Bisexuality

Bisexuality is when a person finds both men and women physically, sexually or emotionally attractive. Bisexuality is a general term only, because there are many differences between individuals. For example, people who are attracted to men and women may not necessarily label themselves as bisexual – they may consider themselves to be primarily straight or gay, or they may choose not to adopt any label to describe their sexuality. In other cases, a person may have sexual feelings towards men and women, but only have sex with people from one gender, or they may abstain from sex altogether.

The attraction isn't always evenly weighted, since a bisexual person may have stronger feelings towards one gender than another. This can vary depending on the people they meet, since sexual chemistry between individuals is complex and unpredictable.

Coming out issues for a bisexual person

Coming out as bisexual can be a lengthy and ongoing process. Without support, and with limited social awareness of bisexuality, it can be bewildering.

A person coming out as bisexual may be thought of as being unable to make up their mind, and experience criticism for this. They may also have to convince family and friends to abandon stereotypical views of what it means to be bisexual .

As there are no obvious signs of bisexuality to display, it can be hard to convince sceptical family members and friends that you are truly bisexual. A person in a long-term relationship will often be assumed to be gay or straight, depending on the sex of their current partner. As a result, people who are bisexual may find themselves having to 'come out' over and over again.

Discrimination and prejudice of bisexual people

Bisexual people can experience discrimination from both straight and gay communities. For example, some heterosexual people may assume a bisexual person is straight but just ‘experimenting’ with gay sex, while some homosexual people may assume the person is gay but still having heterosexual relationships because they are afraid of 'coming out' or accepting their gay sexual orientation.

A person who is bisexual can feel social pressure to choose which gender they prefer. Some people may be hesitant to admit to bisexual feelings or experiences because of fear of prejudice from family, friends and the wider community.

Finding support for bisexuality

If you think you might be bisexual, are feeling confused or are experiencing discrimination, it might be helpful to talk it over with people that you trust. There are also LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer and Asexual) services in every state and territory. There is always someone you can talk to.

In Victoria, you can contact:

• LGBTIQA+ specific support services such as:
  • QLife– a national counselling and referral service for people of diverse sex, genders and sexualities Tel. 1800 184 527 or use online chat, 3 pm – 12 am, 7 days a week.
• other counselling and support services such as:
  • Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Suicide Call Back Service Tel. 1300 659 467.

Where to get help

• Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• QLife – a national counselling and referral service for people of diverse sex, genders and sexualities Tel. 1800 184 527 or use online chat, 3 pm – 12 am, 7 days a week
• ReachOut
• Switchboard Victoria Tel. 1800 729 367 Counsellors are available daily from 3 pm to 6 pm, 7 days a week
• beyondblue Tel. 1300 22 4636 24, hours a day, 7 days a week