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Does The Gay Movement Want Bisexuals Back In The Closet?

Gays and lesbians are finally on the way to be being regarded as equals under Irish law. But could it be that the gay community has issues with the 'bis' and transexuals who are both part of gay culture - but are treated as outsiders?

Roe McDermott, 13 Aug 2010

At last! The Civil Partnership Bill has been passed, and at this year’s Dublin Pride Festival Irish people – excuse the pun – came out in force to support members of the LGBT community. Though major issues still need to be addressed, it seems that this country is making serious strides in terms of doing away with discrimination against members of the LGBT community.

But is the LGBT community doing the same for those within its own ranks that might be identified as ‘others’? With reports of bisexuals being told to “pick a side”, transsexuals being labelled as “traitors” and gay women being told to “butch up”, it seems that, for some in the wider gay community, acceptance comes with terms and conditions.

“Most gay guys just point blank refuse to believe that someone can be bisexual,” proffers James Grannell, a UCD student from Wexford. “They fundamentally fail to understand the feelings of a bisexual person. The idea that I can feel the same about men and women doesn’t sit well with them. So I’m often branded a coward – it’s suggested that I’m ashamed of being gay, that I label myself as bisexual because that’s more acceptable to the straight community.

“I’ve been told that I’m really just gay and can’t accept it,” James continues, “or that I’m going through a phase. It’s difficult, being told that you can’t possibly be what you know you are, and that your feelings aren’t real.”

Surely that’s the very attitude that LGBT people historically railed against? James agrees. He is all too aware of the hypocrisy at play here.

“If I went up to a gay man or woman and told them that they were only going through a phase and it’ll pass, and that they can’t really be gay because no one can actually feel like that, I’d be labelled intolerant and ignorant. But that’s what bisexuals get told all the time – and it seems to be totally acceptable among gays.”

James is adamant that biphobia is a big issue in the LGBT community.



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