Category: Bisexual

A recent study has revealed an alarming trend: Lesbian and bisexual women face higher mortality rates than their heterosexual peers. These data highlight significant disparities in health and access to care among different groups, highlighting the need for more efforts to eliminate inequalities and improve the quality of life for all women, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Lesbians and bisexual women: high risk of premature death

The recent findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, are based on data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, which began in 1989 to study risk factors for chronic disease in women. The study found that women who identified as heterosexual had a 26% lower risk of early death than lesbian and bisexual women. At the same time, lesbians died 20% earlier, and bisexual women died 37% earlier compared to their heterosexual peers.

“One of the key strengths of our study is the ability to analyze data on bisexual and lesbian participants separately, which was made possible by the large sample size and long follow-up period. Previously, no study in the United States could provide such detailed data,” study author Sarah McKetta, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, told NBC News.

Although the researchers expected to find differences, McKetta noted that they did not anticipate such large differences in mortality rates. “We have long known about systemic and persistent health disparities among LGB people, especially LGB women, across multiple indicators,” McKetta said. “We saw disparities in tobacco and alcohol use, mental health and chronic disease. In fact, almost every indicator we’ve looked at across multiple surveys shows that lesbian, gay and bisexual women face higher risks.”

“And we also know that this is due to levels of discrimination, from structural to individual,” she added. “In fact, we don’t yet fully understand the extent to which these differences are reflected in premature mortality, as the data have limitations. This study gave us the opportunity to quantify the extent of this difference.”

Using data collected on women 20 years ago that showed double the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use, as well as a higher risk of breast cancer, heart disease and depression among lesbians and bisexuals, McKetta concluded that these disparities were largely due to preventable causes .

From interactions with health care settings to workplaces and personal spaces, “toxic social influences,” as McKetta calls them, lead to destructive behavior and serious mental and physical health consequences, especially for bisexual women.

“At first glance, it may seem that the risks increase as people become more identified as lesbian or gay, since sexuality is a spectrum. But in reality, the health risks are much more pronounced for bisexual people,” McKetta explained. “They face double pressure because of their identity and are discriminated against both within and outside queer communities.”

While McKetta acknowledges the study reflects a “grim” reality, she hopes the findings will help ensure future generations of lesbian and bisexual women do not face the same reduction in life expectancy as their predecessors.

Between Two Worlds: The Difficulties and Stress Bisexual Women Face in Finding Support and Acceptance

Bisexual women often face unique challenges and issues that make their experiences different from those of heterosexual and lesbian women. These difficulties can manifest themselves in both their personal lives and social interactions, having a noticeable impact on their overall health and well-being.

Bisexual women often find themselves under double pressure because of their sexual identity. On the one hand, they may face discrimination and mistrust from both the heterosexual society and the lesbian community. On the other hand, these women may experience unique difficulties related to internal conflicts and lack of support, which exacerbate their emotional state.

For years, research has shown that bisexual women have higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety disorders compared to their heterosexual and lesbian peers. This may be due to feelings of isolation and lack of sociocultural support, as well as internal conflicts caused by their sexual identity.

Factors such as acceptance issues, lack of acceptance within the queer community, and social pressure create a toxic environment that can contribute to negative health outcomes. This is also reflected in higher levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as increased risks of developing chronic diseases.

Despite these challenges, bisexual women often demonstrate incredible resilience and commitment to improving their lives and the lives of others. They actively fight for recognition and support, striving to create more inclusive and supportive communities. Understanding and acknowledging these unique challenges are important steps to improving their quality of life and ensuring equal access to resources and support.

Bisexuality often remains undervalued and misunderstood in society, which creates problems for bisexual people in finding support and understanding. One of the main difficulties encountered by individuals who identify as bisexual is the difficulty of truly communicating. Due to stereotypes and lack of understanding about bisexuality, many individuals who identify as bisexual experience feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Communication difficulties for bisexuals: research and examples

For Cardiff City footballer Laila Muscat, openly acknowledging her bisexuality has been a challenging journey.  The 26-year-old reflects, “I had several gay friends in football.” “but I didn’t know anyone who was bisexual.”

