BISEXUAL
POLITICS
By Tom Limoncelli -- tom@limoncelli.org -- Aug 8, 2001
There is a separate bisexual movement!
Many people are surprised
to hear that the bisexual movement is separate from the gay and lesbian
movement, or that the bi movement has a different political agenda. To
quote Lani Ka’ahumanu, co-mother of the modern bi movement, “Bisexuals
are a part of, and apart from, the gay/lesbian movement.”
We are certainly a
part of the greater gay/lesbian community. We have overlapping communities
and struggles.However we are also apart from the gay/lesbian community
in that we have our own culture, traditions, celebrities, leaders, and
holidays. The contemporary bisexual movement began in the early 1970s,
although earlier communities of bisexuals did exist. In the late 1980s
/ early 1990s, BiNet USA was formed to unify the many bi organizations
in the United States.
What makes the bisexual movement different?
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We emphasize the fluidity of sexual orientation and gender. There is a
broad spectrum of sexual orientation, not just gay and straight. There
is a broad spectrum of gender expression, not just female and male. All
of these are valid.All of these are fluid.We affirm that a person’s sexual
identify may shift over time (Klein, 1993).
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We reject the “Born That Way Trap.”Many gays and lesbians have sought compassion
for their orientation on the basis of the fact that they were born gay;
that this was not something they chose to be; that this is something that
they cannot help being.As Lindsy Van Gelder (1991) notes, however, this
gives the subtle impression that it is okay to regard lesbians and gays
as “sexually handicapped.”People who self-identify as bisexual, on the
other hand, have chosen to express their same-gender love, despite having
the option to live a socially sanctioned, other-gender-relationships-only
lifestyle.The message here is that same-gender attraction is something
beautiful that is worth pursuing and celebrating, not something unwanted
that needs to be excused.
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In arguing for equal rights, gays and lesbians often compare sexual orientation
to genetic qualities like race and skin color.We, on the other hand, compare
sexual orientation to qualities that receive legal protections but are
not genetic, such as religion and political party.This emphasizes that
a person’s choice of lifestyle is not an acceptable basis for discrimination,
nor should the choice be forced on anyone.
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We have a grass-roots strategy and a feminist basis.We believe that all
oppressions are related and nobody should be left back.
What is the bisexual political agenda?
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We aim to create space in which people may safely examine their sexual
identity and feel the freedom to identify with whichever orientation fits
best.
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We aim to build bisexual community: local, state, and national forums in
which bisexuals can gather, socialize and work together.
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We demand legal bans against discrimination on the basis that discrimination
is unjust; not because we are helplessly driven to love others against
the grain of human nature. We fear past court decisions will be struck
down as opponents claim litigants that had previous opposite-sex relations
are exempt from “born that way” precedents.
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We strive for understanding and acceptance of bisexuality, from the gay
and lesbian communities as well as from the straight community.We seek
an end to the bi-phobia that we experience from both the straight and the
gay/lesbian communities.We strive for increased bisexual visibility and
inclusion, in such arenas as pride marches, community centers, LGBT newsletters,
and public media.
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The bisexual movement is sex-positive and rejects the sex-phobic and eroto-phobic
laws and attitudes that repress us all.We affirm as equal all forms of
sexual and relational expression between consenting adults, including (but
not limited to) homosexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality, transgenderism,
Polyamory, BDSM, fetishism, and celibacy.We seek the repeal of sex-phobic
laws because all people have the right to the pursuit of happiness and
self-expression.
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We seek the end of discrimination based on orientation, gender identity,
Polyamory, and consensual kink, in all arenas, including employment, public
accommodations, banking and finances, housing, marriage, adoption, and
child-raising.
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We seek domestic partner policies for both same-sex and opposite-sex partners.
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We see same-sex marriage as a stepping-stone to real marriage reform, not
a goal.
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HIV/AIDS: All we want is a vaccine, and all our friends back.
Some Bi Resources
(listed as reference, not an endorsement)