Why I am a Bi Ally
Filed by: Cathy Renna
March 11, 2009 9:30 AM
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/03/why_i_am_a_bi_ally.phpOne of the most interesting parts of being an ally--for me at least--is the reaction of other people. "I had no idea you were [fill in the blank]" has been said to me so many times I cannot count. I consider it a compliment, which always confuses people when I then say "Actually, I am not [fill in the blank], why do you think so?"
The two most common communities for whom I consider myself a strong ally and hear this about are the bisexual and leather communities. I often joke that the thrill of being thought of as bisexual or a leather dyke is well worth the flack I take for my outspokenness. More simply put, being a married, monogamous and vanilla (ok, maybe with a few chocolate chips), Kinsey 5.9 (big crush on Sting in high school), I need all the excitement I can get.
But seriously, this is the most frustrating thing I experience as an activist and as an active member of the LGBTQ community. Why we do not look at our own biases or internalized phobias about our sexual identity or behavior is truly beyond me. Oh right, phobias are irrational fears and people need to recognize that for themselves. Sigh.
