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 had to navigate the complicated grey area that my identity occupies regarding the sex range.
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 if I became “full-blown gay yet” to people questioning my motivations, I’ve probably heard it all.
Regrettably, the way that is binary of that informs the reasoning of numerous whom remain unconvinced because of the truth of bisexuality fundamentally oppresses every person through its perpetuation of unflinching heteronormative or homonormative requirements.
Being intimate with somebody of the identical intercourse does not mean you’re homosexual, exactly like being intimate with somebody associated with opposite gender does not mean you’re straight you fall somewhere in the beautiful, fluid spectrum of sexuality— it just means.
right Here our company is when you look at the supposedly enlightened of 2014 – and yet, biphobia persists year. In no specific purchase, below are a few of the very most tiresome lies culture actually has to stop telling in regards to the bisexual community.
1. “Bisexual people don’t exist.”
This is actually the lie that is first bisexuality — plus it’s a huge one.
Some within the homosexual and right community merely can’t fathom a sex by which people are interested in one or more gender. Fundamentally, you can attempt the waters, however you must select a part, the reasoning goes.
But people that are bisexual need lesbians and gays to verify or science to show which they occur.
2. “Bisexual individuals are simply going right on through a stage.”
Yes, it is a fact that an abundance of gays and lesbians purchased bisexuality being a stepping stone, a method to soften the blow of being released for conservative moms and dads.
The strategies of some should not invalidate the identities of the majority while coming out is an intensely personal decision.
3. “Bisexual individuals are intimately greedy.”
Bisexual folks are maybe maybe not immediately more promiscuous than just about every other person — gay or directly. Being drawn to significantly more than one sex does offer more partners that are potential.
But simply as having an eclectic flavor in 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 wrong with this either. (Let’s maybe perhaps not participate in slut-shaming!)
4. “Bisexual folks are cheaters.”
A cheater is really a cheater.
Bisexual people cheat, and thus do individuals who identify otherwise.
Their sex does not make them cheat; impulse control, bad decision-making abilities, or too little consideration due 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 difficult 
information that ties polyamory more right to the bisexual community than just about every other orientation.
That sort of relationship structure is not mounted on any provided sex. It’s a choice that is personalas well as some, it is more natural).
6. “Bisexual folks are afraid 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 intimate appetite and a healthier imagination,” Cumming told Instinct mag. “I nevertheless determine myself as a bisexual and even though We have selected become with give. I’m sexually interested in the feminine type also though i will be with a guy, and i simply believe bisexual men and women have a bad rap.”
7. “All ladies are bisexual.”
The sexualization of females understands no bounds in today’s culture that is contemporary.
But simply because mags in addition to activity industry continue steadily to exploit feminine hypersexuality in a clear try to offer items doesn’t 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 maybe not purchasing just just just what those lying sides can sell.
8. “Bisexual individuals are interested in something that techniques.”
Oh, please. Just because somebody is bisexual does not mean they don’t have actually criteria.
9. “Bisexual folks are just drawn to binary genders.”
Respected bisexual activist Robyn Ochs defines bisexuality while the potential “to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to folks of multiple intercourse and/or sex, definitely not at precisely the same time, certainly not just as, and never always to your exact same level.”
Therefore no, it is maybe perhaps maybe not concerning the binary, people.
10. “Bisexual individuals spread HIV.”
Men who possess intercourse with guys are at a disproportionate danger of HIV illness. But that doesn’t make bisexual individuals who have actually HIV almost certainly going to distribute the disease — using the appropriate precautions is essential no matter your intimate orientation.
Always utilize security; know your partner’s status along with your very own.
11. “Bisexual people reside for threesomes.”
Threesomes aren’t a hallmark for the bisexual life style.
They’ve been just a choice, in the same way they’re for just about any other intimate being.
12. “Bi-erasure is just a misconception.”
In reality, san francisco bay area Human Rights Commission circulated a 50-page report on bi-invisibility in the LGBTQIA+ community, appearing that the sensation 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 identification.
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 well not talk down up to their lesbian and homosexual friends and family, but this might be more because of lingering stigmas than it would be to strength that is sheer.
It’s here to stay like it or not, the bisexual community is here, and.