I’m bisexual. I know, I know, a big shocker given the title of this article, but I am indeed bisexual. I’ve known it for what seems like ages now. I was a bit too into Sharkboy and Lavagirl when I was young. I eventually figured out that it was okay to like both of them. Telling people that I liked more than just boys was another story. It took me until the end of high school to work up the confidence, too. Luckily, those days are behind me. Now I’m proud to be a bi college girl.
Being open with my sexuality has both its drawbacks and perks. Especially when it comes to dating. I’m in a long-term relationship with a partner of the opposite sex. From the outside, it looks like we’re both straight. Unless I tell someone, they’d never know that I was bisexual. I know it isn’t denying my sexuality, but at times, dating a partner of the opposite sex feels like it’s denying part of my bisexual identity.
So to anyone out there sharing the same feelings as me – you’re not alone. You should know that while it may feel like you’re not being bisexual enough or maybe even that you’ve been faking your sexuality this entire time, that’s not true. Bisexuality means being attracted to genders both like yours and not like yours. So, dating someone of the opposite sex while still being attracted to other genders is still being bisexual. A pull-out couch is still a pull-out couch even when it’s in the form of a bed. Don’t let your fears about your sexuality get you down.
Dating someone of the opposite sex when you’re bisexual isn’t all bad, of course. If you’re like me and fortunate enough to find someone who’s supportive, you get to have a fun conversation when you come out to them. “Surprise, I’m bi!” They’re willing to talk about it with you and support you. They might even be the one to suggest that you go to pride together in the summer. Day date? More like gay date.
Although at times I have my doubts and fears when it comes to dating, relationship doubts and fears plague literally everyone, especially members of the LGBT+ community. I am not alone. You are not alone.
Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of the LGBT ABC series by Her Campus Carthage. Click here to read the first.
Stay tuned. Stay educated.