I did not expect to be writing an identity-related post tonight

[sararyan]

…but here I am.

I was reading the introduction to a book, a book with stories in it from authors whose work I love, a book I was looking forward to reading.

And there was a reference to “gay, lesbian, and transgender.” Several times, throughout. “Gay, lesbian, and transgender.”

Okay, so I am not the biggest fan of the actual word “bisexual.” I will

Comments

[orongish]

Has anyone even looked up the definition of sexual orientation lately? It's based on so many factors it's completely useless.

Does it depend on attraction? Past sexual experience? Present experience? Community? Social standing? Is it political? Or all six?

I'll just be glad when the western cultures (and the like) finally find it obsolete.

[gawm]

Thank you.

[jbknowles]

GREAT post. Thank you!

<3

[indulgent_el]

I completely agree about all of your bullet points.

My shrink calls this continuum, and the fact that it's a shifty thing, "erotic plasticity." Meaning, and not just in the arena of gender, lots of things can turn a person on (and apparently, on average, women moreso than men, at least insofar as testing has determined). I know that this is true for me.

I don't talk about my sexuality much , since I'm in a monogamous relationship, and I think of sexuality to be private until several cocktails have been consumed, but I do occasionally surprise people with a comment. Because damnit, I don't live in a box.

[deliasherman]

A timely post for Valentine's day. And yeah. Saying I'm bi brings on more questions and furrowed brows than the automatic assumption that I'm a lesbian because I'm married to a woman. Especially (frankly) at my age, which ain't even 40 any more.