College can be difficult for everyone, but there are certain struggles bisexuals experience that are unique to them. Here are some of the problems bi people face all the time:
1. Bisexuals experience prejudice from both heterosexuals and the LGBTQ community.
Bisexuals have notoriously faced distrust and hatred from both straight and gay communities. Biphobia is devastating and hurtful, espeically from the LGBTQ community. It keeps people from being themselves and leaves them isolated. In college, this can be especially difficult because bi people may struggle to find an accepting community for themselves.
2. The myth is that we’ll be more likely to cheat.
Being attracted to multiple genders does not mean a bisexual must satisfy an urge to date both genders simultaneously. Each relationship is very different, and it is wrong to assume bisexuals wouldn’t be a worthy choice for a monogamous relationship.
3. Bisexuality is often passed off as a “phase.”
Bisexuality is often written off as a phase, because many people see it as confusion-or they see two women make out at a party on snapchat and dismiss bi as an illegitimate sexuality. By writing bisexuality off as a simple phase, honest people are being silenced. It is absolutely undeniable that this sexuality is authentic. It isn’t confusion, it is certainty. Because of these negative stereotypes, it is becoming increasingly difficult for bisexuals to come out, because some are afraid of the skepticism they may receive.
4. When you’re with a partner of the same sex, people assume that you’re gay and vice versa.
Humans naturally categorize, so it’s impossible to really know someone’s true identity unless you tell them. It would be best to avoid assuming anyone’s personal identification unless you know for certain.
5. Extreme objectification of bisexuality.
The room is dark with green and red lights flash as loud music bounces throughout the room.
“MAKE OUT WITH HER!” a drunken man exclaims in laughter.
Mostly for women and ESPECIALLY in college, bisexuality has become extremely sexualized. Being “extremely promiscuous” is a well-known and ignorant stereotype that bisexual women are forced to face. However, bisexuals are people just like everyone else with their own personal desires. No one is an object to satisfy antoher’s drunken demands.
6. It isn’t just half and half.
Bisexuality, like gender, is not a pie chart perfectly divided down the middle. It is a beautiful colorful spectrum that is absolutely unique for each individual. Some people prefer one gender over another, but still have attraction to both.
Bisexuals are the same as everyone else, and it’s about damn time that people begin trusting and respecting them more.