13 types of Bisexuals, appropriate list or labeling?

Having come across this list of bisexuality types online and the subsequent discourse that ensued I thought let us look at this just at the basic level with not too much over intellectualizing as our own discourse has been happening thankfully via social networks, this and other Jamaican blogs and face to face discussions primarily Open Mic Open Soul Wednesdays. More and more from the Lesbian and Gay communities there seems to be underlined intolerance and stigma making their way to the fore, one of the main ones is the impatience with accommodating or even hearing one openly say they are bisexual as instantly the presumption is they are either freaks, confused or want too much all at once (have their cake and eat it too)

Using a content analysis of more than 170 articles written between 2001 and 2006, US sociologist Richard N. Pitt, Jr. concluded that the media pathologized black bisexual men’s behavior while either ignoring or sympathizing with white bisexual men’s similar actions. He argued that the black bisexual is often described as a duplicitous heterosexual man spreading the HIV/AIDS virus. Alternatively, the "Brokeback" white bisexual (when seen as bisexual at all) is often described in pitying language as a victimized homosexual man forced into the closet by the heterosexist society around him.

Here is the list as was presented and by all indication is an American listing -

1) Alternating Bisexuals – one relationship at a time, the first might be exclusively straight, the next exclusively gay and vice versa. Alternating Bisexuals are usually monogamous.

2) Circumstantial Bisexuals – primarily heterosexual but bisexual because of circumstances, eg; Prison where there are no women/men available.

3) Concurrent relationship Bisexuals – have a primary relationship with one gender, but may have multiple casual relationships with partners of the other gender.

4) Conditional Bisexuals – will switch sexuality for personal gain, eg: Gay for Pay.

5) Emotional Bisexuals – have intimate emotional relationships with both genders but only have sex with one gender.

6) Integrated Bisexuals – have two or more concurrent primary relationships one with a man one with a woman

7) Exploratory Bisexuals – testing the water seeing if they like it.

8) Hedonistic Bisexuals -primarily straight or gay/lesbian but will switch purely for sexual pleasure.

9) Recreational Bisexuals – bi only when drunk or high. “Party Bisexual”

10) Isolated Bisexuals – currently straight or gay/lesbian – but has had one off sexual encounter in the past which qualifies them as bisexual.

11) Latent Bisexuals – has strong yet so far unsatisfied urges to go the other way.

12) Motivational Bisexuals – will go bi to satisfy a partner, e.g. straight women agreeing to MFF threesome.

13) Transitional Bisexuals – the only type of bisexuality the gay community understands, the one “going through a phase”.

The American Psychiatric Association stated: "To date there are no replicated scientific studies supporting any specific biological etiology for homosexuality. Similarly, no specific psychosocial or family dynamic cause for homosexuality has been identified, including histories of childhood sexual abuse." Research into how sexual orientation may be determined by genetic or other prenatal factors plays a role in political and social debates about homosexuality, and also raises fears about genetic profiling and prenatal testing.
Sigmund Freud theorized that every person has the ability to become bisexual at some time in his or her life.He based this on the idea that enjoyable experiences of sexuality with the same sex, whether sought or unsought, acting on it or being fantasized, become an attachment to his or her needs and desires in social upbringing. Psychoanalyst Dr. Joseph Merlino, editor of Freud at 150: 21st Century Essays on a Man of Genius, stated in an interview:

“ Freud maintained that bisexuality was a normal part of development.... Freud felt there were a number of homosexuals he encountered who did not have a variety of complex problems that homosexuality was a part of. He found people who were totally normal in every other regard except in terms of their sexual preference. In fact, he saw many of them as having higher intellects, higher aesthetic sensibilities, higher morals; those kinds of things. He did not see it as something to criminalize or penalize, or to keep from psychoanalytic training. A lot of the psychoanalytic institutes felt if you were homosexual you should not be accepted; that was not Freud's position. ”

But are we going off here a bit with all these descriptions that seem to limit the aspects of behaviour in people and added further stigma or pressure on that struggling group under the lgbt umbrella? One bi-activist commented with regards to the list "These types don't include the concept of fluidity, which has been proven by research to exist. They act as though we don't have different types of relationship agreements at different times in our lives. I currently have a monogamy agreement, but I haven't always, so then what type am I? And even though I am with an opposite-gender partner now, as a bi activist who spends a lot of time in the queer community and fighting for bi rights, I would certainly resent being called "exclusively straight."
Square pegs round holes... the community is too diverse to fit into a neat collection of little boxes... bisexuality is inherently fuzzy, we are the quantum physics of the relationship world. Which I guess would make poly the string theory?" another commented.

