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Being Bi+ or Multi-Gender Attracted


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Being Bi+ or Multi-Gender Attracted

To be bisexual is to experience “the potential to be attracted – romantically and/or sexually – to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree.”[1]

Within our LGBTIQ+ communities, many of us are multi-gender attracted. 

Like everyone, bisexual plus and multi-gender attracted people want to feel safe, welcome, and respected within all their relationships, including with partners or families, at work or at school.

Being able to express who we are without fear of discrimination or hostility is important, especially within relationships. But sometimes our relationships don’t turn out the way we plan or hope for.

Many multi-gendered attracted (MGA) and bisexual-plus (Bi+) people often face stigma and discrimination about their lives, their relationships and their families or face negative messages which reinforce shame. Sometimes this occurs within intimate partner relationships.

Negative stereotypes about bi+/MGA people perpetuate myths that they are untrustworthy and more prone to cheat in their relationships or that they are confused or undecided. These stereotypes can lead to poor mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression or mental illness and isolate bi+/MGA people from the community.

 Just like homophobia and transphobia, biphobia, including biphobic behaviour and attitudes, exists across all levels of society, including within the gay and lesbian communities.

Addressing biphobia, bi-erasure and bi invisibility in our LGBTIQ+ communities ensures everyone feels welcome.

Our LGBTIQ+ communities should be respectful and safe spaces for everyone to enjoy.

All of us deserve respect.

 

Recommended Resources – hyperlink needed

Bi5 Project https://www.bi5.org.au/

Bi Alliance http://www.bi-alliance.org/

Melbourne Bisexual Network  https://www.melbournebisexualnetwork.com/

 

[1] Quote taken from Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World, edited by Robyn Ochs and Sarah E Rowley, 2005.

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