Bisexuality Awareness Week: Debunking some Common Myths!
TRIGGER WARNING: this article includes queer micro-aggressions that some readers may find upsetting.
"Hi! I'm Siobhan, I am a Queer person, more specifically I am Bi. As it is Bi Visibility Day, let's debunk some myths about Bisexuality."
Why is it important to talk about these myths?
Bi individuals can sometimes feel as though their identities are being dismissed, due to misinformation that is spread by these myths. Giving Bi people the voice to talk about their first-hand experiences and campaign for visibility is an important step in helping future queer generations to feel safe to come out and foster open environments for other Queer people.
1. It's just a phase.
Nope, absolutely not. This myth is often the first thing some Bi people will hear from those they come out to, which can be disheartening. Some individuals do come out as Bi first and then as Gay or Pansexual later on in life; finding your sexuality is a journey of self-discovery and understanding. This does not invalidate your experience as a Queer individual and does not make being Bi a phase.
2. You just want to experiment.
Whilst some individuals do "experiment" in their journey to discovering their sexual orientations, being Bi doesn't only involve a sexual dynamic. Bisexual people can be attracted to people in varying ways; romantic, sexual etc. Sexual orientation is an entirely personal experience and can differ.
3. You’re just gay and in denial.
Bisexuality is a legitimate sexual orientation. People who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community do not owe anyone their stories, which applies to Bisexual people too. Yes, some Gay and Lesbian individuals at some point along this journey may have identified as Bi, but this does not discredit their identity or the identity of Bisexuals.
4. You're just greedy.
That's a big old NO. Bisexual people are not greedy simply because they are attracted to more than one gender, just as Heterosexual or Homosexual individuals are not greedy if they are attracted to more than one person. Attraction is individualistic. Sometimes you may be attracted to multiple individuals or maybe even none, that's just life.
5. You shouldn't be a part of the LGBTQ community.
Too late, it's LGBTQ+, we've been a part of the community since the beginning. Though we may all face different struggles in our lives, we are better off if we work together to solve them. Being Bi does not take away from other LGBTQ+ individuals, but rather adds to the diverse nature of the community.
"So, I hope this has helped to dispel any preconceptions you may have had about Bisexuality. And to my fellow queer people, I want you to know that you are valid and loved."
Siobhan Demuynck (She/Her), Chairperson of Salford LGBTQ+ Society
If you want to get in touch with Salford's LGBTQ+ Society, you can find them here. And finally, our LGBTQ+ Officer for the Students' Union, Hattie Ross, had this to say:
There are many things you can do to support the bisexual community, if you’re apart of the LGBTQ+ community or simply a straight ally, for example:
- Believe in us - bi people are real and they are everywhere and all of their identities are valid. It is very common for bi people to be scrutinised and judged for their identity. However, bisexuality is fluid and is different for everyone. That needs to be something people take into account.
- Don’t make assumptions - don’t assume someone's gendered preferences simply on your own ideals, whether that’s from personal experiences or something you have seen through the media. We all have our own experiences and ways we love and that’s okay let people feel how they want to feel.
- Recognise and challenge biphobia - whether it’s harassment or making generalisations about bi people, it is our duty to make sure that it is challenged and shut down before it worsens, bi people deserve the same respect as everyone else.
Time will tell whether we change and develop and become better in our pursuit for equality and that starts with those fighting for it.
A huge thank you to Siobhan and Hattie for their contributions!
Don't forget that the Union has an advice centre who provide advice and relevant signposting – email them at advicecentre-ussu@salford.ac.uk.
We also have Rafiki - the Students' Union's peer support listening service, led by students, for students. If you're experiencing any problems while you're at university, you can talk to our student volunteers who offer peer support here.
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