Simon Leonard
How would it feel to own folks tell you that your own sexual orientation is actually “merely a phase”? Or, more serious, so it does not occur anyway?
Bisexual men and women face damaging stereotypes
everyday, frequently from people that fundamentally misunderstand just what bisexuality is actually and just what it means to identify as bisexual. These stereotypes develop a stigma around bisexuality, that could dissuade bi folks from coming out — which, consequently,
causes low representation
, a lot more stereotypes, and more stigma. It really is a vicious pattern that plays a part in both
bi-erasure and bi-phobia
, also it must end.
New news company Attn: produced videos about stereotypes of bisexuality with the tagline, ”
It is advisable to end the stigma around bisexuality
.” The producers compiled clips from many online resources which bisexual people mention their own experiences, including the prejudice they face both within and without the LGBT community.
A 2013 review from the Pew Research Center found that
bi individuals are notably less out
than lesbian and homosexual men and women. While 71 % of lesbians and 77 percent of gay guys are over to individuals near to them, merely 28 per cent of bi folks can tell exactly the same. The numbers had been even reduced for bisexual males, merely 12 per cent of whom tend to be out. The
L . A . Circumstances
recommended much of your resistance to come out comes from
the stigma that surrounds bisexuality
. Reporter Emily Alpert explained that closeted bisexuals ”
avoided coming out
simply because they didn’t want to deal with myths that bisexuals had been indecisive or not capable of monogamy — stereotypes that you can get among straights, gays and lesbians as well.”
Inside the Attn: video clip, bisexual people describe many stereotypes which they’ve encountered. One girl reads a comment that bisexuals are only “doing it for attention.” Other individuals cite standard misconception that bisexuality simply isn’t real, which bi individuals are simply homo- or heterosexual people that are “simply confused” or going right on through a “phase.” Additionally a prevalent stereotype that bi people are susceptible to cheating. One woman highlights just how absurd that presumption is, stating, “that renders no feeling. How much does your sexuality pertain to your own ethical compass?”
The video finishes with a video of celebrity Anna Paquin getting questioned by Larry King. Paquin has gone out as bisexual, and is particularly hitched to a guy, two basic facts that, collectively, King seems to have only a little trouble grasping. He requires if she’s a “non-practicing bisexual” (whatever that consistent means), to which she responds, “i am married to my husband, so we are cheerfully, monogamously hitched.” He requires, “However you
were
bisexual?” Paquin, with admirable persistence, reacts, “Well, I don’t think it’s a past tense thing.”
Eliminating reductive stereotypes about bisexuality might go quite a distance toward ending the stigma that keeps countless bisexual people in the dresser. The fact in 2016 some people nonetheless don’t think bisexuality
exists
is actually, honestly, insane. Enjoy the movie above to learn about many other stereotypes that bi folks have to deal with.
Pictures:
Attn:
/Facebook (3)
This one’s: https://www.meetbisexualwomen.org/meetup-bisexual.html
Simon Leonard