This discussion is just scratching the surface as same gender issues have been on the front burner more so than bisexuality thus my criticisms of our advocacy structure of bi-phobia by default ignoring or treating as invisible this set of persons who also have to contend with a Gross indecency Act and a Buggery Law for those who practice anal sex. We may never get the answer to the post's question as more information and arguments pro, neutral or against continue to come forth. One other argument that seems to be lurking is bisexuality maybe an innate feature of our lives but more present in some than others.

The polyamorous grouping seems also to have been overlooked in a sense some persons can be mono-amorous which if not properly discussed my validate the stereotype of bisexuals as wild promiscuous persons. More to come.

Peace and tolerance

H

Security ........... a discussion

Coming on the heels of several closely occurring incidents all in one month to include:

1) A skirmish at a local beauty salon with subsequent beatings in a gas station by the members of a popular dancehall DJ's entourage of several gay men who were involved in the same skirmish

2) The abduction at gunpoint and subsequent lucky escape of two females one of whom accompanied a friend to meet an on-line link in a rural area but who were tricked into meeting their abductors.

3) Beatings of a popular drag persona at a recent annual event and other beatings of some of the cruising and homeless MSM populations on the same night with two other smaller attacks since

4) The beating of a teenage lesbian by her mother as she found out her daughter's sexual preference (this happened in April) and was not pleased about it

5) The job losses due to negative perceptions of persons sexual orientation (see post below or go HERE)

Last night's discussion at the Couture Oasis Lounge was timely indeed, we touched the issue of:

1) Stealth - and how persons could adjust themselves in public spaces especially to avoid unneeded scrutiny, to also not be too "loud" especially effeminate men who are more susceptible to homophobic attacks but not to be left out are Butch identified or appearing females as well who as of late have seen their share of abuse both verbal and physical.

It was suggested persons should try not to get too comfortable with familiar surroundings as one never knows what maybe lurking in the dark or awaiting one around the corner. This idea flowed from the first pointer above as a recent incident brought to bear as outlined by an eyewitness.

The main counter point to being subtle in public however was that while it was not suggested persons become someone else they should be mindful of what they attract to themselves. Some persons commented that the drag and butch communities however though both extremes in the lgbt case also are a reminder to the mainstream that same gender loving persons and transgender persons are here.

2) Self defence was also examined with reference to one of the cases mentioned above as well, persons suggested that we ought to prepare ourselves for any eventualities. One butch identified sister expressed her concerns that while others were seemingly bolder and ahead in terms of resolute and personal conviction she wasn't she was assured that it takes time and each person's pace, experience and reactions are different thus leading to the final resolve.

What was clear is this particular topic is worth revisiting time and time again especially for the younger lgbtqi populations most of whom only heard of some of the horrible incidents over the years and also those who are far removed or feel insulated by virtue of class and place of residents clearly are our of touch with what's happening on the ground.

3) Another issue which did not make it to the agenda but which came to mind is the phone/device hacking or sharing which can lead to some serious outcomes, there is one case of a phone break in that occurred this year that I know of and it had led to a temporary displacement of a young woman whose relative saw private intimate message and read them only to forward them to his own cellphone and out her to the extended family, she has since found help with friends for now and still has her job but is in fear of the news travelling to cause more problems.

Last year several of that type of that infraction were mentioned on Gay Jamaica Watch with two having serious implications for the parties involved. We must be careful and employ methods so third parties cannot break into or simply browse at will private communications also pass on this warning to our friends and associates.

Peace and tolerance

H

I have made a special request for Bisexuality in a Gay/Lesbian context to be brought soon to the table as several issues came up for discussion as usual after the main topic for the evening was adjourned, the CE team is considering it.

"Gay Look" for Kartel?

So as we continue to watch the entertainment circles particularly the man of the year so far Vybz Kartel we now see a kind of backlash taking place towards Mr. Kartel's new image as of late, he has certainly become the artist we so love to hate yet his music blares from taxis minibuses and every other public music spot where dancehall throbs. I have been commenting and some of you have agreed that the metrosexual craze has helped to soften some of the stigma towards perceived aesthetics associated with male homosexuality and the ever more public homo-thug/DL phenomenon. Clearly as the comments begin to fly towards Kartel and the new pic as shown above the association to him being a battyman is as real as they come. Some persons compare him to following Michael Jackson stance on always tweaking his public persona and image as Vybz aka Adija Palmer speaks of Vybz Kartel in the third person when doing interviews. He has said he will continue to do things his way as outrageous, outlandish and unpredictable as they become to hold true to the Vybz Kartel persona reportedly said to IRIEFM.

to the Star News he has been reported as saying "Once again, the unpredictable Kartel changes his style again. And I have no doubt that my recent image alteration will have the marionettes dangling yet again from my control." He went on to say about sections of the public reacting "Don't know and don't care. Gazans love it and that's all that counts."

