Bi Women Empowered
Power Rooted in Community
Bi Women Empowered is a nonprofit based out of Portland Oregon with the sole purpose of empowering bisexual women and addressing the risk factors they face including bi-phobia, bi-erasure, and an increased risk of anxiety, depression, sexual assault and partner violence.
We provide bisexual women with education, resources and the community they need to THRIVE!
DON’T MISS
Join Our Spring Bi-Women’s Retreat!
Unite, Manifest, Flourish & Rise
May 29 – June 1, 2025 | Lincoln City, Oregon
In these times, true connection and community matter more than ever. Within community, we find safety. We find healing. We create space to grow and transform. If you’re a bisexual or queer-identifying woman grappling with feelings of isolation, uncertainty, or a longing for genuine connection, know that you are not alone. You deserve a community that truly sees, hears, and celebrates your unique LGBTQ+ experience—and our Spring Bi-Women’s Retreat is here for you.
Whether you’re stepping into the exploration of your bisexuality for the first time or have embraced your identity for a lifetime, this retreat is an invitation to meet, connect, and thrive alongside other women-identifying people who understand your journey.
Located on the breathtaking Oregon Coast in Lincoln City, our Spring Bi-Women’s Beach Retreat offers a sanctuary of sisterhood, support, and self-discovery. Come to laugh, learn, manifest change, and celebrate your authentic self in a space that is as dynamic and vibrant as the community we’re building.
This spring, give yourself the gift of belonging. Uncover new possibilities for connection and growth at the edge of the waves. Join us!
Meet Our Team
Take a moment to meet our team of badass bisexual women & LGBTQ+ activisits!
Annette Benedetti
President
Annette is a Sex & Intimacy Coach and the Host of the women’s sexuality podcast Locker Room Talk & Shots by Talk Sex with Annette. She is passionate about empowering women, especially bisexual and pansexual people who identify as femme.
Annette is the founder of the PDX Bi Women’s Group and is passionate about empowering all women and fighting the patriarchal forces that lead to bi-erasure, bi-phobia, and the dangers and risk factors that plague all women.
Deanna Sheaffer
Vice President/Treasurer
Deanna is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a fierce champion for marginalized voices. In both her career and personal life, she is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive spaces where everyone can feel seen and valued. Her advocate work extends beyond the office: she lives and breathes her mission to empower others in all aspects of her life.
Alongside her advocacy work, Deanna channels her love for self-empowerment and spirituality into her business Chrystal Queer Emporium where there are an array of metaphysical themed products and services.
Krissy Helton
Secretary
Krissy helton is the owner of Foxy Bubbles. She adds a special magical touch to everything she does. She has been a member of the PDX Bi Women’s group for over 6 years and is passionate about helping Bisexual and Pansexual women find commmunity.
Krissy brings her special set of skills to Bi Women Empowered by helping the non profit turn its dreams into a reality.
You’ll find Krissy at every retreat brightening the settin with her bubble magic and setting the evening alight with her music and laser light shows.
Iris Oran Cox
Director of Comunity Outreach Chair
Iris identifies as a non-binary woman and queer/lesbian. She is the mother of five teenagers and young adults.
They work for a large medical system as a a Research Contracts Manager, negotiating contracts for clinical trials. They are also a third-degree black belt in traditional taekwondo.
She is very involved in the queer/bi/lesbian community in Portland and the Pacific NW as well as the playamory community.
Lucy Rutter-Karsakova
Director of Fundraising
Lucy identifies as bisexal/queer. She has been part of the PDX Bi Women’s group for the last 8+ years.
Lucy is an electrical engineer. She is good at fixing things and is Bi Women Empowered’s go-to for almost al maintenancy emergencies. She enjoys reading lots of books, cooking, and she assists at every retreat with art projects, tarot readings an more. Lucy tries to use her energy to provide comfort and care in the difficult times that we are in. She hopes that this organization can help as all find a tribe and be part of the community of other brilliant women.
Ready to Find Your Community?
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DISCOVER
Our Vision
Bi Women Empowered is a nonprofit based out of Portland, Oregon with the sole purpose of empowering bisexual women and addressing the risk factors they face including bi-phobia, bi-erasure, and an increased risk of anxiety, depression, sexual assault, and partner violence.
We provide bisexual women with opportunities to build community through online social events and groups as well as in-person annual events and retreats. We provide education and skill building through online education opportunities in the form of articles, classes, and seminars.
We help connect bisexual women, their partners, and allies with much needed resources through an online resource data base.
Launched on January 1st of 2023! Bi Women empowered in new but growing fast. Join us online and in person!
Our Mission
Provide bisexual women with education, resources and the community they need to THRIVE!
We seek to eliminate the risk factors plaguing the woman-identifying bisexual community including bi-phobia, bi-erasure, increased depression and anxiety, and sexual and physical violence.
We believe that providing bisexual women with a supportive community while helping them build resilience through educational and skill-building opportunities we can begin to make a difference.
Simultaneously we will begin to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ Community by increasing our visibility at events and gatherings both online and in person.