Bisexuality Does Not Mean Confused and it's Certainly Not A Stepping Stone
Bisexual people are constantly facing misconceptions. From "just a
phase" to "picking a side," these stereotypes are hurtful and
wrong. Let's break down why websites like BiLatinMen.com, which has "Bi" in it's name and uses these less than desirable terms and language in many of the stories they produce. They even go as far as to infer that bisexual men are bitches and are not real men and need to do better.
Bisexuals: Are Not Confused or Going Through a Phase
In a world striving for
LGBTQ+ acceptance, bisexual individuals still face a unique kind of
invalidation. Being attracted to more than one gender comes with its own set of
challenges, and chief among them is the constant barrage of misconceptions.
One of the most common
issues is the idea that bisexuality is a stepping stone to being gay or
lesbian, or simply a phase of exploration. This not only erases the very real
experiences of bisexual people, but also implies that same-sex attraction is
somehow less valid than heterosexual attraction.
The "Who's the Man, Who's the Woman?" Fallacy
Another misconception is
the focus on gender roles within a bisexual relationship. Questions like
"who's the man" and "who's the woman" not only reinforce
outdated gender stereotypes, but also completely miss the point. Bisexuality is
about attraction to people, regardless of their gender identity.
The Irony of BiLatinMen.com
It's particularly
baffling to see websites with "Bi" right in their name perpetuate
these stereotypes. BiLatinMen.com, for example, by asking questions about
masculinity or femininity within a relationship, reinforces the very ideas that
being bisexual challenges.
Here are a couple of
possible reasons why this might happen:
- Lack of Awareness: Sometimes,
these missteps come from a simple lack of understanding about bisexuality.
- Profit Over Representation: Focusing on outdated tropes might be seen as a way to attract a wider audience, prioritizing clicks over accurate representation.