She recalls having difficulty accepting her sexuality due to other people’s perceptions. “Bisexuality has often been questioned,” adds Lyla, who is currently the lead character on BBC women’s reality dating program I Kissed a Girl . “People said, ‘You’re either straight or gay.’

“Because I didn’t know anyone who was bisexual, I thought perhaps I was simply unsure or that I was homosexual and not yet prepared to fully disclose.

Cara agrees: “There aren’t many bisexuals. There is no one to truly trust, which is why a serious crisis arises in the head. It’s a scary situation.”

Isaac, a bisexual youth ambassador for Just Like Us, adds: “You just don’t see yourself represented, you don’t know that your identity is possible.

Lila’s co-workers Meg and Kara agree. “ I felt uncertain because I was in a gray area and didn’t know which direction to take,” says 24-year-old Meg.

And Kara, 25, adds: “At school, when it came to bisexuals, they were called greedy or told that they were just promiscuous.”

“Seeing someone like me on TV wouldn’t make me feel weird”

A study conducted in 2021 by the LGBT youth charity Just Like Us examined the experiences of schoolchildren aged 11 to 18 and their teachers. It found that more than fifty-four percent (54%) of bisexual young individuals experience loneliness daily.

According to Laura McKay, executive director of Just Like Us, the lack of representation of bisexual individuals in the media is partly responsible for these feelings among some bisexual people.

“You have to be able to express your feelings,” she says. “ I believe it’s truly hard to do that if there’s no one to introduce you or to talk to.”

Cara agrees: “There aren’t many bisexuals. There is no one to truly trust, which is why a serious crisis arises in the head. It’s a scary situation.”

Isaac, a bisexual youth representative for Just Like Us, adds: “You just don’t see yourself represented, you don’t know that your identity is possible.”

Layla remarks, “If I had seen someone like myself on TV or in the movies, I wouldn’t have felt so alien for most of my childhood.”

Changes have occurred since Layla, Meg, and Kara were children. Recent popular shows have included bisexual characters, such as those in Netflix’s successful series Sex Education and Heartstopper, as well as characters Sonia Fowler and Ash Panesar in BBC’s EastEnders.

However, the LGBT+ media charity GLAAD pointed out that the 2023/4 television season had the fewest bisexual characters since 2020.

24-year-old Jack Woolley, competing in the up to 58 kg category, won an important victory, earning one of two European quotas for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His successful performance at the European Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria is noted as a significant achievement in his sports career.

Jack Woolley: the path to an inclusive Olympic Games 2024

Jack Woolley, who became the first Irish Taekwondo Olympian at the Tokyo 2020 Games, took to his fans on social media to celebrate his successful qualification. He posted photos and videos on Instagram that captured his moments of triumph and joy. With his parents holding the Irish flag, Woolley proudly displays his qualification mark, a symbol of his perseverance and dedication to the sport.

Under Jack Woolley’s posts, congratulations and support poured in from his fans, as well as fellow athletes. Team Ireland also expressed their congratulations and support for the athlete, noting that his hard work and dedication had yielded remarkable results.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games promises to be the world’s most inclusive event yet, and Jack Woolley’s participation will be an important step towards promoting equality and inclusion in sport. By coming out as bisexual back in 2016, Woolley showed that sport knows no boundaries and that every athlete, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to equal opportunity and recognition for their achievements.

Despite the challenges and obstacles he has faced, Jack Woolley continues his journey in the sport with unflagging enthusiasm and determination. His story inspires many young athletes and becomes a symbol of strength, a long road to success and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement in the world of sports.

