Are Bisexuals Really A Minority?

An April 2011 study conducted by the Williams Institute found that the total number of self-identified bisexuals is apparently greater than the combined number of gay- and lesbian-identified people in the United States.

Numbers are of course hard to nail down, but this helps demonstrate that bisexuality is not a "phase," especially among women, who look likely to identify as bisexual than lesbian.  Bisexual men, on the other hand, remain a minority in the gay/bisexual community.

What do you think of these numbers?

Mythical Bisexuals: Not As Cool As It May Sound

An old report (from 22 August 2011) from the New York Times states something I and many others knew: bisexuals exist.  Glad a newer study from Northwestern University can help confirm that, even though its methods are still somewhat questionable.  Bisexuality is also very much alive amongst our animal kingdom friends, including the awesome dolphins.

Also, we bisexuals fall victim to a lot of biphobia, and Maria Burnham takes on eight myths concerning bisexual women (although you can change the wording slightly to accomodate men).  Here's the short list:

1. Bisexuals are just gays with one foot in the closet.
2. Bisexual women are straight girls having a fun dalliance or two before running off with a penis-swinging man.
3. Bisexuals are more likely to cheat.
4. You're not bi unless you go down on girls.
5. Bisexuals are greedy.
6. Bisexuals are more likely to carry diseases.
7. Bisexuals are looking for sex, while lesbians are looking for love.
8. Bisexuality does not exist.

What's your reaction to these studies?  Surprised at all?

What about the eight myths surrounding bisexuals?  Have you experience any or all of the above biphobic reactions?  I've experienced at least three.  Let me know your story; knowledge is power in taking on biphobia.

Praise for Maria Burnham

A few months ago I discovered Maria Burnham over at The Huffington Post.  Frank and straightforward, Burnham writes from the perspective of a bisexual woman and her reflections are on being bisexual and dealing with all its joys and problems, especially biphobia.  I have found that most of what she writes reflects my own struggles with being bisexual, especially with biphobia from both the heterosexual and homosexual communities.

Burnham also pens the webcomic Jesus Loves Lesbians Too.  This comic fictionalizes many of Burnham's experiences as a bisexual woman and attempts to find humor in every situation.

Check it out!