If you’re a woman in a relationship with a man, you’re straight. If you’re a woman in a relationship with a woman, you’re a lesbian. There is simply no in between. Right?

Wrong. All too often, the “B” in LGBTQ+ is invalidated by individuals who refuse to move with the times. Armed with a severely antiquated outlook on the fluidity of sexuality, the same people often associate bisexuality with confusion and indecisiveness. Sexuality is a spectrum that is built into the framework of society; it is not a box we must label and live in. We are the embodiment of our sexuality, and the fact is that 75% of the LGBTQ+ community identifies as bisexual — yet they don’t feel like they have a place. 

Stereotypes about bisexuality place a hand over the mouth of those who are closeted or still searching for an answer within themselves. Constant invalidation of the bisexual identity does not make the exploration any less difficult; hearing the words that are drenched in ignorance only pushes people farther into a cage that society has built. 

“It is just a phase.” 

“You will grow out of it.” 

 “Just pick one.”

These phrases seem to roll off the tongues of people who simply do not understand what it means to be bisexual. Additionally, the bisexual community has become divided by insensitivity. Loved and adored by the pornography industry, bisexual women are viciously sexualized by the male gaze. Similarly, bullied and scolded by heteronormative stereotypes, bisexual men must fight for their pride and place in society. Bisexual erasure is all around us, intertwined in the language that is spoken and the hatred that is spewed.

People are so quick to dismiss bisexuals, but little do they know, some of their favorite on-screen characters and real life actors are proudly waving the pink, purple and blue flag. If you have ever seen the neverending show “Grey’s Anatomy,” then you will know that Callie Torres, played by Sara Ramirez, is openly bisexual. Early in the show, Torres makes it known that her bisexuality is real and valid.

 “So, I’m bisexual. So what? It’s a thing and it’s real. I mean, it’s called LGBTQ for a reason,” Torres said. 

Oberyn Martell, played by Pedro Pascal, in “Game of Thrones” is shamelessly out as bisexual, offering a piece of reality in a fictional world. This portrayal of a fearless bisexual man aids in the normalization of LGBTQ+ presence in the media. As we continue to fight for our place in the community, we must remember that we deserve to live our lives as authentically as possible. 

Dismantling the hatred that is woven into the fabric of the LGBTQ+ community can look different for everyone. Whether it is educating others or congratulating the friend who just came out, there are steps to be taken that celebrate the “B” in LGBTQ+.