So, the topic of my men's group is bisexuality & bi-curiousity this week...

As soon as you mentioned that 90% of the men's group is gay, I figured this would present itself as an issue. It's sort of inevitable. I don't know why that's the case.

Be yourself. You don't have to justify anything. You don't even have to get into a debate and risk offending someone.

It's good that they like you. However, you can never go into any group and expect everyone to like you. Whoever likes you for who you are is true friend material.

Some have voiced it before. It's that "got us another one" attitude that makes a few gay guys feel better about themselves. It's about as annoying as a few men who surprisingly referred to all gay men using pronouns to describe women. Some need to just let it go.

It will be really interesting to see what comes up when this topic is discussed. Let us know how it unfolds.

 

People who are offended by being called out on their ignorant comments are not worth wasting time on. You have just as much of a right to feel comfortable and accepted without that environment; likewise do any other present or future bisexual members. When biphobic comments are made, speak your mind. Otherwise, the fact that you didn't and those around you are still stuck in ignorant mindsets is going to continue to eat away at you when returning in the future.

With that being said, many biphobic LGBTQ are no less products of their environment than homophobic heterosexuals. These mindsets are more often rooted in ignorance and misconception than actual hate. If the case that comments are made, you shouldn't feel that they are attacks on your character, rather they are from individuals who have been affected by ignorance and misinformed, and could possibly benefit from listening to the perspective you have to offer.

 

To add onto what has been said, think of them as learning opportunities, specifically in this setting. It sounds like the meeting's to discuss and explore issues about bi attractions — there will be people interested in learning things, and not as educated or informed as they could be or want to be, and hearing you speak against biphobia will help them redefine their own views on the issue, likely in favour against biphobic thoughts and so on.

If nothing else, take comfort in knowing that there is nothing wrong in standing up for yourself or in feeling offended due to biphobic thoughts. It's natural to feel that way and to react accordingly. Hopefully due to facing homophobia in society, these guys will be able to see things from your perspective if it is explained, and you can also help clarify if any ignorance is shown.

To those who don't show any interest in redefining biphobic thoughts, they honestly won't be worth much of your time at least in these kinds of instances where the central focus is on bisexuality. Biphobia and homophobia do exist and often we can get along with people who do have those kinds of thoughts as long as they ultimately accept us and work to challenge their own preconceptions, but don't let anyone intentionally attack you with the aim of hurting you. It can be about showing patience and recognizing that they don't know what it's like in several regards, even as a marginalized group of people themselves, but that you can help to change that slightly.

 

If you think one of the leader could be biphobic about it, that's just one person. Who knows, maybe other groups would say something about it. I think the problem here is that you are worried about offending people but you need to understand that they themselves shouldn't be offending you in the first place. It's a support group and the point of the program is to have understanding and bond on topics that hit close to home with you. I hope it all goes well with you.

 

Let us know how it goes, definitely. Very curious!