But he has a credibility problem in my book, not that persons aren't free to change their minds but he has put out material before against bleaching or as in his case skin lightening as he has not admitted to actually bleaching.

Also see: Vybz Kartel ...... King of the rub from my sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch

Questions are popping up on dancehall forums everywhere such as:

Is his hair extension an attempt to follow the Michael Jackson trend since MJ was also an idol if his?

Will his nose be next?

Is all this bizarre attempts to get attention and stay in the limelight?

other negative and supportive comments go straight to the point:

" ........ the man look like real batty bwoy....."

"Faggot coming out of his closet"

"Poppy show"

"He sure says "Vybz Kartel" alot"

"Kartel a aunty man"

"I like de man music but him start do tings only faggot do ... we want the olf Kartel back"

"............this artist is a disgrace for Jamaican dancehall............"

"...............most of his music is good but him rude dutty bwoy............"

"Mavado rules and is normal"

".............him a look fo battyman attention.............."

"Kartel is a gay bowcat hope de worl can see it now"

"Badmind grudgeful mind yuh onwn buzniz"

"Kartel a real battyman"

"Harry Toddler and Elephant Man have been doing it for years how we nuh call dem faggot too?"

too quote a few.

That last comment however struck me and sometimes we forget the past or have convenient memories, both named artists indeed have been sporting tight clothes/jeans, bleached hair and faces for sometime off and on during the years or entertainment but they too have gotten some flack for carrying that kind of aesthetic with their public persona.

It was in October 2009 that the Elephant was called a "Fish" by another artist. Let's watch this folks I feel the issues may have a direct impact on our homophobic culture sooner rather than later with results more larger than just passive metrosexuality.

Peace and tolerance

H

Sexual orientation, stigma & job loss

Reports coming forward suggests that more and more lgbt people in Jamaica are being faced with job losses due to perceived negative notions of their sexual orientation, some more overt than others indeed three cases of same gender loving women have been brought to my attention by concerned persons while one from a gay male who was working with his last employer for some seven years plus. For the females referred to above two on the face of it suffered a sort of profiling and intense scrutiny by their former employers and coworkers so much so that one individual was asked to change her mode of dress despite any clear dress code in effect or in writing or face dismissal while the other was the subject of the usual office cubicle gossip done loudly enough for her earshot to pick up.

The government services however does has some level of protection, under Section 13 of the staff orders paper covering Equal Opportunity it states Employees should be treated fairly on

the grounds of

1) Race

2) Gender

3) National Origin

4) Colour

5) Religious beliefs

6) Political affiliation

7) Disability

8) and last but by no means least Sexual Orientation

one of the few progressive documents that exists that deals directly with Sexual Orientation and possible sanctions from damage from such if deemed discriminatory. One woman who I spoke to directly said she knew that they about to make the moves on her as the subtle hints came every now and again, she said her strong personality may have been intimidatory to her boss as well and he occasionally complained or asked why she never wore skirts or dresses to work and if she had a man? the latter question came nearing to the end of the life of her employment. The sole male complainant said he was uncomfortable from the get go at his job as the curious looks and questions such as his care in putting himself together suggesting he must be gay as only gay men take time to be detailed in personal grooming, the subtle remarks similar to our same gender loving sister above also dogged him for some time as other male employees would pounce on him with remarks pertaining to relationships and sex with girls comments to which he may casually try to fit in the conversation to avoid the unneeded scrutiny but it was clear the gossip mill was on.

Things came to a head however when the anti gay sentiments were stepped up with one particular coworker levelling them squarely at him and as time passed he noticed the supervisor also going in that general direction as well, he was dismissed on trumped up third strike grounds that went against his employment record he said as he was late on particular morning and all kinds of "faults" suddenly appeared from nowhere, luckily for him he managed to land another job just some weeks after that separation but not all persons who face this kind of stigma are so lucky or are strong enough to deal with or confront their detractors. A suggestion was made at a recent discussion involving a JFLAG representative that there is a lawyer on retainer there who can be contacted on 978-7876. Some persons choose to absorb the problems without seeking redress and move on, I guess everyone is entitled to choose their own road.

There are situations though where persons use the opportunity to confront their detractors and "educate" them as to the wrong committed of course there has to be some semblance of tolerance already present to achieve this, it makes no sense one plays the hero only to loose out big time in the end.

Peace and tolerance

H