features
The Birds, The Bees, and
Bisexuality words and design by: Elly Savva This feature is based mostly on my own experience but also uses quotes and anecdotes from three interviewees: Luke (He/They, 21, Cardiff), Beth (She/Her, 23, Bristol), and Jonny (He/Him, 21, Manchester). Tipping my wine glass back, I prayed that the final dregs of alcohol would fill me with the courage to say the words I’d been practicing all day. I’d met with my Dad for dinner and knew it was only a matter of time before the “have you got a boyfriend” questions would start - less than 30 minutes this time. I hadn’t come out to him yet, but I was seeing a girl. I was happy, and I didn’t want to hide it anymore. I managed to stumble over my words and explained that there wasn’t a boy, but a girl. He told me that he just wanted me to be happy and it didn’t matter who I was dating. One of the things he said that stuck with me the most is “being gay doesn’t mean your life has to be hard anymore”. He reassured me that I could live my life however I wanted to lead it. But I’m not gay. I’m not halfgay or half-straight either, I’m bisexual. There is some confusion about what bisexuality means, even from inside the LGBT+ community. Bisexuality is defined as an umbrella term used to describe the attraction to two or more genders. While I prefer the label of bisexual, others who are attracted to all genders may identify as pansexual, which describes the attraction regardless of gender.
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