How can we convince more bisexuals to care about homophobia?

submitted by usehername from self.Bisexuals

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[–][deleted] 5 insightful - 2 fun5 insightful - 1 fun6 insightful - 2 fun -  (2 children)

I disagree, I think it's bisexual erasure to encourage us to focus on other sexualities, especially in this sub which for us and our needs. We should get our own house in order before we support or help anyone else.

[–]usehername[S] 5 insightful - 3 fun5 insightful - 2 fun6 insightful - 3 fun -  (1 child)

And what exactly are our needs? The biggest obstacle is homophobia. Acknowledging that isn't "bisexual erasure". Or do you particularly take issue with when I said we should support homosexuals as their allies? We only have way more power than them and acceptance in society. But you think we should just take the infrastructure they built and colonize it for ourselves? We can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. They've already built this and it's our foundation for acceptance as same-sex attracted people. It's impossible to start from scratch and "get our own house".

[–][deleted] 4 insightful - 2 fun4 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

I agree that ONE of our obstacles is homophobia, but I don't think it's THE obstacle or necessarily the biggest. I acknowledge that we have other issues to focus on as well. A couple examples:

  • Xenophobia within the lesbian and gay communities which acts as bisexual erasure - some members consider bisexuals "on the fence" or not "choosing a side"
  • Judgement of our personal character due to being bisexual - inability to be satisfied or always open to non-monogamy are common views
  • Rapists of the same sex, who normally partner with the opposite, are viewed as bi - it's the old "suck one dick and you're gay" joke repackaged against bisexuals. It ignores the power and structural aspects of sexual assault and places the blame on sexuality

But you think we should just take the infrastructure they built and colonize it for ourselves?

Not at all, I never said anything of the sort. I think we should appreciate and support G&Ls hard work, and also learn from their foundation and guidance. We can build a collaborating sister/brother infrastructure which is distinct for ourselves, without erasing them or us.

It's impossible to start from scratch and "get our own house".

That's very defeatist.