5 Most Common Misconceptions About Bisexuality Explained Through Adorable Kitten Illustrations
As humans, we want to feel seen, heard, validated and represented. Findings from the Center For Disease Control indicates that bisexual people may comprise the largest single group in the LGB community for both women and men. However, many people out there still believe that bisexuality does not really exist.
To combat the misconceptions about bisexuality, the Chinese artist behind the company Paws Of Pride collaborated LGBTQ activist influencer Jessie Page, to illustrate bisexuality erasure with adorable kittens. The sweet comic strip sends a message of inclusivity and explains why we “aren’t labels,” because who doesn’t love some bisexual felines!
The Instagram page Paws of Pride teamed up with LGTBQ influencer Jessie Page to explain bisexuality – with kittens
Paws of Pride attached an important caption along with the illustrations
Image credits: pawsofpride
Image credits: pawsofpride
“Bisexuality isn’t more complicated than that – ‘attraction to more than one gender.’ It’s not incompatible with identifying as gay, either. Bisexuality is proof that sexuality isn’t “either/or,” it’s “and,” writes the Bisexuality Index, and without a clear cut definition, people often disregard bisexuality as delegitimate altogether.
In addition to bisexuality Paws of Pride supports all LGTBQ members with their adorable illustrations
Image credits: pawsofpride
Bisexuality has been a topic of contention and confusion, even among the LGTBQ community. Even polls attempting to measure how many people identify as bisexual have been re-examined for accuracy based on the language used. Sometimes there is a distinction in language between behavior and how people identify that leads to different results. Just because someone exhibits these behaviors does not always mean they self-identify as bisexual.
Image credits: pawsofpride
Image credits: pawsofpride
Arguments of whether or not bisexuality is as valid has led to bisexual erasure, the “existence or legitimacy of bisexuality (either in general or in regard to an individual) is questioned or denied outright,” which has become more prominent according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). There are many myths that contribute to the erasure of bisexual people.
Image credits: pawsofpride
Image credits: pawsofpride
While the number of Americans who identify as bisexual is on the rise, according to 2018 data from the General Social Survey (GSS), this is due mainly to women. Bisexual men face a different kind of stigma due to toxic masculinity that assumes men who are bisexual are simply just gay. The result of this form of erasure has been a serious health crisis. A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found bisexual men are disproportionately affected by HIV, because they are afraid to seek out medical care.
Image credits: pawsofpride
Some people believe that because bisexual people are likely to end up in a relationship with someone of a different gender, this means they are ‘straighter’ when in reality it’s because biphobia and invisibility decrease dating options. LGBTQ people make up an estimated 4.1 percent of the population, and many of the LG people of the community refuse to date bi people due to biphobia, which as a result lessens their options.
Image credits: pawsofpride
People loved how they used the adorable comics to send such an important message
178Kviews
Share on FacebookI love this post! So many bi people, including me, don’t receive this kind of recognition and I’m glad that they can with this cute artwork!💗💜💙
Recognition for what exactly? For what you sexual preference is? I have absolutely no issue whatsoever with people being bi- or homosexual, good for you and best of luck. I hope you live a happy life. But I simply don’t get the whole “look at me, I’m bi-/gay, shower me with recognition and respect merely because of my sexual preferences.” Just live you life man, and love whoever you love.
Load More Replies...There are very strict rules I feel make a legitimate relationship 1) of age, and consenting 2) happy 3) not hurting anyone
My 78 year old father said "I don' t care if they are hetero or gay or trans or whatever. If they are happy with it, than it's ok"
Load More Replies...I don't think I'll ever understand why people care so much. Like...as long as it's consensual, why can't anyone be with anyone they wish to? And do whatever they want with them? I mean it has literally NO impact on my life whatsoever. Cute kittens, though. ;)
I love this post, there's still a lot of stigma around bisexuality/pansexuality and things like these help people understand it better! I'm bi and often people think I'm confused, but what I'm really confused about is how people care so much about other people's sexual orientation.
Look, being bi for me means that when I'm attracted to someone (whatever gender) something awakens in me. It is less dependent on their genital parts and more on the person that person is. So, I don't get all the hang up about it all. AND it is not just the straight community that bashes bi people. I have received a LOT of negative comments from lesbians when I revealed I'm bi. To the point, that one of my friends (lesbian) introduced me to her friends as her straight friend, a total denial of how I identify. I was really insulted. And frankly could not understand being introduced by my orientation to begin with. I think the crucial point is that there is a spectrum in sexuality (discussed heavily in the original Kinsey report). So, can we just accept that we will not always understand WHY someone likes who they like, but that they are in their reality to express that as they see fit? Thanks for listening.
Bisexuality and homosexuality has been found in more than 1,500 species around the world. Homophobia and biphobia has only been found in one. What was everyone saying about something being "unnatural?"
