Google Solves Bisexual Identity Theft

Google No Longer Erases Bisexual Identity

The Tech Giant Google that supported GLBT rights around the world with its “Legalize Love” campaign last July, has finally unblocked the work “bisexual “ from its Auto Complete and Instant Search Features.

“Google’s Bisexual Problem” – Blog by Faith Cheltenham, 7/18/2012

According to the president of BiNet USA, Faith Cheltenham who helps coordinate bisexual advocacy, outreach, and networking efforts for the bisexual, pansexual and fluid communities in U.S.A., “ if you type in gay, lesbian or transgender into a Google Search box, Google Instant search begins to auto-complete the search while making relevant suggestions. “ However, before September 12, 2012, when you typed in “bisexual,” there were no search results. Why? Cheltenham, a veteran web/social media producer, named one of The Advocate Magazine’s “Forty under 40,” this year concluded that Google didn’t want you to find “bisexual.”

Explanation for Bisexual Absence

SEO Expert Peter Soltes explains, ”what can be tricky though, if the Google algorithim accidentally decides these webs are related to pornography.” Then, they’re blocked.

After pressure, Google removes “Bisexual” from List of Banned Words

Google decided to change when it got pressure from the bisexual community and campaign groups whose rankings on the website fell as a result of being blocked.

Ellen Ruthstrom, President of the Bisexual Resource Center, organized bisexual groups to create resources and connections for individuals trying to find like-minded community, primarily on the Internet. To a bisexual who feels alone, the Internet is a friend she can turn to for advice and support.

Bisexuals Need Internet Support to Counteract High Suicide Ideation

According to the 2011 Bisexuality Invisibility Report, 1 in 2 bi-women and 1 in 3 bi-men have attempted or considered suicide. When they turn to the Internet for support, they don’t need to find out that their community is blocked.

 Long-Term Advantages

Now, with bisexual in Google’s search engine algorithm, terms such as ‘bisexual quotes’, ‘bisexual rights’ and ‘bisexual parenting’ automatically pop up. However, comments Cheltenham “it will take time for bisexual search terms to be ranked as they were before the ban, but now bisexual people and their allies have a fighting chance to be seen, heard, and understood. We are thankful that Google now sees bisexual people just like everyone else.”