Bisexual, Fluid, Pansexual or Queer-identified?

Identifying as Bisexual, Fluid, Pansexual or Queer simply means that you were born with the capacity to be attracted to people regardless of someone's sexual or gender identity.

It does not define either one's lifestyle or sexual behavior. It does not mean you are promiscuous, a fence-sitter, a slut, a nympho, in the closet, unable to commit, trying to claim heterosexual privileges or whatever. Bisexual and pansexual people can monogamous or abstinent. 
They may have multiple sexual partners or be married/partnered for life. In other words, lives of bisexual/pansexual people are pretty much identical as those who identify as lesbian, straight or gay except that you have the capacity to like people of more than one gender.

Many people are pansexual/bisexual and it cuts across all distinctions of culture, race/ethnicity, gender, age, class, ability, religious affiliation and any other thing you might think of. Over time in life, you might feel equally attracted to people of various genders or to one gender in preference to the other and the strength of these attractions may change over time. 


This attraction can take many forms such as physical, sexual and emotional attraction or all or some of them all mixed up together. But however you find it happening, it is inborn, innate and what is just right for you.

Sadly however, it would be silly not mention that you need to be aware that Bisexual/Pansexual people may still, even in this day and age, suffer discrimination because of misperceptions and prejudice from people who identify as straight, gay or lesbian. 


Most frequently scientists tell us this is becasue the person or persons who are causing the trouble are worried and confused about their own sexual or gender identification. So instead of doing something constructive about (the way you are) they let their confusion and negative emotions overwhelm them and strike out.

This is why organizations work for bisexual rights and to alleviate misperceptions about bisexual people.

Because of ignorance, outdated cultural norms and a lot of harmful misinformation, coming to an understanding of your sexuality can be highly confusing. People often feel a lot of pressure to choose - to define themselves as being gay or straight or lesbian.

But you might feel that you do not fit any of these categories, you may notice that you have sexual and romantic feelings about people of your own and the other genders.

These feelings may indicate you are fluid, pansexual, bisexual or in some ways queer-identified. Keep in mind, however, that you do not have to 'prove' your sexual-identity to anyone, ther will be no End-Of-Semester Final Exam, no Job Performance Evaluation, it is strictly about you and getting to know your own heart.

Being bisexual/pansexual is part of who you are, of what makes you"uniquely you", but it does not dictate that you must then follow the crowd or what some people say about how "people like you" should live your life.

Many pansexual/bisexual people may have one committed relationship that lasts for decades while others may have many different kinds of relationships with different people. Some bisexual/pansexual people have no sexual relationships or they may have relationships with people of only one gender; yet, they still consider themselves to be bisexual/pansexual. On the other hand many people may have relationships with people of their own and the other gender, and yet they self-identify as Gay, Lesbian or Straight.

Also don't worry about not knowing for sure right away. Sexuality and self-knowledge develops over time, and you should feel no pressure to identify in any particular way to please other people. Follow your own heart, it all comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable and what you perceive yourself to be.

Coming to terms with your bisexuality can be difficult. However, lots of people have difficulty learning to like themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Some people also have difficulty understanding bisexuality, and some bisexual people may try to hide their bisexuality. In an effort to numb the effects of societal stigma, people may turn to drugs and alcohol and may even attempt suicide because their situation seems unbearable. However the vast majority of other bisexual people - just like you - lead successful, happy lives and you can too.

It helps to be informed and to know that you aren't alone. Read about bisexuality. Learn what it means to be bisexual. Make an effort to meet other bisexuals - they can be a valuable resource to build your self-confidence.

Just remember that there are lots bisexual people wherever you are. Sooner or later you will meet someone who feels some of the same things you do and has had similar experiences. Realizing that you are not the only bisexual person will make liking yourself a lot easier.

more resources found at BINET USA