Most people in India think that a different sexual orientation from the mainstream is abnormal, unusual and taboo. People think of it as an illness that can be cured. Some think of it as a modern-day curse. To them, the carved walls of Khajuraho would be a lesson that historically India has been very advanced in matters of sex.
A different sexual preference is normal, ancient and most importantly, a personal matter.
As soon as we say bisexual, most people think of eunuchs or Karan Johar. Both notions are wrong. Eunuchs are not necessarily bisexual, and we really don’t know much about Karan Johar.
When asked straightforwardly in a 2003 interview if she was bisexual, actress Angelina Jolie responded with similar directness: “Of course.”
(Image credits: wikipedia)
Here are some common misconceptions about bisexuality.
It’s a medical abnormality
We need to differentiate between sex and gender. Sex is the physical criteria determined by anatomy. Gender is a psychological identity, which determines the preferred orientation in matters of intimacy. Bisexuality is more of a mental choice, than medical condition. Religious babas and grandmothers should not assume that it can be cured by medication. It does not need a cure. It needs acceptance.
It’s a phase
Again, bisexuality is tied to a person’s identity. It is not like learning guitar or watching GOT. It’s not a phase, that it will get over. People may realise whether they are straight or bisexual through their own mental and physical evolution. According to Psychology Today, one study by Lisa Diamond found that “very few women who had identified as bisexual in adolescence changed their identity to either straight or lesbian by the end of the study. Rather, bisexual women were consistently sexually fluid over time.”A 92 percent retention rate doesn’t sound like a phase.
They have only sex on their mind
They like sex as much as the next person. Bisexuality has no correlation with sex drive. This misconception has born out of the fact that people concentrate only on that aspect of personality of someone with a different orientation.
They have fidelity issues
According to Psychology Today, studies have found that “people tend to perceive bisexual individuals as being more likely to cheat on partners than heterosexual, gay, or lesbian individuals.” But this is wrong. They have social issues because they are already navigating rough waters and hostile environments. If they had the open choice, their relationship statuses would not be different than the usual Facebook updates.
It is a cover or transition to being gay
Gays and bisexuals are different. Bisexuals are not using it as a cover to come out of the closet. They genuinely enjoy intimacy with both genders, though may not be equally. It also does not mean they date both genders at the same time.
On the bisexual awareness day, we might question the feasibility behind Section 377 in India. How does the state plan to collect proof without violating the right to privacy and invading into bedrooms?
