bisexual

I’ve known that I am attracted to men for as long as I can remember. I identify as a MSM or as “downe” rather than as bisexual. Being attracted to men didn’t bother me as much as how that attraction would play out. There aren’t many black MSMs in the media so it was hard for me to reconcile my race and my masculinity with my attraction to men. I felt as though I would be seen as weak or effeminate by others.

I’m going to tell you a few things you probably already know, but they might be good ways to explain to anyone who doesn’t already know them. Heterosexual people are usually only or primarily romantically and sexually attracted to people of a different sex or gender than they are. That means that…

What’s it mean to be questioning, why would you or someone else identify that way, how do you deal in the process and how might you answer the question?

The next thing to do after a family member says that to you is simply to acknowledge what they have disclosed and honor that it can be scary to do that – such as by saying something like, “I’m glad you felt safe telling me about your bisexuality.” You can also reassure them that until they’re ready…

No matter what THEIR reasons are for holding off on any kind of sex, all of you need to be respecting the choices each of you makes for yourself. So, if you’re making different choices than they are, the choices you want to make, this discussion with them shouldn’t be going on over and over again…

Honestly? Cisgender women sleeping together have no fewer sexual options than women sleeping with men or men sleeping with men do. You can have all kinds of labial, vaginal and clitoral stimulus; you can do manual, oral, vaginal or anal sex, mutual masturbation, massage, frottage, breast play…

Many teens have a lot of questions when it comes to homosexuality and bisexuality. In a culture that is often so damning of orientation and sexual identity outside heterosexuality, many teens become nervous when they feel attracted to those of the same sex, worried that they might be gay. Others suspect (or are even very sure) that they are homosexual or bisexual, but are afraid to say so either because they aren’t completely sure and feel they will be branded in some way, or simply because they fear being rejected, outcast or scolded by their friends, family or community. While at least 8 million people in the United States are homosexual, about 70 million people still think it is an “illness” or “perversion.”

Are bisexuals just confused, or are they opportunists? Do you have to have sex with people of both sexes to know you’re bisexual? What do you really know about bisexuality? Think you’ve got all the answers? Check your bi-Q!