However, my illusion of heterosexuality came tumbling down at age 16, when I kissed a girl for the first time. My first crush was on a boy with swishy hair, “cool” graphic t-shirts, and a strong interest in fishing - aka the epitome of an elementary school hunk. From as early as third grade, I desperately wanted a boyfriend. Growing up in a small, conservative, southeast Texas town, I didn’t even know what “gay” was until I got to junior high. Although the se words are not always meant to be hateful, having your identity invalidated is a miserable experience for anyone. Even in casual conversation, common misconceptions find their way in. Well…maybe except for Angelina Jolie.įor many bisexuals, biphobia and bi erasure are around every corner. If I had a dollar for ever y t ime I heard one of these phrases - along with countless other clich é remarks -I ’d be the richest bisexual woman in history.
“This is just a phase, right? ” “I mean you’re not really queer, you’re dating someone of the opposite gender!” “I’m worried you’d cheat on me.” “You want to have a threesome?”
