Bi the Way: Part 1

As Pride Month approached this year, I felt a nudging to share some thoughts about my own journey in discovering and embracing my sexuality. While I have been aware of my bisexuality for some time, only in the last year have I fully embraced and accepted this part of who I am. Part of the motivation for sharing aspects of my story here is to encourage and support those who might find themselves on similar journeys.

I recognize the risk inherent in discussing my bisexuality more frankly. Since I have become more public about my sexuality, a number friends have noticeably left my life, some abruptly, others gradually, many with little to no conversation. The responses from those in religious communities I have belonged to have been mixed. Whether out of kindness, confusion, or something else, many have simply said nothing.

For those who find my sexual orientation sinful, perverse, queer, or just plain wrong, I strive to maintain a stance of openness, kindness, and love towards them. There was a time I intellectually shared some of those views, even as they caused tremendous internal turmoil. If I have ever projected my own frustration, anger, or self-hatred on you along the way, I apologize.

I don’t have a dramatic coming out story; my coming out has been as much an internal conversation as external one, a gradual–sometimes painful–grappling with who I am, where I have been, and how it all fits together. While I consider Sandusky Pride 2022 my coming out party, a moment when I more publicly shared this part of me, the road traveled there was anything but smooth or straight (pun intended).

Every story, every situation, every person is different. I do not offer my experiences as a template for what it means to be bisexual. My hope for those reading these words is that you develop further understanding, compassion, community, and maybe even healing.

If you know little to nothing about the LGBTQ community and kept reading this far, welcome to the conversation. If you identify as part of the community, publicly or privately, I see you. Whether you are an ally or disagree, I am thankful you are here. May we all gather around the table and share our stories. True love and community only thrives when we welcome, respect, and listen to one another with open hearts and minds.

I look forward to sharing more over the next few weeks. (There is a place on my blog page to subscribe to receive notifications of new posts by email.)