Some advice on bisexuality
Sexual identity -- One's understanding of self as
gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or something else.
It has been theorized that individuals go through a developmental
process in order to understand themselves as gay, lesbian
or bisexual. Important steps may include first relationships,
first sexual experiences, "coming out, "
etc.
Interchangeable-- With a sexual identity and sexual preference,
the term sexual orientation communicates a belief that
sexuality is "oriented" or fixed, and that
it stems from biological factors. There is an assumption
that sexual orientation exists outside of an individual's
consciousness.
A note about labels: It is difficult to represent here the
amazing diversity of terms for gender, sex, sexual orientation,
and sexual identity. Many of the above terms carry with
them implicit assumptions about gender, sexuality, and
the relative permanence of sexual orientation. For example,
the prefix bi- in the term bisexual assumes that there are
two sexes/genders, while in actuality, individuals can
be intersexed, and there are a number of cultures that have
third and fourth gender roles. Some people therefore prefer
the terms pansexual, omnisexual, or "just plain
sexual." It is important to use inclusive language,
but it can also be difficult to accomplish. While you are
reading over these pages, think about your own assumptions
about sex and gender.
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