Bisexual athletes: an example of equality and inclusion in sport

Bisexual athletes are part of diversity and inclusion in the world of sports. These talented and ambitious athletes demonstrate that sexual orientation does not determine their athletic ability or achievements. They overcome stereotypes and discrimination, proving that everyone has the right to equal opportunities in sport, regardless of their personal life. Many famous athletes openly embrace their bisexual identities, supporting principles of inclusion and equality. They become symbols of the fight for tolerance and respect in sports and society as a whole.

One example is Stephen Robinson is a professional figure skater from Canada who has openly declared his bisexual orientation. Robinson has an impressive track record in the world of figure skating and is considered one of the top athletes in the sport. His openness about his personal life has inspired many people, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, to fight for equality and acceptance in sport.

Another example is Amanda Nugent, a bisexual footballer who has become an icon for many people fighting preconceptions and stereotypes in sport. Her openness and success in her football career shows that nothing should stand in the way of achieving her dreams. Bisexual athletes continue to inspire many with their achievements, becoming an example for all who strive to overcome stereotypes and fight for equality and inclusion. Their stories prove that diversity is a strength and that everyone has the right to equal opportunity and acceptance regardless of their sexual orientation.

In Europe, bisexual people face a number of unique challenges that are often under-recognized or underappreciated in public discourse about sexual minorities.

Firstly, bisexual people often face misunderstandings and invalidation of their orientation. There is still a widespread stereotype in society that bisexuality is simply an intermediate stage or transition between heterosexuality and homosexuality, which leads to an undervaluation of their identities.

Secondly, bisexual people face discrimination from both the heterosexual and homosexual communities. They may face prejudice, even within the LGBT community, where their orientation may be underestimated or even dismissed.

The third problemWhat bisexual people in Europe face is limited access to support and resources. In many countries, resources aimed at the LGBT community may be focused on homosexual or transgender issues, leaving bisexual people without adequate support and assistance.

Additionally, many bisexual people face mental health issues due to social stigma and misunderstanding. They often experience additional stress and anxiety, which can lead to a decline in their mental well-being.

Addressing these issues requires greater public awareness and understanding of bisexuality, as well as increased efforts to combat discrimination and provide access to support and resources for bisexual people. The key is to create an inclusive environment where bisexual people feel accepted, supported and protected, and their unique needs and concerns are taken into account at all levels of society and legislation.

Secular bisexuality: how celebrities shape public opinion

Many celebrities are open about their bisexuality, which has helped increase public understanding and acceptance of this orientation. One of these celebrities is the American actress and singer Miley Cyrus. She has come out as bisexual in interviews and believes it is important to be open about it in order to help other people feel comfortable and accepted.

Another example is the British actress Kristen Stewart, known for her role in the film Twilight. She has repeatedly confirmed her bisexuality in various interviews and openly discussed it in her speeches.

Famous singer and actor Frank Ocean has also come out as bisexual and maintains an open dialogue about the diversity of sexual orientations in society.

Each of these examples helps break down stereotypes and shows that bisexuality is a natural part of human diversity. Thanks to celebrities openly discussing this topic, many of their fans and people are encouraged and inspired to recognize and embrace their own identity.

Heterosexual men who carry genes associated with bisexual behavior have more children, according to a new study. This conclusion is confirmed by data obtained by scientists at the University of Michigan, who analyzed information on more than 450,000 people of European descent. Science Alert reports this.

The study highlights the difference between genetic variants affecting same-sex and bisexual behavior. According to his results, men who were found to have genes associated with bisexuality most often became the parents of not one but several children.

The study conducted by Professor Jianzhi Zhang and his team is important in the context of studying genetic and environmental factors influencing a person’s sexual orientation. These results not only contribute to a better understanding of the biological basis of sexuality, but also may have practical applications in the medical and psychological fields, as well as in the formation of a more tolerant society.

The study showed that genetics plays a significant, but not the only role in determining sexual orientation, scientists concluded that genetics influences approximately 40% of bisexual or homosexual behavior, but environment and upbringing also influence the formation of sexual preferences. These results confirm the complex nature of this topic and highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach to the study of sexuality.

