Bisexual Awareness Week is all about shining a spotlight on the bi community, celebrating the people you know and love, and honoring the leaders and advocates who’ve paved the way.
So, what is bisexuality?
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that describes someone who can be attracted romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually to more than one gender. Like bi advocate Robyn Ochs says, it doesn’t have to be at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree. In other words, being bi looks different for everyone, and that’s completely valid!
The bi community is full of resilient, talented, compassionate, and inspiring people. They deserve recognition, respect, and support.
What’s Biphobia?
Sometimes, being bi can feel like you’re “caught in the middle.” That’s partly because of biphobia, the fear, hatred, or dismissal of people attracted to more than one gender. Biphobia can seriously impact mental health and safety. Here are a few examples:
- Negative reactions when someone comes out as bi
- Saying bi people “aren’t real” or need to “pick a side”
- Judging someone’s identity based on who they date
- Only supporting bi folks when they date a certain gender
- Stereotypes that bi people are “untrustworthy” or “more likely to cheat”
- Violence against bi people just for being themselves
On top of that, internalized biphobia when bi people absorb those negative messages can make it harder to feel confident in their identity. It takes time, community, and education to unlearn and embrace self-acceptance.
What’s Bisexual erasure?
Bi erasure is when bisexuality is denied, erased, or dismissed altogether. For example:
- Assuming that two people of the same gender dating is “just gay” or two people of different genders dating are “just straight”
- Saying bisexuality is “a phase”
- Telling someone they’re “actually gay” or “actually straight”
- Pretending bisexuality doesn’t exist
These are unfair and harmful assumptions. Let’s break down some common myths:
- “You’re just confused”
This isn’t true. Attraction to more than one gender is real and valid. Everyone can feel unsure about their sexuality sometimes, but that doesn’t erase bisexuality.
- “Bisexuality is just a phase”
Being bi isn’t a steppingstone to being gay or straight, it’s a whole valid identity on its own. Some people’s labels may shift over time, and that’s okay. But for many, being bi is constant and true to who they are.
- “Bi people are more likely to cheat”
Wrong. Cheating has nothing to do with someone’s sexual orientation, and everything has to do with personal choices. Having wider dating pool doesn’t make someone less trustworthy.
Why this matters
The bisexual community is diverse and full of unique experiences. By learning about biphobia, rejecting myths, and showing up as allies, we can help create a world that’s safer, kinder, and more affirming for bi people everywhere. So, this Bisexual Awareness Week, let’s celebrate, educate, and uplift the bi community.
Resources:
The Trevor Project ; GLAAD ; PFLAG ;THEM