As a bi person, thank you so much for this post, it made me feel good about myself. There is so much stigma around this topic, but I think people should just mind their own business and let people be who they are! 💗💜💙
I have a friend who’s bisexual and she started sobbing when I showed her this :(
So, by coincidence, I overheard a coworker making claims how he thinks it's not natural to be gay. I didn't join into the conversation (I ran away to grab a coffee, to not hear them), but sometimes I think "what if homosexuality in men is nature's way of keeping control of population numbers"? That would make the question of female sexuality and bisexuality/queerness a separate matter, though.
My view is this- if it's not natural to be gay how come animals in the wild will do things of a sexual nature together when they are the same gender?
Load More Replies...Thank you for these! I am proud to be bi and these comics make prouder!
The only bad thing about being bi is the way straight men sexualize female bisexuality. And that’s because men are idiots, not because being bi is bad. I’m not bi, but straight men’s attitude towards female sexuality ruins it for everyone. You end up with fully straight girls pretending to be bi for attention and men who act like pervs any time the subject comes up. I feel sorry for single women who want to find a partner. Cute comics though. The parent ones are adorable.
I was so depressed and ashamed when I realized/found out that I am bisexual. I cried so much in fear of rejection. But when everyone accepted me, I was so happy and now, it's part of me and I don't hate myself for it anymore.
Am i the only one who ships the two adorable cat couples? Also beautiful art and message!
I am bi and back at secondary school I had a crush on one girl and I learnt she was bi as well (she told me). I wanted to go out with her and when she realised I meant it as a date, she flipped out saying: 'Wth, you actually mean it?!' with a horrified face. She only pretended being bi because she thought it was 'cool'...
Do you have any tips for coming out, I am bisexual but NO ONE knows it at the moment except myself. I'm afraid that my best friend won't want to be close to me anymore if she realizes that I also like girls. She's a really good friend and i don't want to lose her
Look, I don't know your best friend but if she doesn't accept you just the way you are, I'm sorry but then she's a pos. I'm here for you if you ever need anything, and I really hope your best friend is supportive. Sending you strength <3
Load More Replies...I feel heard through this! I recently came out to my friends and to myself, and one of my close friends (who doesn't know much about lgbtq and bisexuals so this isn't against him) thinks that bisexual just means gay. I'm working on changing his opinion, but he's not a bad friend whatsoever. He's just a little misled. Adorable comics 🩷💜💙
Aw ^^ this made me really happy, considering that I too am bisexual! People keep assuming bi mean being half gay and half straight- but omegosh. Thank you for the adorable comics to explain!
God I just wish everyone could be open about being who they are. I know the religious side is awful, but.. love is love. You love who you love, and no matter how you try to suffocate the real people underneath the facade you want to believe in, their real self will always shine through twice as strong.
It's like Schrödinger's cat (not dog). We are simultaneously gay and straight. (They explained it a lot better.)
I will from now on refer to myself as a Schrödinger-sexual ;)
Load More Replies...I love this. I have come out to 2 close friends, no more because -school-
I'm pansexual, and a most of these apply to me too. These are so awesome! 💗💛💙
I don't really see it in the comments here (although it's been hours since you wrote this, so maybe things changed a lot), but I definitely agree that in society in general there is way more support for bisexual women than for bisexual men. And that is a real problem, we really need more support for bisexual (and gay) men.
Load More Replies...We aren’t half straight or half gay. We are simply 100% bisexual~
Load More Replies...Ok, so I'm straight, I'm solely into guys. That doesn't mean I necessarily want to get married to a guy though. Other straight girls might want to get married. Does that help explain the comic's intention at all?
Load More Replies...Yes? Kids have crushes and stuff too. You did.
Load More Replies...You're bisexual but don't believe same sex marriage is right? What kind of sense does that make? Why would you feel pressured into dating a girl? I'm so confused
Load More Replies...I should introduce you to my bisexual and gay neighbors who've been together for over ten years now and are in their 60s
Load More Replies...I love this post! So many bi people, including me, don’t receive this kind of recognition and I’m glad that they can with this cute artwork!💗💜💙
Recognition for what exactly? For what you sexual preference is? I have absolutely no issue whatsoever with people being bi- or homosexual, good for you and best of luck. I hope you live a happy life. But I simply don’t get the whole “look at me, I’m bi-/gay, shower me with recognition and respect merely because of my sexual preferences.” Just live you life man, and love whoever you love.
Load More Replies...There are very strict rules I feel make a legitimate relationship 1) of age, and consenting 2) happy 3) not hurting anyone
My 78 year old father said "I don' t care if they are hetero or gay or trans or whatever. If they are happy with it, than it's ok"
Load More Replies...I don't think I'll ever understand why people care so much. Like...as long as it's consensual, why can't anyone be with anyone they wish to? And do whatever they want with them? I mean it has literally NO impact on my life whatsoever. Cute kittens, though. ;)
I love this post, there's still a lot of stigma around bisexuality/pansexuality and things like these help people understand it better! I'm bi and often people think I'm confused, but what I'm really confused about is how people care so much about other people's sexual orientation.
