• Bisexuality: Busting the Myths

Bisexual people, often referred to as ‘bi’, are emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to people of more than one gender. Bi people suffer many of the same abuses as gay men and lesbians – including criminalization and widespread discrimination. They also have to deal with an additional set of negative stereotypes, including the myths that being bi is a phase or that bi people are promiscuous, confused, or just seeking attention. Some people wrongly believe that bi people don’t experience violations because they can “choose” to be in relationships that will be perceived as straight. As a result, most bi people fear coming out – even to their closest family and friends.

None of these assumptions are true. Bi people are no more or less sexual than anyone else, and just as capable of love and commitment. Common misconceptions about bisexuality, including among some gay men and lesbians, leave many bi people feeling misunderstood, isolated and at risk of abuse. Bi people – and especially bi women– experience disproportionately high rates of violence, including rape. They are also at heightened risk of bullying, homelessness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

The fact is that bi people just want the same things as everyone else – love and support from their family and friends, and respect from everyone else.

The United Nations is calling on you to stand up for the human rights of bi people. Show your support:

Download, share and spread the word!

bv_macro

Here’s how you can help:

  • Inform yourself about bi people, their experiences and concerns.
  • Make sure you and those around you have zero tolerance for biphobic language, myths and negative stereotypes.
  • Speak out and report violence and discrimination against bi people.
  • Respect the privacy of others and do not make assumptions about people’s sexual orientation.

Here’s what governments should be doing:

  • Investigate, prosecute and provide remedy for acts of violence, torture and ill-treatment against bi people and those who defend their rights.
  • Provide police, judicial officials and shelter providers with training to respond to the needs of bi survivors of sexual and other forms of violence.
  • Repeal laws that criminalize same sex conduct between consenting adults and other laws used to arrest, punish, detain, harass or discriminate people based on their sexual orientation.
  • Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and adopt anti-discrimination policies that are inclusive of bi people, including in education, health, employment, housing and public services.
  • Sensitize healthcare providers and ensure that bi people and their families have access to safe, non-discriminatory health services that address their specific concerns.
  • Raise awareness about bisexuality through the education system and dispel negative stereotypes and prejudice through public awareness campaigns.
  • Protect and promote bi people’s freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
  • Ensure that bi people and organizations are consulted and participate in the development of research, legislation and policies that impact their rights.
  • Support research that produces disaggregated data on the specific situation of bi people including in relation to poverty, employment, housing, health, education and access to public services.

Learn more in our factsheet:

×Close search
Search