LGBT+ a Myth Busting guide to the terminology and myths

If you’d like to learn about LGBT+ terminology, this LGBT+ guide includes all of our Myth Busting: LGBT+ information – in one convenient place! Learn the definitions of LGBT+ terms (such as pansexuality) as well as the truth behind the common myths that surround them.

Bisexuality

In the first instalment of our new Myth Busting: LGBT+ series, we’ll be tackling some common fallacies surrounding bisexuality. The idea around this blog series is that to fully support LBGT+ colleagues, you must clear up any stereotypes or misinformation you or your employees might hold.

Busting the following myths will allow for a more inclusive workplace that better supports bisexual staff in their identities.

What is bisexuality?‍

Before we get into the myths surrounding bisexuality, let’s set out what it means to be bisexual. Being bisexual is generally defined as the attraction to two or more genders. Someone of any gender can identify as bisexual, and they can be attracted to any two or more genders. Now, that definition may have already cleared up one or two myths you’ve heard about bisexuality. However, let’s now go into more detail about some harmful bisexual stereotypes you don’t want circulating your workplace.

Are Bisexuals always attracted to men and women?‍

While many bisexuals are in fact attracted to men and women, this isn’t true for everyone. Because bisexuality is defined at the attraction to two or more genders, the genders each bisexual person is attracted to can be different. They can also include non-binary genders like agender and genderqueer. Even those bisexual people who are attracted to both men and women may be attracted to other genders in addition to this. For example, a bisexual man could be attracted to other men as well as women and nonbinary people.

Are Bisexuals are more inclined to infidelity?

Another common myth surrounding bisexuality is that those who identify as bisexual will cheat on their partner. However, bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders and has nothing to do with whether a person thinks cheating is okay.

Just because bisexuals have a larger dating pool doesn’t mean they are more likely to cheat on their partner. An inclination towards infidelity relates to a person’s morals, not how many options they have.

Are Bisexuals are greedy?‍

Just like you didn’t choose your sexuality, your bisexual colleagues didn’t choose their attraction to multiple genders. So how can they be greedy? The stereotype that bisexuals are greedy likely comes from the fear that they may cheat. Like we just established, however, being bisexual does not make you more likely to cheat on your partner.

Do bisexuals need to pick a side?

Unfortunately, this myth can be heard both inside and outside the LGBT+ community. This is likely because those who are only attracted to one gender, whether they are straight or gay, can sometimes find it hard to imagine what it is like to be attracted to multiple. What can someone do if they are finding it hard to understand attraction to more than one gender? Remember that the human experience is incredibly diverse, and it is impossible to fully understand every single person’s perspective. The most important thing is to be respectful anyway.

Are Bisexuals impure?‍

Another myth around bisexuals is that they are less pure than their heterosexual or homosexual counterparts. This is usually said because bisexuals are attracted to, and may have had relationships with, people of
different genders. Sadly, this is another fallacy that circulates the LGBT+ community, such as in the term ‘gold star lesbian’. This phrase refers to lesbian who has never dated a man, and it is offensive for many reasons. In short, though, being attracted to people from multiple genders has no relation to sexual or moral purity.

The more you know
It is no myth that the more you know about something, the better you can understand it. This is particularly true when it comes to LGBT+ identities such as bisexual. Understanding the truth behind an identity’s biggest myths can help you become a more inclusive employer.

Coming Out

Happy National Coming Out Day! Today allows LGBT+ people to celebrate when they came out of the closet. Many people in the community who are ready to come out also use NCOD to take the leap. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness for the homophobia that exists within silence.

However, we’re taking the opportunity to continue our Myth Busting: LGBT+ blog series and talk about the myths surrounding coming out! To learn the truth behind more LGBT+ myths, check out our previous instalment, Myth Busting: Bisexuality.

Understanding LGBT+ experiences such as coming out is essential if you want to support your colleagues and staff from the community. So, to improve your diversity and inclusion efforts, let’s talk coming out!

What is coming out?‍

Coming out is short for the phrase, ‘coming out of the closet’. This is when you tell somebody about your LGBT+ identity, such as your sexuality or gender.

There are many reasons a person might come out, but it is usually so that they can live freely without hiding a part of themselves. For example, coming out might allow you to talk to your friends about who you are dating. Alternatively, it might let them know to use different pronouns and a new name if you are trans. Now that we’ve covered what coming out is, let’s get to the myths!

Do you have to come out?‍

Probably the biggest myth of all is that everybody has to come out. Many of us in the LGBT+ community thought about coming out as soon as we realised we weren’t straight and/or cisgender. However, this can delay you coming to terms with your identity yourself.

There is no need to rush coming out or to even come out at all. While many LGBT+ people find coming out freeing, this is not the case for everyone. In fact, many people are in situations where coming out would
not be safe. They may live with unsupportive family or even in a country where homosexuality is illegal.

Nobody should be pressured into coming out, and the myth that it is necessary can actually be very harmful.

Do you owe to owe it to your friends and family to come out?‍

Even if your family and friends are supportive of the LGBT+ community, you do not owe it to them to come out. This is a common myth, and many LGBT+ people themselves believe that others have the right to know. At the end of the day, however, your identity is private information that only you have a right to.

Some parents might find it upsetting if their child has kept their sexuality a secret from them. However, this is usually because they don’t understand that they do not inherently have the right to this information.

When (or if) you come out should be all about being ready and nothing about others wanting to know.

Should you come out on National Coming Out Day?‍

This may seem trivial, but a large number of people do come out on National Coming Out Day every year. If you are already planning on coming out, NCOD can help you get through your nerves. However, if you aren’t totally sure you are ready to come out or that you will be safe if you do so, don’t do it. You should come out when it feels right and not just because it’s National Coming Out Day.

You can tell others that someone is LGBT+?‍

It might sometimes seem natural to mention your friend’s sexuality or gender identity, but you should always make sure they are okay with this beforehand. As we mentioned already, a person’s LGBT+ identity is theirs to share and no one else’s.

There are a number of reasons you shouldn’t share this information. For example, someone might only want to be out to a circle of close friends, or they may simply prefer telling people themselves. You also may not have judged the situation correctly and could put your friend in danger.

Does coming out show people’s true colours?‍

When you come out and don’t get the reaction you were hoping for, it is easy to feel defeated. In some cases, getting a negative reaction to coming out can mean having to cut ties with the other person. And this is sometimes for the best.

However, it is a myth that having a negative reaction means that this person will never change their mind. Many people find the news shocking but come to accept their loved one’s identity in time. While the journey to this point varies from person to person, it is certainly possible.

Celebrate but educate‍

Coming out is something to celebrate, but there are many myths surrounding this LGBT+ rite of passage. Clearing up these fallacies should give you a better understanding of the LGBT+ people you work with.