Social media has done wonders for the LGBTQIA+ community in recent years, allowing people within this community to connect and find comfort in identity that society has largely rejected and bringing awareness to why LGBTQIA+ rights are important and necessary, but with this amazing tool has come an issue I feel closely connected to. Bisexuality is the label I feel comfortable using – I am lucky and I never felt the need to really come out or feel fear of rejection by those close to me. It was just something I casually mentioned in conversation and was never questioned, which I know isn’t the case for all, but where I found this judgment was the same social media platforms I thought would be my greatest tool in finding true comfort in my sexuality.
This movement of antibi media has brought harmful identities such as pan/bi lesbian or straight lesbian, all of which invalidate both bisexuals and lesbians, and puts anyone who identifies as bisexual’s preferences under a microscope to determine if they’re ‘gay enough.’ This has made me hyper analyze my sexuality – am I gay enough to be in this community? Do my relationships with men mean I’m no longer queer? Is my sexuality a lie? Do I really find nonmale presenting people attractive or am I faking it for attention? I’ve had enough. Your identity is not something for anyone to speculate – especially those parts of the same community you seek solace in.
I am proud to be bisexual, and a relationship with the opposite sex doesn’t change that nor does a stranger on the internet deciding that bisexuality isn’t real. To all my bisexual friends, of all genders, who feel the pressure to prove you deserve a place in the LGBTQIA+ community, no matter your preferences or experiences thus far you are valid, you are important and you are loved and I hope you find a place where you feel safe.