equity. Currently based out of Boston, MA, Alicia facilitates anti-oppression programs with students and professionals and teaches empowerment self-defense, healthy relationship skills, and sex education. She believes that coalition building is a virtue.

Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon. 

Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com. 

Resources

• Galop. “Tackling biphobia.”
• Right To Be. “How to Respond to Public Harassment.”
• IMPACT Boston

Alicia Ortiz 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicia.vida.ortiz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicia_vida_ortiz/