Social worker: Bisexual people real part of GLBTQ community

bisexual female symbolThe GLBTQ community includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. However, as discussed by social worker Shane Whalley, many times, the bisexual population is left out many discussions.

In a DailyTexan article, Whalley explains what he feels truly defines bisexuality, and why many in the GLBTQ community sometimes fail to recognize the significance of bi men and women as part of the community.

Whalley, also the director for the Gender and Sexuality Center explains:

“Bisexuality is defined as someone who is emotionally, sexually and romantically attracted to more than one sex. This can be more than just men and women but also [transgender people].”

He points out a common misconception:

“Many think that bisexuals are attracted to every gender and that is untrue. Others think that bisexuals are attracted 50/50 to each sex.”

Whalley continues:

“Bisexuality should be a part of the community, but it always isn’t. Society does not like to put things in a tiny box and have choices.”

Biphobia is a real concern for bisexual individuals. Despite being an obvious part of the GLBTQ community, they are considered ‘confused’ or ‘selfish’ individuals. This is not the case.

Awareness. Whalley’s underlying message, helps spread the message that sexuality is a very personal, individual part of a person’s identity, not their sole being.


Video Credit: YouTube

Sources: DailyTexan

Bisexual actress Cynthia Nixon marries Christine Marinoni

 

cynthia nixon wedding dress broadway.comActress Cynthia Nixon married her longtime girlfriend Christine Marinoni on Sunday, May 27, 2012. The couple recently caught a lot of flak from the media when Nixon came out as being bisexual instead of lesbian as everyone had assumed. Sexuality, as the Tony Award nominee and Sex in the City actress Nixon put it, is something she felt was personal, to be shared with someone you have affection for, regardless whether they are male or female.

When the media caught wind of her statements, they were quick to judge. Nevertheless, Nixon and Marinoni went on with their plans to marry.

In 2011, New York State, where the couple wed, legalized same-sex marriage, or gay marriage. An advocate of gay marriage, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Marinoni chose to marry in the state where they had so passionately made their voices heard.

Their ceremony took place in New York City, New York as Cynthia wore a light green Carolina Hererra wedding gown and Christine sported a sharp suit with a dark green tie. The two looked stunning and very happy as they took their vows. The first wedding pictures were shared on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. They feature the newlyweds on top of New York building, with the breathtaking Big Apply skyline behind them – congrats to the happy couple!

Sources: People.com, ACE Showbiz

Related:

Anna Paquin: Being bisexual is real, not about gender

Jessie J: Sexuality does not define who you are

On Being Gay: Your choice, not your parents

Matt Bomer: Comes out as proud gay dad

Anna Paquin: Being bisexual is real, not about gender

 

bisexual anna paquin true blood eonlineActress Anna Paquin of True Blood is currently expecting her first child. Having come out as a bisexual actress a few years ago, she echoes messages regarding bisexuality similar to those expressed by actress Cynthia Nixon from Sex and the City. Despite societal views, bisexuality is a real sexual orientation, not a social construct to label people others feel are ‘sexually greedy’.

Paquin, openly bisexual, shared in a Zooey Magazine interview:

“I’m sure for some people saying they’re bisexual feels less scary than making a statement that they’re gay. For me, it’s not really an issue because I’m someone who believes being bisexual is actually a thing. It’s not made up. It’s not a lack of decision. It’s not being greedy or numerous other ignorant things I’ve heard at this point. For a bisexual, it’s not about gender. That’s not the deciding factor for who they’re attracted to.”

Bisexual men and women often face stigma. As pointed out in previous articles, many in American culture view bisexual people as being ‘sexually greedy’ and basically attracted to everyone they meet. This is not the case. As Anna points out, there is not a ‘lack of decision’ in choosing a mate. Bisexual people, just like heterosexual and gay/lesbian people are actively involved in whom they create dating relationships with.

Contrary to societal views, bisexuality is a very real, very human sexual orientation.

 

Others celebrities who have come out as being bisexual include actress Angelina Jolie, singer Christina Aguilera, singer Amber Rose, and actress Evan Rachel Wood. See a slideshow of these celebrity bisexual women here.

Source: EvilBeetGossip

What is your take on bisexuality? Do you agree with True Blood star Anna Paquin? Or do you think bisexuality is not a real sexual orientation?

Jessie J: Sexuality does not define who you are

 

jessie j is a bisexual singer sexuality does not define youSinger Jessie J shared her sexuality during an interview with Glamour. In the interview, she made it a point to identify herself as bisexual.

At the same time, she made it clear she does not think sexuality should define who you are.

As a single woman, the British pop star enjoys dating both men and women. Currently in a relationship with a man, she is bothered by the media’s assumptions regarding her sexuality.

In her Glamour interview, Jessie J shed light on the many biases held against bisexual individuals. As actress Cynthia Nixon pointed out, sexuality is multifaceted, part of someone, but not their entire identity.

Much like Nixon, Jessie J makes it clear she is attracted to both men and women. In her relationships, what is key is not the person’s sex, but how they make her feel as a person. She comments:

“For me, I want it to be less about sexuality and more about being comfortable in who you fall in love with,” the singer said. “If I meet someone and I like them, I don’t care if they’re a boy or a girl. You should never, ever apologize for anything that makes you happy.”

In terms of the media response, not many agree with her comments.

Biphobia, a very real concept present in many cultures throughout the world, is something that holds back many bisexual people from sharing their true identity with others. Yes, it is not their entire personality, but it is part of their makeup. How do you think society fosters this biphobia? How do celebrities such as Jessie J help change those images?

Sources: OUT/The Advocate