It is important to note that the study’s findings should not be interpreted as justifying discrimination based on sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is part of human diversity, and every person has the right to respect and equal treatment, regardless of their orientation.

In addition, the research of Professor Jianzhi Zhang and his team has potential practical applications. Understanding the genetic and environmental factors that influence sexual orientation may be useful in developing more effective support and counseling for sexual health and psychological well-being. Additional research in this area may lead to the development of more accurate methods for predicting the risk of developing certain problems associated with sexual orientation, and thus lead to more targeted medical and psychological support for individual patients.

History and Research: Tracing the Roots of Bisexuality

According to a statement by psychoanalyst and sex therapist Eduard Livinsky, from the International Institute of Depth Psychology, bisexuality can manifest itself as a result of the influence of several factors.

The interaction of hormones and mental structure: key aspects

By bisexuality we mean the manifestation of sexuality in a person of both male and female types. This aspect of human sexuality begins to manifest itself during adolescence, when sexual function begins to mature under the influence of sex hormones. It is important to note that the manifestation of bisexuality in each individual depends on the structure of his psyche that had already developed by that time. If the psyche is in the stage of immaturity and its boundaries are not clearly defined, then the orientation towards objects of sexual attraction may be less certain.

Another important aspect is the structure of hormones in the human body. By the nature of the matter, each person has both female and male hormones, although in small quantities, approximately 6% of the hormones of the opposite sex. In some people, the boundaries between these types of hormones may be blurred, and the amount of hormones of the opposite sex may be higher than usual. As a result, women may take on more masculine characteristics and men may take on more feminine characteristics. If there is appropriate upbringing (for example, raising a boy among women), a change in sexual orientation can occur during puberty and hormonal changes.

Upbringing

Education plays an important role in shaping a person’s sexual and psychological identity. The desired gender of a child in a family can influence his well-being and the direction of his sexuality. In addition to biological sex at birth, a child also develops a psychological sexual orientation.

If the family was expecting the birth of a boy, but instead a girl appeared, then such a child may strive throughout his life to identify himself as a boy and exhibit masculine qualities. If a girl, in addition, has a slight excess of male sex hormones, then this can also affect the manifestation of masculine traits in her sexuality.

On the other hand, if a boy is raised in a female environment, even with normal levels of male sex hormones, he may acquire a feminine style of behavior, such as a more accepting and passive role.

Family environment and upbringing are also important. If a mother exhibits active behavior (with the characteristic characteristics of a man), she may try to control the behavior of her child, regardless of his gender. A girl, identifying herself with such a mother, may acquire masculine traits, and a boy may experience fear of such a mother. In this family dynamic, a boy may choose to identify with dad if he exhibits accepting, gentle, and kind behavior. This may influence his choice of sexual partner in the future, who may be a passive homosexual or bisexual. Thus, the physique and psyche may not always correspond to the same gender in a person, depending on the influence of various factors in his early development.

Sexual Protest: How Teens Express Their Identity and Fight Oppression

For children who have experienced childhood oppression, sexual protest may become the only way to express their identity and confirm their existence. When a protesting teen is exposed to a variety of sexual orientations, it can provide additional opportunities for them to develop and resist pressure and discrimination.

Satisfaction of sexual needs: Differences between men and women

The ability to satisfy sexual needs differs for men and women. Women often find it more difficult to separate sex and emotional relationships, and they value intimacy, acceptance and tenderness that men cannot always fully provide. In some cases, women may seek satisfaction of their sexual needs in relationships with representatives of the same sex, finding in them accepting and affectionate partners. For example, even Sappho, known as the founder of lesbian literature and poetry, began her sexual life with women, but then quietly married a man and became a mother. This example shows that it is important for women to have their needs met, and at some point they may no longer need relationships with women.