ALL things bisexual and bi-friendly will be celebrated at an East Oxford event later this month.

Organisers hope the second annual BiFest on March 31 will go some way to breaking down the barriers surrounding bisexuality.

And in a separate move, Oxford University colleges proudly flew the rainbow flag this week to mark the end of LGBT History Week.

BiFest spokesman Alex Winson, 24, said: “It always used to be ‘I’m the only gay in the village’. But nowadays, the thing you’re more likely to hear is ‘I’m the only bisexual in the city’. Any event like this to do with bisexuality is important because it is so consistently misrepresented in the media and erased from public perception.

“Too often, a politician is found in bed with a man and said to be gay, despite the fact he’s got a wife at home. And actors will come out as gay instead of bisexual because it’s easier to deal with.”

The first Oxford BiFest took place in 2010 and welcomed more than 80 people to a programme of workshops and activities.

Mr Winson said: “Running these events helps show people it’s not a phase, it is a valid sexual orientation.”

Apart from social events, BiFest will include a series of workshops at the East Oxford Community Centre, Princes Street from 11am to 11pm.

In total, the rainbow flag was flown above 12 colleges to raise awareness of the issues affecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community.

It was organised by students including second year Philosophy and German student Michael Brooks, 20.

He said: “Seeing the rainbow flag, a progressive symbol of support for human rights, in Oxford hopefully had an impact on the students, academics, residents and tourists.”