Is being bi a alternative? 37 p.c of People assume so.

It is Bisexual Consciousness Week, the time of yr the place bi folks shed their invisible skins to be seen by the world.

Simply kidding; it is a time of celebrating bisexuality on-line and off. In keeping with a latest survey by the relationship app Pure, nonetheless, stereotypes about bi folks persist even in 2023.

Thirty-seven p.c of People consider that, not like being homosexual or straight, bisexuality is a alternative. Three p.c do not even consider in bisexuality, in Pure’s survey of two,000 American adults chosen at random.

Research present that sexuality is not a alternative and bisexuality actually exists. The false assumptions do not cease there, although: 20 p.c consider bisexuality is a stepping stone to being homosexual, whereas 26 p.c assume bisexual folks determine as such as a result of it “provides perks” (although these perks aren’t specified). Ten p.c consider somebody cannot uncover they’re bi after 40 as a result of “they’ve had loads of time to resolve.”

The “slutty bi” stereotype prevails for 19 p.c of People who assume bi individuals are extra more likely to cheat; 17 p.c who consider bi individuals are extra promiscuous than these of different sexual orientations; and 13 p.c who consider bi individuals are incapable of monogamy.

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Of the 7.2 p.c of People who determine as LGBTQ, Gallup reported, the bulk (58.2 p.c) determine as bi. Regardless of making up many of the LGBTQ inhabitants, bi folks face stereotypes within the LGBTQ neighborhood and elsewhere. Bi individuals are extra more likely to have nervousness or melancholy than homosexual or straight folks, partly due to these stereotypes, biphobia, and monosexism (the assumption that you would be able to solely be homosexual or straight). What’s extra is that bi individuals are extra vulnerable to intimate associate violence on account of stigma as effectively.

Given these ingrained beliefs about bi folks, it is tough to think about one would determine as bi due to “perks,” however comprehensible why it will take 40 or extra years to find their bisexuality.

“I am proud to say, that I’m an open bi girl. I additionally expertise all these stereotypes round being bi each day,” stated Pure’s CEO Olga Petrunina within the press launch. “We need to increase consciousness round being bi and educate folks on how we really feel, what we’re, and what we aren’t. It is not a alternative, it isn’t greediness, neither is it a ‘stage.’ We’re [bi] and we’re seen.”

Take a look at Pure’s full research, “Bi-gnorance,” right here.