What It Doesn’t Mean To Be Bisexual

When it comes to sexuality, people don't necessarily have to choose sides. They can if they'd like. If they're gay, they can call themselves gay. If they're straight, they can call themselves straight. But when it comes to someone who's bisexual, not everyone is completely sure where they stand. There are plenty of misconceptions about bisexuality, and it can be a bit frustrating to people who happen to be bisexual. So, it's time clear some things up and set things straight — so to speak.  Keep reading to find out what it  mean to be bisexual.

Misconceptions. There are plenty of misconceptions about bisexuality. In the whole spectrum of the LGBT community, bisexual people may, believe it or not, have it the toughest. Mainly because there is so much confusion surrounding this orientation.

First and foremost. One of the most frustrating issues surrounding bisexuality, is that a lot of people kind of assume they’re just confused. They think that because they consider themselves “in the middle,” bisexuals just don’t really know what they want.

The fence. Bisexuals are not on the fence. They’re not dipping their toes into the male and female crowds just because they’re not sure which one they want to pick yet. They’re bisexual because they’re attracted to both sexes. It’s really that simple.

Cheaters. If you’re bisexual, you’re not more likely to cheat — no matter what the general public might think. There is an idea that because you’re interested in both sexes that you’re more sexually promiscuous and far more likely to be unfaithful. This is, as your grandmother may have once said before, hogwash.

Settling. Just because someone is bisexual doesn’t mean they can’t settle down with one gender. They’re interested in both genders, but it doesn’t mean they spend the rest of their lives not being able to make up their mind. Their relationships are like anyone else’s. When they commit, they commit.

Attraction. In terms of attraction being 50/50, that’s not entirely true. Attraction isn’t necessarily split down the middle; there is an absolute unevenness, and that’s what makes bisexuality so unique. In a sense, everyone sort of teeters on attraction between genders (whether they admit it or not), but with bisexuality, it’s a bit more concrete.

Sluts. Bisexual people are not sluts. They can be, in the same way that anyone can be anything, regardless of their sexual orientation, but by definition, bisexual people are not sluts. That’s a crude misjudgment.

Gimmicks. Bisexuality isn’t a gimmick. Someone who is bisexual isn’t the way they are to draw attention to themselves or to even look more seductive. Bisexuals aren’t salespeople — except for those who are, but even legit bisexual salespeople aren’t trying to sell you on their sexuality.

Cop-out. People don’t become bisexual because they’ve just given up on trying to settle. They’re not trying to reap the rewards and heighten their chances of getting laid. It doesn’t work like that. They are bisexual. That’s all. They’re just bisexual.

Threesomes. You’re bisexual, so you must love threesomes, right? Best of both worlds, right? Wrong. You aren’t any more sexually active than anyone else, just because you’re bisexual. If you enjoy threesomes, great. But it’s not because you’re bi.

Luring. Especially when it comes to the female crowd, straight women don’t call themselves bi to attract men. They don’t do it because they want to stand out and seem sexier than the other girls in the room. That is so grade-A bullsh*t.

Balancing act. To be bisexual, one is not required to experiment sexually with both sexes to know for sure. There’s no quota that they need to meet. They’re bisexual. There aren’t really any rules involved.

Double up. If a bisexual wants to be a polyamorous relationship, then good for them. But it’s not a requirement. Being bi doesn’t mean you need to be in a relationship with more than one person, nor is it even something that is typical with a bisexual person. There’s no direct correlation.

Attraction. Bisexual people aren’t attracted to everyone. That’s not how it works, people. They may be attracted to both sexes, but it doesn’t mean they’re attracted to every single person alive. That’s not… that’s not bisexuality.

One. A bisexual person can only have dated someone from one sex without it making them either gay or straight. If they’re bi, they’re bi. They can still be attracted to other people and still have only ever been with one gender.