Being Bisexual Is Fantastic!

It's not always easy being bi. Between stereotypes of oversexed, unfaithful bisexuals and social pressure to "pick a side," not to mention the fact that bi people are more likely to be closeted and face higher rates of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and intimate partner violence, coming out as bisexual can be enormously challenging. But there are also lots of things, big and small, that are joyful and worth celebrating. So since June is LGBT Pride Month, let's talk about why being bi (or pansexual or polysexual or otherwise attracted to more than one gender) is awesome!

1. You never have to question your sexuality because you're attracted to someone. If your identity includes being open to folks of all genders and gender presentations, then scoping out that cute girl/hot guy/sexy genderqueer person on the dance floor doesn't call for a reevaluation of yourself and your life — it just calls for working up the nerve to go ask for their number.

2. You're revolutionary just by existing. It's definitely frustrating that so many people struggle with recognizing bisexuality as a legitimate orientation, even in today's progressive social climate. Still, it can be pretty satisfying just to keep being bi and awesome, refusing to pick a side or conform to anyone's stereotypes, and prove them wrong without ever having to say a word. Every time you correct someone's misconceptions about what bi people are like, you're sticking it to the man (or woman) just a little bit. And doesn't that feel good?

3. You can easily give up men or give up women without giving up dating. Everyone's had that awful breakup that makes you want to wash your hands of the gender that broke your heart — at least for a few weeks. For a straight girl or a lesbian, that's gonna mean a period of celibacy, which isn't always a bad thing if you need it to regain your emotional equilibrium. But if you're bi, you can swear off men for a year and still get laid every night.

4. You can pursue a relationship with anyone you think is rad, regardless of gender.It's hard enough to find someone who shares your sense of humor, challenges you intellectually, turns you on, and your BFF approves of — can you imagine how much more difficult that would be if you took half the human race out of the running, right off the bat?

5. You have a built-in jerk repellent. Yes, lots of people won't date bi folks because they're clinging to ridiculous stereotypes about bi people being cheaters or "just greedy" (ugh). But you know what? Those people are jerks and you don't want to date them anyway! Aren't you glad you found out now, instead of after you started sharing a sock drawer?

6. You have a million sexual possibilities! Lots of straight people — and even some gay people — assume that "sex" describes only one or maybe two activities. But when your experience includes sleeping with people of multiple genders, you learn quickly that there are so many more possibilities. Being bisexual can allow you to expand your horizons, try new things, and even pass your knowledge along to your partners. Ultimately, you're helping to create a world of better sex for everyone.

7. You have some awesome bi role models. You know who's bisexual? Really cool people! From beloved actress Angelina Jolie to hilarious comedian Margaret Cho to Carrie Brownstein, goddess of rock and sketch comedy, to James Baldwin, very possibly the greatest American novelist who ever lived. Being bi means getting to look up to tons of successful, talented folks who don't let gender define who they love.

8. You can wave the bi pride flag. It's pink, purple, and blue, which, if you ask me, are all of the best colors.

9. You know you can't assume someone's orientation just by who they're dating. A girl dating a girl isn't always a lesbian. A man dating a woman isn't necessarily straight. When you have these assumptions made about you on a regular basis, you can work to counteract them and hopefully provide a role model that inspires others to do the same.