Initially posted on Mic and cross-posted right right right here using their authorization.
Being a proud man that is bisexual for a long time, I’ve needed to navigate the complicated grey area that my identity occupies regarding the sex spectrum.
The LGBTQIA+ community has made, bisexual people are still looked upon with confusion — or outright scorn — by gays, lesbians, and straight people alike despite all of the gains. From individuals asking me personally if I became “full-blown gay yet” to individuals questioning my motivations, I’ve probably heard all of it.
Regrettably, the binary thought processes that informs the reasoning of several who remain unconvinced by the truth of bisexuality eventually oppresses everybody else through its perpetuation of unflinching heteronormative or homonormative criteria.
Being intimate with some body of the identical sex does not suggest you’re homosexual, similar to being intimate with some body associated with reverse intercourse does not mean you’re straight — it just means you fall somewhere in the stunning, fluid spectral range of sex.
Here we have been into the supposedly enlightened of 2014 – and yet, biphobia persists year. In no specific purchase, below are a few of the very tiresome lies society really has to stop telling in regards to the bisexual community.
1. “Bisexual individuals don’t exist.”
This is actually the lie that is first bisexuality — plus it’s a huge one.
Some into the homosexual and community that is straight can’t fathom a sex for which folks are interested in one or more sex. Finally, you can attempt the waters, however you must choose a relative part, the reasoning goes.
But people that are bisexual need lesbians and gays to ensure or science to show which they occur.
2. “Bisexual folks are just dealing with a stage.”
Yes, it is a fact that a lot of gays and lesbians purchased bisexuality as being a stepping rock, a method to soften the blow of being released for conservative moms and dads.
While being released is an extremely individual choice, the techniques of some must not invalidate the identities of this majority.
3. “Bisexual individuals are intimately greedy.”
Bisexual individuals are perhaps perhaps not immediately more promiscuous than just about every other person — gay or directly. Being interested in significantly more than one sex does offer more prospective partners.
But simply as having an taste that is eclectic wines will not make one an alcoholic, being bisexual will not make you more promiscuous. However if some body is, there’s absolutely absolutely nothing incorrect with this either. (Let’s maybe maybe not participate in slut-shaming!)
4. “Bisexual individuals are cheaters.”
A cheater is just a cheater.
Bisexual people cheat, and so do those who identify otherwise.
Their sex does not cause them to cheat; impulse control, bad decision-making abilities, or too little consideration with regards to their partner do.
5. “All bisexual people are polyamorous.”
While polyamory may stereotypically appear more frequent within the community that is queer there isn’t any hard information that ties polyamory more straight to the bisexual community than just about every other orientation.
That style of relationship framework is not mounted on any offered sex. It’s a individual option (as well as for some, it is more natural).
6. “Bisexual folks are frightened of dedication.”
Being drawn to both genders does have anything to n’t do with dedication.
Alan Cumming addressed this myth in a candid meeting a year ago:
“i’ve an excellent appetite that is sexual a healthier imagination,” Cumming told Instinct mag. “we nevertheless determine myself as a bisexual and even though We have opted for become with give. I’m sexually interested in the feminine type even though i will be with a person, and i simply believe that bisexual men and women have a negative rap.”
7. “All ladies are bisexual.”
The sexualization of females understands no bounds in today’s modern culture.
But simply because magazines additionally the activity industry continue to exploit hypersexuality that is female a clear try to offer services and products does not imply that all females swing both methods a la Shakira and Rihanna in “Can’t be sure you Forget You” — sorry Shakira, we’re maybe not purchasing just exactly exactly what those lying sides are available.
8. “Bisexual individuals are interested in something that techniques.”
Oh, please. Simply because somebody is bisexual does not mean they don’t have requirements.
9. “Bisexual individuals are just interested in binary genders.”
Respected bisexual activist Robyn Ochs defines bisexuality whilst the potential “to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to folks of one or more intercourse and/or sex, certainly not in addition, certainly not in the same manner, and never fundamentally towards the exact exact exact same level.”
Therefore no, it is perhaps not concerning the binary, people.
10. “Bisexual individuals spread HIV.”
Guys sextpanther who possess intercourse with guys are in a disproportionate threat of HIV disease. But that doesn’t make bisexual people who have HIV very likely to distribute the disease — using the proper precautions is important no matter your intimate orientation.
Always utilize security; understand your partner’s status along with your very very own.
11. “Bisexual individuals reside for threesomes.”
Threesomes aren’t a hallmark of this lifestyle that is bisexual.
They truly are just a choice, just like these are typically for almost any other being that is sexual.
12. “Bi-erasure is really a misconception.”
In reality, bay area Human Rights Commission circulated a report that is 50-page bi-invisibility in the LGBTQIA+ community, showing that the event is alive and well.
As detailed by the commission, verbiage such as for instance “gay wedding” or “homosexuality” aren’t inclusive and erase bisexual’s identity.
13. “Bisexual folks are a tiny community.”
In 2007, a study of 768 self-identified lesbians, gays and bisexual individuals found that nearly half defined as bisexual — that is a complete 48.9%.
Bisexual people may not talk down up to their lesbian and homosexual friends and family, but this will be more because of lingering stigmas than it is always to sheer power.
It’s here to stay like it or not, the bisexual community is here, and.
