Dear Tiggy,
This may seem like an obvious question, but I’m wondering how to come out as bisexual. There’s a lot of info about coming out as gay, which is great, but nothing seems to be aimed specifically at bisexuals.
-Lisa
Not obvious in the least, my Deuce! You’ve hit upon a real need in our community: a guide to coming out geared toward the unique obstacles that bisexuals face in the process. How could our fabulous fellow non-monos* have failed to create such a guide by now? I think you may have just sparked the brilliant idea that gets this bi ball rolling…
For now, there are a few resources that, while perhaps not perfect for this task, should be edifying, on-point reads. Start with a recent article in the Huffington Post from BiNet USA’s President, Faith Cheltenham. She shines an entertaining light on the stages many of us experience while coming to terms with our bisexuality in a world that’s not quite ready to embrace us. Next, jump on over to the BRC’s “Coming Out as Bi” webpage. It addresses what it means for a bisexual person to come out and the variety of options one has in doing so. You might also want to look at Chapter Two of Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World to see personal essays on how other bis have dealt with this. Finally, as Faith recommends in her article, pick up a copy of The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe by Nicole Krystal and Mike Szymanski. Aside from offering more information than Bill Nye doing the backstroke in a pool of Trivial Pursuit cards, it’s fun. It reminds you that there are millions of us bisexuals, and we’re all connected.
Much luck on your journey, Lisa. When the BRC creates the definitive how-to on coming out as bi, you’ll be the first to know!
*Non-monos: Non-monosexuals, otherwise known as bisexuals. Monosexuals are those who are only attracted to one sex or gender.
© 2012 Tiggy Upland. Tiggy Upland reserves the right to use all submitted queries anonymously, in any medium.