woman wearing a hat, walking among stones

There are a lot of myths and stereotypes surrounding bisexual people. Let’s find out some of the worst. Bisexual people are typically poorly understand by people, leading many people who are bisexual to feel anxious, isolated, lonely and misunderstood.

PS are you thinking of coming out as bisexual or know someone struggling with their sexuality? This might help:

Here’s a list of the 9 worst stereotypical things people say to bisexual people. Get ready to roll your eyes 🙄

1. Are you still, erm you know? 

Yes I am! And guess what? That’s never going to change. This is who I am and it’s not a phase. And if you can’t even bring yourself to utter the b word when you question my sexuality (again) I’m going to feign ignorance until you actually say bisexual out loud.

Then I’ll ask if you’re still gay/straight to show you how ridiculous and offensive your question was.

2. Make your mind up. Pick a side! 

Why don’t people understand that sexuality isn’t binary? Or a choice between two sports teams? Or something that you even choose in the first place!? I was born this way. Bisexuality is the ‘side’ I’ve ‘picked’ thank you. Choosing an option on the menu when all the food looks great, now that’s when I’m indecisive.

3. Why won’t you just admit you’re gay?

Because, and I know you won’t believe this, I’m not! Being bisexual is not a rest stop on the way to destination gay. It’s a sexuality in its own right.

4. You’re just doing this for attention.

Nope. I’m really not. Because on the rare occasion my sexuality brings me any attention it means I have to deal with something negative.
Just want to go one day without any biphobia please.

5. You’re greedy.

You know being attracted to more than one gender doesn’t mean I want anyone and everyone all at once, right? It just means my partner could be any gender, not that I think everyone is hot. (But if there’s one chocolate left in the box I will eat it.)

6. Bisexuals are dirty cheaters.

I’ve never cheated on anyone in my life, but sadly people hurt other people in this way no matter what their sexuality is. Being bisexual doesn’t make you more likely to be unfaithful.

7. Wanna threesome?

Not with you!

It’s awful to assume people want this just because of their sexuality. I’m not a super sexed up person to be used to entertain you and your partner before being thrown away, never to be spoken to again.

Strangers, what makes you think it’s ok to ask me for sex before knowing anything about me?

Friends, you would have never asked this before you found out I was bisexual. Show some respect.

8. You’re not looking for anything serious.

Again some people are, some people aren’t – but that isn’t dependant on anyone’s sexuality.

If you’d give me time to explain before running for the hills, you’d find out I’m after a long term, committed relationship. So come back!

9.  Should I use my superpower of invisibility for good or evil?

The kind of jokes bi people make to other bis when “LGBT+” events and organisations completely ignore us. Hello, we exist!

What we want to hear

You’re welcome here.

We feel like we don’t fit into gay or straight spaces. I’m usually not wanted in either. So when someone reassures me it’s ok to be there and that any biphobia will be dealt with accordingly, I feel like crying and hugging them in relief.

This is one of the best things people say to me.

Self-described ‘muscle woman’ Pauline Nordin reveals the five things she is tired of hearing

1. Aren’t you worried about bulking up?

Yeah totally. I mean that’s why I spend 24/7 in the gym working out, because I am absolutely terrified of my muscles getting bigger. Literally quivering with fear as I lift these insanely heavy weights, which will no doubt, strengthen and build my muscles. No! Of course the answer is no. I wouldn’t do what I do for a living if I was.

2. Isn’t building muscle a masculine thing to do?

Yawn. As a woman living in 2016, I should be able to do the thing I love without judgement. It’s time to ditch these archaic gender stereotypes, they are so ridiculous. I mean think about it, why on earth is strengthening muscle seen as a masculine thing to do? Both women and men have the same muscles, and both have the ability to build and strengthen those muscles. It really is that simple. Unless you think it is wrong for a woman to be strong – in which case #seeya !

3. You must be using steroids.

No hunni. Getting this body took a lot of time, dedication, focus and energy; please don’t flippantly discredit that. And I hate to break it to you, but there’s no magical can of spinach I can down that instantly bulks me up either (that was a Popeye reference for those of you too young to remember). For women to develop any kind of muscularity we need to put in a lot more effort than men to achieve the same results. You might also assume I achieved my ‘toned’ look by doing high rep circuits in a leopard-print leotard, using fluorescent pink dumbbells whilst listening to ‘Physical’ by Olivia Newton-John, but nothing could be further from the truth. I have worked out “like a man” lifting heavy weights, in sweaty gyms for years.

4. You look like a man.

Do I…? Really? (See picture below). I don’t think I do and it’s kinda harsh of you to say that. Being a feminist, it concerns me that women in particular are categorising other women depending on their body shape. Why do you think skinny women, obese women or muscular women are not feminine or ‘womanly’, and why is it so important to you that women look “feminine” in the way that society has deemed appropriate. If all women were to accept these norms of ‘femininity’, it would be to purely please others; of course it’s okay to have a ‘type’ or a certain body as your favoured physique, but think twice about calling women who don’t fit into these ideals ‘unwomanly’ – that is a very dangerous message to send to young girls.

[full-width-figure image=”https://www.ditchthelabel.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/unnamed-8.jpg” alt=”female body builder”]

5. Your muscle scares me/ must scare other people off.

Wow, you’re easily scared! And I haven’t even shown you my fangs, broomstick, horns or pitchfork yet? #kidding #notkidding

Written by Pauline Nordin

Comedian Shannon DeVido on how she usually answers these 10 common questions about being a wheelchair user

1. How do you go to the bathroom?

I didn’t do well in science, but from what I can tell, after I drink a lot of water or eat, after a few hours, my body lets me know it needs to come out…unless I eat Chipotle, then it’s only about 30 mins. Worth it though.

2. How fast does that thing go?

Sadly, not as fast as I want. If I had my way, I’d “pimp my chair” so it’d be able to go on a highway, but my family don’t think it’s very “safe”. Also, I often hear “you’re going to get a speeding ticket!” Nope. Not true. Not even in a school zone.

3. Can you have sex?

I think you need to buy me a nice dinner and be interested in my extensive Harry Potter knowledge before I answer this question for you.

4. Do you sleep in your chair?

This often comes from kids, so I will usually say, “No, because the stuffed animals on my bed would be lonely.” To adults I just eye roll.

5. Does she need something? (Asked to the person I’m with)

Hi! Down here! You can talk to me! I graduated college, Cum Laude. I’m pretty good at ordering chicken fingers.

6. Do you know [insert name here]? He’s also in a wheelchair.

Steve McSteverson? Yeah! He’s usually at the underground wheelchair meetings where we talk about stupid questions.

7. What’s wrong with you?

Plenty! Just ask my therapist! Honestly, I don’t mind when people ask me about my specific disability, but when it’s said in this curt manner it makes me feel like I should think there’s something wrong with me just for being a wheelchair user.

8. Is your boyfriend in a wheelchair too?

No, James McAvoy is not a wheelchair user… unless he’s playing Professor X. Then yes.

9. Can I get a ride?

How much are you paying me? Rates go up during peak hours and big events. #WheelchairUber

10. Do you need help?

Nope. I’m good. Thank you for asking. I promise I’ll ask if I need it.

**Disclaimer: I’m not actually dating James McAvoy. Sorry, rumour factory and apologies to his incredibly attractive wife.**

Written by Shannon DeVido

www.shannondevido.com