Look, being bi for me means that when I'm attracted to someone (whatever gender) something awakens in me. It is less dependent on their genital parts and more on the person that person is. So, I don't get all the hang up about it all. AND it is not just the straight community that bashes bi people. I have received a LOT of negative comments from lesbians when I revealed I'm bi. To the point, that one of my friends (lesbian) introduced me to her friends as her straight friend, a total denial of how I identify. I was really insulted. And frankly could not understand being introduced by my orientation to begin with. I think the crucial point is that there is a spectrum in sexuality (discussed heavily in the original Kinsey report). So, can we just accept that we will not always understand WHY someone likes who they like, but that they are in their reality to express that as they see fit? Thanks for listening.
Bisexuality and homosexuality has been found in more than 1,500 species around the world. Homophobia and biphobia has only been found in one. What was everyone saying about something being "unnatural?"
As a bi person, thank you so much for this post, it made me feel good about myself. There is so much stigma around this topic, but I think people should just mind their own business and let people be who they are! 💗💜💙
I have a friend who’s bisexual and she started sobbing when I showed her this :(
So, by coincidence, I overheard a coworker making claims how he thinks it's not natural to be gay. I didn't join into the conversation (I ran away to grab a coffee, to not hear them), but sometimes I think "what if homosexuality in men is nature's way of keeping control of population numbers"? That would make the question of female sexuality and bisexuality/queerness a separate matter, though.
My view is this- if it's not natural to be gay how come animals in the wild will do things of a sexual nature together when they are the same gender?
Load More Replies...Thank you for these! I am proud to be bi and these comics make prouder!
The only bad thing about being bi is the way straight men sexualize female bisexuality. And that’s because men are idiots, not because being bi is bad. I’m not bi, but straight men’s attitude towards female sexuality ruins it for everyone. You end up with fully straight girls pretending to be bi for attention and men who act like pervs any time the subject comes up. I feel sorry for single women who want to find a partner. Cute comics though. The parent ones are adorable.
I was so depressed and ashamed when I realized/found out that I am bisexual. I cried so much in fear of rejection. But when everyone accepted me, I was so happy and now, it's part of me and I don't hate myself for it anymore.
Am i the only one who ships the two adorable cat couples? Also beautiful art and message!
I am bi and back at secondary school I had a crush on one girl and I learnt she was bi as well (she told me). I wanted to go out with her and when she realised I meant it as a date, she flipped out saying: 'Wth, you actually mean it?!' with a horrified face. She only pretended being bi because she thought it was 'cool'...
Do you have any tips for coming out, I am bisexual but NO ONE knows it at the moment except myself. I'm afraid that my best friend won't want to be close to me anymore if she realizes that I also like girls. She's a really good friend and i don't want to lose her
Look, I don't know your best friend but if she doesn't accept you just the way you are, I'm sorry but then she's a pos. I'm here for you if you ever need anything, and I really hope your best friend is supportive. Sending you strength <3
Load More Replies...I feel heard through this! I recently came out to my friends and to myself, and one of my close friends (who doesn't know much about lgbtq and bisexuals so this isn't against him) thinks that bisexual just means gay. I'm working on changing his opinion, but he's not a bad friend whatsoever. He's just a little misled. Adorable comics 🩷💜💙
Aw ^^ this made me really happy, considering that I too am bisexual! People keep assuming bi mean being half gay and half straight- but omegosh. Thank you for the adorable comics to explain!
God I just wish everyone could be open about being who they are. I know the religious side is awful, but.. love is love. You love who you love, and no matter how you try to suffocate the real people underneath the facade you want to believe in, their real self will always shine through twice as strong.
It's like Schrödinger's cat (not dog). We are simultaneously gay and straight. (They explained it a lot better.)
I will from now on refer to myself as a Schrödinger-sexual ;)
Load More Replies...I love this. I have come out to 2 close friends, no more because -school-
I'm pansexual, and a most of these apply to me too. These are so awesome! 💗💛💙
I don't really see it in the comments here (although it's been hours since you wrote this, so maybe things changed a lot), but I definitely agree that in society in general there is way more support for bisexual women than for bisexual men. And that is a real problem, we really need more support for bisexual (and gay) men.
Load More Replies...We aren’t half straight or half gay. We are simply 100% bisexual~
Load More Replies...Ok, so I'm straight, I'm solely into guys. That doesn't mean I necessarily want to get married to a guy though. Other straight girls might want to get married. Does that help explain the comic's intention at all?
Load More Replies...Yes? Kids have crushes and stuff too. You did.
Load More Replies...You're bisexual but don't believe same sex marriage is right? What kind of sense does that make? Why would you feel pressured into dating a girl? I'm so confused
Load More Replies...I should introduce you to my bisexual and gay neighbors who've been together for over ten years now and are in their 60s
Load More Replies...
224
127