Bisexual discrimination

[BitterIchor]

A known phenomenon in the gay world is the discrimination towards bisexuals. They're the oppressed within the oppressed, so to speak.

I was thinking about this and possible causes why this occurs. First of all, one would think that us dykes and gay men should know better than to treat a whole group of people, that has done nothin wrong except to be who they are, so poorly. I have several friends that are bisexual who feel very left out because of the attitude they get submitted to while out clubbing at gay clubs and such. Not only does bisexuals have the same problem we homosexuals do with the intolerance towards having partners of the same sex, they also have to struggle with the fact that if they somehow break up with their same-sex partner and meet a opposite-sex partner, their surrondings assume they've "gone straight" or that they were straight all along. Because many ordinary folks have a hard time understanding that there isn't simply gay and straight, but a whole gray area between. People tend to simplify things that they aren't familiar with.

So how come that we homosexuals (generally speaking, of couse) has such a hard time dealing with our bisexual sisters and brothers? Is it because of the fact that some of us feel (me included, I'm afraid) a little threatened by the fact that they are attracted to the opposite sex as well? Or does this phenomenon exist simply because we're all human and prone to a certain degree of bigotry? What do you think?

 

[kbate]

Everyone wants to feel superior to someone. We are so far down the food chain that we only have the "half and half's" to discriminate against.

So Lets Slam those freaks!

 

[freeflyer]

I think that most bigotry arises from fear or feeling threatened. It is easier to hate when you feel the threat of someone able to take something away from you or that you feel the threat of a recognizable part of yourself that you are unable to deal with in someone else. Usually the folks most content with who they are don't seem to harbor these fears, and therefore don't feel the need to act on them. At least that's the way it appears to me.

 

[KharisLeaf82]

I think it's alot of things that have been discussed before and some other things. I think for some it's envy that they can melt into the straight world and can act on a "need to know" basis sexually. I think many people think they know the nature of bisexuality (all biChicks like 3somes, right? Most bi's are amoral sluts anyway) and go based on assumptions, many of which are harmful.

That's just me tossing my two cents in.

*Kharis*

 

[bicuriousosaur]

I think it is bullshit really. I read all this stuff about how men can't be bi, or been told that if a guy sucks another guy's cock, that makes you all-out gay. Still, i read alot of the post on here and the stories on the main site, and it proves to me that male bisexuality does exist.

Have any of you been told that you are gay cause you look at gay male/lesbian porn?

 

[zartol]

Never noticed....

 

[Sallad]

i've never noticed it... but i'm sure it exists. I don't have a lot of lesbian friends or anything to base it on.

 

[catalina_francisco]

I think, like in most areas of discrimination and oppression, it stems from not understanding and assuming a lot of stereotyped images peddalled by the media and porn industry are a reality based picture of how things are. Most people find it difficult to appreciate and understand something they themselves do not have first hand knowledge of, thus arises an air of suspicion, distrust, judgement, and rivalry. My own experiences have shown people assume because you are a bisexual woman, though you may have definite tastes in men, you must be attracted to every woman regardless of anything apart from the fact they have the same genitalia as you. A lot also think you must be unable to maintain a relationshiop and remain faithful to one partner because you would have to satisfy those other desires as well....hmmm, wonder then how anyone regardless of sexuality can remain monogomous given we can be attracted to more than one person at a time, but may choose to not act on it. And yes, we are also supposed to jump at the threesome idea to fulfil str8 men's fantasies...and not complain when asked to do so becauseit is so much a part of our life and if we cared at all we would gladly share. Hopefully enlightenment is on the way, but given I am now in a stable relationship with someone who can open their mind enough to challenge the stereotypes, not to mention put himself on the line in the pursuit of greater understanding and appreciation, I do not bother dealing with it one on one much anymore.

Catalina

 

[bisexplicit]

Its funny, because I was talking about this the other day with someone...

But, I think other people have covered the topic fairly well.

 

[SilkVelvet]

Speaking (writing) as a bisexual woman, I think that female bisexuals get far more accepted by straight society than male bisexuals do. I don't think that's fair, but it seems to be how it is I don't think gay men accept bisexual men much and I found that when I thought I was a lesbian it was all hey welcome sistah and when I realised nope actually what I am is bisexual, not so welcome after all... competition ??

 

[BitterIchor]

I must admit to being a little biased myself. I don't know if it's just some psychological thing since I was dumped by the love of my life for a guy, but intellectually I know that bisexualism had nothing to do with it. Intellectually I don't even blame my ex, since she just followed her heart. She's married with the same guy now, has a kid and is generally very happy. I'm not so petty that I begrudge her a little happiness.

I mean, I don't treat bi ladies bad or anything at all like that. But I'm still wary of getting romantically involved with a bisexual woman. And I live in a medium sized city in Sweden (which is like a small town for you yanks), so there isn't exactly a lot of dykes around too choose from. This has made me a very lonely person with little hope of ever finding someone. I tell myself that I should just get over it and perhaps go out and meet some nice bisexual lady, but I find it hard to trust again. The few attempts I've made has been catastrophies for various reasons.

I suppose my point is that not all bad treatment of bisexuals stems from hate or bigotry. My problems comes from fear of rejection and general insecurity. Not admirable traits either, exactly, but at least they're not malicious by nature.