Say Good-Bi to Dangerous Stereotypes

September is right here!! Except for it being back-to-school time, it additionally implies that Bisexual Consciousness Week—also called BiWeek—is again! BiWeek happens yearly, from September 16-23, concluding on the twenty third with the celebration of Have fun Bisexuality+ Day.

Having an official week devoted to celebrating bisexuality is an effective alternative to each unfold consciousness of a number of the widespread struggles of being bisexual (bi) and inform others on what it means to determine as bi.

What Does It Imply?

Bisexuality refers to when an individual is attracted in a romantic and/or sexual approach to multiple gender. By the way in which, it’s regular to take time to query and mirror in your sexual orientation. There’s no such factor with no consideration or unsuitable approach to outline your self; what’s vital is determining what feels proper to you.

You Don’t Must Show Your self

I determine as bi and am interested in each women and men. I additionally determine on the aromantic and asexual spectrum (or “aroace spec”), which means that I expertise decreased quantities of romantic and sexual attraction. “Bi” and “aroace” might sound like they contradict one another, which is why I had a tough time determining my sexual orientation. However they’re each components of my id.

Some folks don’t consider me once I inform them I’m bi as a result of I’m at the moment in a monogamous relationship with a man. There’s a false impression that our sexual orientation should match one class simply due to our relationship. For instance, we might be seen as heterosexual or homosexual relying on the gender of the particular person we’re courting for the time being. That is an instance of bisexual erasure, which is the tendency to disregard, deny or invalidate the existence and experiences of bisexual folks.

Sexual orientation might be fluid. It doesn’t should be both “this” or “that,” with no in-between. I’ve typically felt like I wanted to show to others that I used to be bisexual, simply to really feel validated. I do know now that our sexual orientation is OUR enterprise and never one thing we have to show to anybody!

Left Out of the Dialog

One other instance of bi erasure is that generally bisexual individuals are not noted of LGBQ+ conversations as a result of we’re thought-about “straight-passing.” Equally, we might really feel like we don’t slot in with a primarily heterosexual group. There’s no successful once we’re thought-about “too heterosexual” to be homosexual or “too homosexual” to be heterosexual.

Individuals generally create their very own definitions of bisexuality and within the course of, make assumptions. As an illustration, some consider that having attraction towards multiple gender means bisexual folks should at all times be romantically and/or sexually concerned with a number of folks of various genders on the identical time. This false impression typically leads folks to imagine that each one bisexual of us are “promiscuous.”

It may be dangerous when folks make assumptions about you primarily based in your sexual orientation, particularly when these assumptions are primarily based in stereotypes and myths.

Present Your Assist

BiWeek is a superb alternative to bust a few of these bi myths. You may as well do the next!

1. Carry consideration to the experiences of bisexual folks.
2. Construct acceptance and consciousness of bisexuality.
3. Carry the bisexual neighborhood collectively.

Now that you understand a bit of extra about bisexuality, why not present your help and delight by celebrating BiWeek this yr? Get festive and concerned by posting on social media with #BiWeek!

Take a look at extra information about bisexuality!