Noticias

Considered wrongly as "just a phase", the bisexual orientation is still in debate among myths that stigmatize bisexuals as "confused", "hyper-sexualized," "promiscuous," "infidels," or simply "people looking for attention." According to a study by the University of Pittsburgh conducted in 2013, 15% of people do not believe that bisexuality is a true sexual orientation.
 
In a world accustomed to bipolarization, to rigid gender roles imposed from the structures that exert power, human sexuality is still the one at loss and, therefore, people suffer significant impairments in their health and, in consequence, their quality of life. Depression, substance abuse, lower rates of HIV testing and adherence are just some of the consequences of hiding and suppressing one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
 
The Paraguayan LGBT Manual explains that bisexual people are those who "feel physical, emotional and/or romantic attraction to both men and women." Likewise, it explains: "it does not mean that bisexual people have sex with people of both sexes at once or they are promiscuous. In fact, it is not necessary to have any kind of sex to identify oneself as bisexual." It is also necessary to mention that, while bisexuals are attracted to both men and women, that attraction does not have to be in the same proportion.
 
The same Manual also clarifies the concept of biphobia, "fear or hatred that is felt towards bisexuals." Dr. Brian Dodge, a researcher on sexuality and health at the Indiana University Bloomington, said to the New York Times that bisexual people suffer higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, violence, suicidal tendencies and issues related to sexual health. The specialist points out that this is due to discrimination and stigma still prevalent around bisexuality.
 
According to Kuimba’e Clinic’s psychologist Yolanda Mujica, "Myths [about bisexuality] are based on preconceived ideas, socially and culturally internalized prejudices. Their appearance in whatever field is due to the difficulty of responding to issues that are controversial or difficult to explain or understand. In this case, as we know, in our society, sexuality is a subject that is rarely discussed. We are born and we grow thinking that there are only two ways, good and evil, man or woman, God or Satan, heterosexual or homosexual. When midpoints are generated, the explanation becomes difficult and we tend to look for answers by molding them into that twofold view. While homosexuality as a broad concept today is debated in many places and in different contexts, bisexuality generates again a broad field in which many are still reluctant to get into; in addition to the prevailing heteronormativity that divides people into heterosexuals and homosexuals."
 
As for whether bisexuals should leave the closet as well, the psychologist answers: "The importance lies in the well-being that the person can feel, this is closely related to the need to be and do what each one is and wants to. But we must not ignore that society always comes into play here, as well as the taboos surrounding sexuality that, in this particular case of bisexuality, is invisible and doubly discriminated. In terms of general welfare, it is always better if people can be as they are without being judged for their sexual orientation."
 
Human sexuality is not limited to a white or black choice; it is actually very complex and requires serious, scientific studies, free from dogmas imposed from the different spheres of power. "Human sexuality is a fairly broad term, we are born sexualized" emphasizes the health professional, adding that, "human beings are an open book on issues related to sexuality. Heterosexuality and gay or lesbian sexual orientations are all means for pleasure, and in each one of these sexual orientations, people deal with both homosexual and heterosexual issues, no matter how sure they are about their sexual orientation. "
 
The psychologist highlights that: "Bisexuality should be understood as an original disposition, that is to say, everyone, regardless of the sexual orientation the may have, tend to both male and female pleasures. In short, we can say that we are all born bisexual, babies can feel pleasure regardless of their caregivers’ sex."
 
Biphobia, which also translates into a characterization, invisibility and dismissal of bisexual people, is particularly important because it reflects the prevailing ignorance in our societies about the same sexuality of our species. In the XXI century, we still hold entrenched myths – heteronormativity, among others - that prevent us from knowing ourselves and pose major obstacles to the full exercise of our human rights.
 
Diversity is inherent to human nature, we are different but equal, and this is what the rainbow flag we hoist means.
 
If you need help and bisexual SOS, the Kuimba'e Clinic offers counseling, free of charge and available to the whole community.

About Psychologist Yolanda Mujica:

Graduated in Psychology, with a specialization in Educational Guidance, by the Faculty of Philosophy of the National University of Asuncion, in 1986. Specialized in Clinical Psychology from the Faculty of Philosophy of the National University of Asuncion, in 1988. With academic training in marital and family psychotherapy, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law, Victimology, Applied Anthropology. Currently exercising clinical practice. Member of the Department of Psychology and Psychiatry at the National Penitentiary of Tacumbú (1989/1993). Director of the Directorate for Assistance to Victims of Crime, the Public Ministry (1994-2001). Lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy of the National University of Asuncion and several private universities. Coordinator to the team of care for victims of Domestic Violence in the Mujeres por la Democracia Organization (2008-2012). Psychological attention at the Kuimba'e clinic, from 2013 to this day. Founder of the Center of Victimology Studies (CEVIC).