The other colors of the rainbow. Bisexuality and Pansexuality

Ground Rules for a Safe Space Use “I” statements – speak for yourself and your experiences. Try not to speak for others or for groups of people. Accept that you can (and will) make mistakes surrounding diversity training. We are all fallible and don’t know everything there is to know. If you make a mistake, apologize (sincerely) and move on. Hear (not just listen to) what others are saying, especially if it is a viewpoint different than what you believe. Each person has their own experience that is the “truth” for them. Be willing to learn! It isn’t enough just to sit through a Safe Zone training if you aren’t willing to learn. Be here. There are always countless other things we could be doing, but you chose to be here. Be involved with the conversation, don’t dominate, and listen attentively. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of what is said and shared during this session. Feel free to express your thoughts and know that others will keep them confidential. Please turn off all cell phones or electronic devices that might distract or interrupt the session. Have fun! This experience is a fun one because you are becoming one of a growing number of Safe Zone Allies on campus and that means something important to the campus community! Others you might have? Mention that now to your facilitators!

“But that’s not a real thing!” AKA Being the Identity Police Being the “identity police” can isolate people who may have a different understanding of a label or identity. Important to remember everyone has right to identify in a way that suits them, even if it’s different or an identity you’ve never heard of!

Bisexuality Two main definitions: A bisexual person is physically, romantically, emotionally and/or relationally attracted to both men and women, though not necessarily simultaneously; a bisexual person may not be equally attracted to both sexes. A bisexual person is physically, romantically, emotionally and/or relationally attracted to both people of the same gender and of different genders, though not necessarily simultaneously; a bisexual person may not be equally attracted to all genders.

Famous Bisexual People Ani DiFranco, musician Alan Cumming, actor Freddy Mercury, singer Kurt Cobain, musician Billie Joe Armstrong, musician Megan Mullally, actress (Will And Grace) Brian Molko, musician Angelina Jolie, actress Michael Stipe, musician Sandra Bernhard, comedian Taken from

Pansexuality Pansexual - Defined as someone who is attracted to other people regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Essentially, they are “gender blind”. It is not an attraction to everything; pansexual people are not attracted to animals or inanimate objects, only people.

So what’s the difference? Some people may prefer “pansexual” over “bisexual” because they feel “bisexual” limits gender to either/or. Some people may prefer “bisexual” over “pansexual” because gender does affect how they are attracted to someone. It’s important to remember that how someone labels their identity is up to them.

Common misconceptions about bisexual and pansexual people. They are confused and can’t make up their mind. They are really gay/lesbian and can’t admit it. They are really just straight people trying to be trendy. They can’t be monogamous. They will always leave someone of the same sex for a partner of the other sex. They are all promiscuous. They are just going through a phase. They can’t be trusted. They give HIV to straight and gay people. They can’t really be ‘queer’. They are attracted to anyone and everyone. A person has to be equally attracted to men and women to be bisexual. Bi/pan/fluid people are always available or will have sex with anyone. Edited from fluid-101.htmlhttp:// fluid-101.html

What can we do? Never assume someone’s identity, even if they’re in a relationship. Accept that all identities are valid, even if we don’t understand them. Be a supportive ally to make someone feel welcomed and included.

Campus Resources Safe Zone wou.edu/safezone WOU Campus Organization Triangle Alliance WOU Student Organization WOU Stonewall Center (503) Werner University Center, 108C ASWOU's Gender and Sexual Diversity Advocate Student Health and Counseling Center (503) Campus Public Safety (503)

Local and National Resources Salem GLBTQ Resources Extensive list of resources, links and organizations in the Salem area. OSU Pride Center pridecenter/resources/ corvResources.php Human Rights Campaign Foundation National Consortium of Director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resources in Higher Education PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation