Myths & Realities About Bisexuality
There’s a lot of misinformation about bisexuality and bisexual people in our culture, and during the coming out process, bisexual people often find themselves coming up against these false stereotypes.
For example:
Myth: There’s no such thing as bisexuality.
Reality: Bisexuality is a genuine sexual orientation, just like homosexuality and heterosexuality. Bisexual people have existed throughout history.
Myth: Bisexuality is just a phase. “Bisexual” people will eventually wind up being either gay or straight.
Reality: Many people identify as bisexual for their entire lifetimes.
Myth: Bisexual people just can’t make up their minds.
Reality: Bisexual people are often very comfortable and settled with themselves and their sexuality.
Myth: Bisexual people have multiple partners and/or can’t have monogamous relationships.
Reality: Although some stereotypes assert that bisexual people can’t commit to relationships with one person because they’re always attracted to people of the other gender, bisexual people are no more or less likely to have multiple sexual partners than gay, lesbian and straight people.
Myth: Bisexual people spread sexually transmitted diseases.
Reality: Bisexual people are no more likely to carry HIV/AIDS or other STDs than gay or straight people.
Myth: Bisexual people face less discrimination than gay, lesbian and transgender people.
Reality: The entire gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community faces discrimination. In 33 states, for example, it’s still legal to fire bisexual people based solely on their sexual orientation, just as it is for gays and lesbians. And bisexual people face unique problems in society due to the common myths and stereotypes about bisexuality.