Coming Out Bisexual: One Year Later
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Coming Out Bisexual: One Year Later

Being queer and on the road to self acceptance.

108
Coming Out Bisexual: One Year Later
Pexels

Last week was Bisexual Awareness Week and on September 23rd, it was Bisexual Visibility Day. It also just so happens to be about two weeks before my 1 year anniversary of coming out on October 5th, 2015.

Being bisexual is defined by HRC as, "a person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way, or to the same degree."

A lot has changed, but then again, nothing has. I’m still the same guy. I still haven’t figured out what I want to do with my life. I still like guys and girls. But the biggest change, I’ve learned to love myself.

I’ve grown to love what I once considered a flaw. It took me years to admit it to myself and years more to admit it publicly. Coming to terms with being bisexual is tough, especially in our heteronormative society that says, “bi guys don't exist,” or, “bi guys are secretly gay.”

Or the classic, “it's a stepping stone before becoming gay.” That's gotta be my favorite.

While it might be true in some cases, not all bisexual guys are 'actually' gay. Some other things I learned during the past year are, as great as the LGBTQ community might be, is there’s still a lot of biphobia within the community. I personally haven’t experienced the biphobia, but I have experienced both homophobia and straight privilege. We’re told we’re greedy and that we’re more likely to cheat, or that we’re always down for threesomes. All lies.

I mean yes, some bisexuals like threesomes, but being bisexual doesn't automatically make you a candidate for cheating. Anyone can cheat. It's not something that’s exclusively bisexual.

The fact that our society is so heteronormative is what made me stay in the cabinet for as long as I did. Like I mentioned, they tend to ignore the fact that bi people do in fact exist. They have some issues if you’re gay, but god forbid you like men and women. ~Gasp~

Heck, I didn’t even really know there was such as thing as bisexuality until probably mid-late middle school, which is around the time I realized I was bi. That was about eight years before actually coming out. I'd honestly probably still be in the closet if it wasn’t for the LGBTQ Center at my more recent college. It took years for me to even admit to myself I was. Middle school and high school were honestly the worst years of my life.

You think trying to figure out what to do with your life is hard? Try trying to figure out if you're queer or not at the age of 12. When the only resource is a shared family computer. You have no access to finding out that your not weird, that in fact, contrary to belief you are 100% normal. Some people just know others question their sexuality for years. For starters, I always wondered how I knew. I mean how can you know you’re gay unless you sleep with someone of the same sex? This is what society tells us. So I struggled for years. But eventually, you realize it's more about emotional connections than sex.

If you’re bisexual (or LGBTQ identified) and struggling just know that it does get better, there are many resources for you.

A personal favorite of mine is Human Rights Campaign which has a great online pamphlet for those of you who are ready to come out. And if you want a bi-centered group Id recommend BiNet USA.

Another GREAT resource is The Trevor Project which has not only a 24/7 helpline but also an online instant messaging and text service available at various times throughout the week.

Always remember that someone does care.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91945
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

70524
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments