June is here and so we’re celebrating Pride Month!

Both myself and my husband identify as bisexual. Both of us have been attracted to men & women since our teens and have had same sex relationships but only recently have we decided to be more public about it.

For me, I only began to identify as bisexual a few years ago. This fairly late realisation was partly because of the ignorance surrounding bisexuality, both my own and that of everyone around me. I didn’t know anyone who openly identified as bisexual. People spoke negatively about bisexual people – they were promiscuous, unable to commit and bound to be riddled with STDs. Sadly, these stereotypes still exist today. When I’ve told people I’m bisexual, they’ve been confused about how that can be possible when I’m married to a man. As if straight people entirely cease to be attracted to anyone of the opposite sex once they’re in a relationship.

I’m hoping that by being open about my sexuality, in a small way I can help to dispel these stereotypes.

I started writing this post a few days ago. Since I took a break from it, an appalling attack on a same sex couple in London has been in the news. The two women were attacked by a group of young men on a bus, who reportedly made homophobic and misogynistic taunts at them before physically attacking and robbing them. Since it was first reported, the women have bravely spoken out, condemning such attacks but also declaring that they will not hide their relationship in public in light of what has happened to them. I admire their bravery – it would be tempting to be cautious when we know there are those that would attack us for who we are. But I believe we must not. If we hide, progress will stall.

I was already determined to be more open about my sexuality, especially during this Pride month. Hearing horrific stories of what the LGBT+ community still endures has only strengthened my resolve to do so.

Attacks such as this one also serve as a reminder of why we have Pride celebrations. It is not just a party, it began as a protest against the lack of rights the LGBT+ community had. Progress has been made but there’s still a long way to go. There are still places in the world where homosexuality is a crime.

I think this also shows exactly why educating children about the diverse society they’re growing up in is essential.  It will mean that children who are themselves LGBT+ will not feel excluded or ashamed of who they are, making them more likely to grow up into happy, healthy adults – surely what we want for all children. It will also mean that children will not be ignorant of their LGBT+ peers, will be better able to understand each other and support each other. Ignorance breeds fear, mistrust and aggression. Education is the way to prevent it.

So I hope you will all join me in celebrating Pride this month. Let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and consider how we can continue it. Let’s show our support for each other.

I wish you all a happy and safe Pride Month.

Oh and here’s a link for our special Pride podcast. Enjoy!