Loraine Hutchins has died. She gave bisexual activism its name, shape, and sass
Loraine Hutchins has left the building. The groundbreaking author, activist, and bisexual lightning rod behind Bi Any Other Name passed away this November, leaving behind a generation of writers, educators, and fierce queers who know their history because she wrote it.
Dr. Loraine Hutchins died yesterday morning on the East Coast. It’s late in the afternoon there now, a full day later. She was an absolutely foundational figure in the bi+ movement. Bi Any Other Name (1991) was a groundbreaking publication. She’s mentored generations of activists. Bi+ people represent a majority of the queer community, and recent surveys show that, in fact, anywhere from a third to over HALF the total population.
Thomas Leavitt
Hutchins didn’t just show up for the bisexual movement; she built the room. Hutchins fought to get bisexual voices recognized in the Lambda Literary Awards, taught sexuality and women’s health with joy and precision, and delivered keynotes that made people feel seen, witty, and just a little scandalous. She was honored as a “Community Pioneer” and wore that title like a leather jacket. She made space. She made noise. She made it matter.