Today is the Bi Day of Visibility and it's a day that I hold dear to my heart. It's an important day to share our stories, to refuse to be invisible, and to, maybe, help someone who might need it.
I came out as bisexual in the Spring of 2012.
For months leading up to it, I remember feeling a mixture of confusion and shame. Confused because I was having feelings I couldn't recognize, thoughts that would pop up seemingly for no reason. Ashamed because once I could recognize those feelings, I didn't want to. I tried to rationalize them away, to ignore them, but as I am sure other queer people could attest, it does not work that way. Eventually, I had to face the fact that there was something different about me. I had to face the fact that I wasn't just attracted to boys and men, like I assumed, but I was also attracted to other girls and women.
I slowly started coming out to my friends, one or a few at a time. I can remember being so nervous at first that I could barely tell them, and then being relieved when they reassured me that my coming out wasn't going to change anything between us. Eventually, I came out to my family and was open about it on social media. In all, the people around me have always been supportive of me no matter what. There were a few that I could tell were unsure if I meant it or not, a few that maybe didn't think bisexuality is real at all. At first, those people infuriated me, but as I got older, I learned that as long as I know who I am, their opinions on my sexuality don't matter.
Seven years later and there are honestly still moments where I feel a bit of that residual guilt, but those moments are few and far between. Now, I would say that I mostly feel peace, at finally accepting myself and living my truth. I don't feel like I have to hide anymore and that is one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced.
I hope that you feel that, too, that you feel able to be your most authentic self - regardless of your sexual orientation.
If you are confused or struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out to a loved one you trust. If that feels too hard, my inbox is always open.
Happy Bi Day of Visibility, friends!
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