What (or who) is a bisexual?
A bisexual
is a person who is sexually and/or emotionally attracted
to people of both sexes.
Sexual
identity is a personal choice, there are many people who
indulge in sexual activity with people of both sexes who
do not label or see themselves as bisexual. People may
call themselves straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, polysexual, or just sexual, and enjoy or
desire sex with both women and men,
People may
identify as bisexual because of the feelings they have for
both sexes, but engage in sexual activity or have
relationships with people of only on gender.
So I can
sleep with people of both sexes and not be bisexual?
Yes. Each
person can decide which labels they want to apply to themselves.
Bisexual support groups do not force people top "come
out" as bisexual.
Are
bisexuals really just gay or straight, but have not made up
their minds yet?
Bisexuality
is an option in its own right. A lack of information about
bisexuality is probably the cause of most confusion. It
can be a painful process to identify as bisexual because
there is generally little support for people trying to
assert a bisexual identity. Hence some people may opt to
use a more easily understood label.
Are
bisexuals "fifty-fifty"?
Not
necessarily. Some bisexuals are equally attracted equally
to both genders, but many are attracted more to one sex
than the other. For instance a person may be attracted to
men for sex, but feel more comfortable having social
relationships with women.
Do
bisexuals cheat on the partners? Are the promiscuous?
Bisexuals
are no more or less promiscuous than any other group of
sexually aware adults. Because most bisexual people think
deeply about their sexuality, they have probably also
considered the sorts of relationships that work for them.
Contrary to myth, a bisexual does not need to be involved
with a man and a woman at the same time. Some may cheat
on, or deceive their partner, as occurs in other groups,
but many are faithful and honest to their partners.
So I can
be married and bisexual?
Yes. Many
bisexuals have long term monogamous relationships, even
though others may have a greater number and range of
partners. One thing all the best arrangements or
relationships have in common is a commitment to honesty.
Additionally, your sexuality may have altered over time,
so just because you're attracted to the same sex now
doesn't mean that you were hiding something when you
committed to your current relationship.
How common
is bisexuality?
According
to various surveys and studies, at least 30% of sexually
active people admit to some form of bisexual behaviour.
The older the person, the more likely they are to
experience a same-sex encounter, and to admit to such
behaviour. Social attitudes inhibit many people from
admitting bisexual or homosexual behaviour, and this can
lead to under-reporting of the number of bisexually active
people in society.
Don't
bisexuals spread HIV/AIDS?
Bisexual
men are often used as scapegoats for the spread of HIV
from the gay community into the heterosexual community.
Lesbians are also concerned that bisexual women may pose a
threat to their community because bisexual women have sex
with men. However, it is unsafe sexual behaviour, rather
than sexual orientation, that puts everyone at risk of
infection. Everyone, bisexuals as well as straights, gays
and lesbians, must continue to educate themselves about
safer sex practices. Quite simply, no matter who you have
sex with, make sure it is "safer sex".
Support
services and bisexuality.
In general
if you contact any support service that indicates that
they deal with gay or lesbian issues they should also be
able to help you with issues you have about your, your
partner's, or another persons bisexuality. But be aware
that some individuals in these organizations may have a
negative attitude towards bisexuality. If you encounter
this let the management know so that they can prevent it
happening again..
Where can
I get more information?
Most large
cities have some sort of Bi and or Gay support network.
Check the local phone book for details.
There are
also quite a few websites which provide information, I
have listed a few below.
http://biresource.org
http://bisexual.org
.
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