Bisexual People Have a Higher Rate of Sexual Health Issues

Scientific studies have indicated that there are health disparities between people based on their sexuality.  Reportedly, bisexual people are at a greater risk for multiple issues: everything from sexually transmitted diseases to depression.  How do you explain the disparity among bisexuals?  Some theorize it's the discrimination that bisexuals face not only from outside, but also within the LGBTQ community.

Discrimination. Some people, both homosexual and heterosexual, do not recognize bisexuality as a "true" or "real" sexual preference. Therefore, many bisexual people are disenfranchised and left without a community to call their own. This can cause a person to neglect their health; both physical and mental.

Bisexual adults. Bisexual adults are at a higher risk of developing cancer, heart disease, mental health problems and contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Bisexual people also report higher levels of stress. Bisexual people have higher rates of depression, which makes them more likely to engage in self-harming behavior and even more likely to commit suicide.

Cross cultures. These statistics remain the same regardless of ethnicity, religion and income. Bisexuals are subjected to higher rates of social stigma than people of all other sexual preferences. They struggle with basic human and civil rights.

The LGBT Funders Report. "There are fewer groups and resources dedicated to bisexual individuals than to gay, lesbian and transgender individuals. The 40th annual LGBT Funders Report, which tracked funding to LGBT organizations from 1970 to 2010, found that, of the $487 million that went to programs and organizations that serve the overall LGBT population, a mere $84,000 went to groups that specifically serve bisexuals." Source: The Chicago Tribune.

Assumptions. Researchers believe that healthcare providers make certain assumptions that can negatively affect a bisexual person's health. For example, if a bisexual man is dating a woman, his doctor might not give him the same STI tests that he would if he were dating a man. Certain needs are neglected. Physicians, therefore, should make no assumptions based on a person's sexual preference.

Biphobia. Biphobia is something that exists both within and outside the LGBT community. This results in a stigma being associated with bisexuality. Bisexual people are therefore less likely to connect with each other, leading to an increased feeling of isolation.

Things never to say to a bisexual person. There are certain things that bisexual people hear a lot, and they should never be said at all. The first, and possibly most damaging, is that true bisexuality does not exist. Some people believe that bisexuality is just a stepping stone between hetero and homosexuality. When the same message is said over and over, bisexual people begin to feel like they don't exist; they don't belong in this world.

Bisexuals are just going through a phase. Another thing that you should never say to a bisexual person is that he or she is just going through a phase. Phases, of course, are meant to be outgrown. A person does not "outgrow" his or her sexuality.

Bisexuals are sexually greedy. Here's another example of what not to say -- that bisexuals are sexually greedy. You can't choose between men and women; you have to have both? Pick a side, you can't have it all. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of bisexuality, which has nothing to do with sexual "greed" or indecisiveness.

Things never to say to a bisexual person. There are certain things that bisexual people hear a lot, and they should never be said at all. The first, and possibly most damaging, is that true bisexuality does not exist. Some people believe that bisexuality is just a stepping stone between hetero and homosexuality. When the same message is said over and over, bisexual people begin to feel like they don't exist; they don't belong in this world.

Bisexuals are just going through a phase. Another thing that you should never say to a bisexual person is that he or she is just going through a phase. Phases, of course, are meant to be outgrown. A person does not "outgrow" his or her sexuality.

Bisexuals are sexually greedy. Here's another example of what not to say -- that bisexuals are sexually greedy. You can't choose between men and women; you have to have both? Pick a side, you can't have it all. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of bisexuality, which has nothing to do with sexual "greed" or indecisiveness.

Bisexuals are promiscuous. Some believe that bisexuals are highly promiscuous. They can't be trusted in a relationship because of their voracious, insatiable sexual appetites. If you date a bisexual person, don't expect fidelity. Of course, this is a fallacy, but it is nonetheless a commonly held belief.

All bisexuals are polyamorous. Sure, polyamorous relationships are more common in the LGBTQ community. Does that mean that all bisexuals are okay with being with more than one partner at once? Of course not. Most bisexuals are in monogamous, committed relationships.

Fear of commitment. Here's another fallacy. A bisexual person cannot commit to a partner because they cannot "commit" to a sexual preference. Bisexuals are just as capable of commitment, fidelity and loyalty as everyone else.

All women are bisexual. Somewhere along the way, this idea got picked up that all women harbor bisexual tendencies. Perhaps this can be traced back to college parties where a group of drunk guys would encourage two (otherwise heterosexual) girls to make out. Now, granted, plenty of people explore their sexuality. But the idea that all women are secretly bisexual is completely false.

Bisexuals are attracted to anyone and everyone. Some people think that bisexuals are attracted to anything that moves. If you like men and women, you must like everyone. Of course, this is another fallacy. Bisexual people are just as picky as the rest of us, and have their own standards and preferences.

Myth. Another extremely damaging myth is that bisexual men are responsible for higher rates of HIV infection. This is another fallacy, and a damaging one at that. Of the many stigmas faced by bisexual men, this is perhaps the most unfair, and most hurtful.