If some one identifies as being bisexual most people will see it as being attracted to both females and males. Whereas the person identifying as such label may define it as being attracted to females and non-binary (someone who does not identify as being cisgender) people. In reality, the prefix bi means two which could mean that someone is attracted to two different genders. Which could lead to confusion of the person who identifies as bisexual and confusion for those around them.
Personally when I talk about my sexuality I rather say that I am not straight rather than saying an identity since I do not find myself identifying strictly with a certain label. I can admit that I do ask someone identity, but I try my best to break out of that habit. If you want to know someone identity do not pressure them into telling you. If they do tell you that they do not know it perfectly fine. If someone discloses their identity ask them if they would like to refrain from telling others.
A big problem is trying to label someone. Many people will try to put a name to your identity. Sure it's easy when you identify as being an "easy" identity such as heterosexual/homosexual or cisgender/transgender. But when it starts to become more complicated like bisexual/pansexual or genderfluid/non-binary. As being someone who is between bisexual and pansexual it can get quite complicated for me and for others. People tend to label me as being gay since I'm in a relationship with a woman, but just because someone is in a relationship with someone does not mean that their sexuality just erased itself.
With all of this said, I will leave you with a video that is a discussion between Ashley Mardell and Jazza about whether or not there should be identities. This video really shows both sides of the conversation.
I would say that labeling yourself is definitely the hardest part about being queer. I've used labels from bisexual (spoiler : I was wrong), gay, genderfluid, demi-boy and god knows what else. I feel like it's all a matter of identifying YOURSELF and doing what makes you feel comfortable, and there's no shame in questioning or not knowing. Furthermore, some people might argue "Who needs labels!" but the reality is that labels allow for many people to identify themselves and feel empowered.
ReplyDeleteIt is great when someone knows their identity since it is true that they feel empowered. But as a person who can find their identity I just wanted to make a point that identities and label are not what define you. You define yourself and it's okay to not find your identity.
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