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I’m gonna do a quick rant on “straight passing privilege” if u don’t mind
As a bi person who is unable to be open about myself,, always having to watch the way I speak or dress or act,, never relaxing unless Im with my trusted 2 or 3 people, passing as straight is a constant, draining, sometimes devastating effort. It’s not a privilege in the slightest
Not many of us are able to be out of the closet due to society’s lack of understanding of our orientation, monosexism, and harmful stereotypes. A lot of us have no other choice but to keep a lid on it for the sake of safety.
Not only are we less likely to be out, we far more likely to experience abuse and sexual violence if we ARE out. Bc of this, our physical and mental health is far worse than any other group.
And despite all these numbers, we’re still lucky to get any visibility or funding for these issues. Because of this false sense of privilege that’s assigned to us.
Not only is the notion of “straight passing privilege” insensitive as fuck to the bi experience, it’s also insensitive to many lesbian experiences, and perpetuates gold-star lesbianism which is incredibly harmful.
Many lesbians never realize their orientation until later on in life, after having only dated men, sometimes even being in marriages with men. For lesbians, realizing and accepting themselves is an incredibly difficult process.
The fact tht these lesbians once lived their lives “passing” as something they’re not, doesnt mean they are privileged above lesbians who didnt have to go through that. The process of unlearning compulsory heterosexuality can be devastating.
So there really is no privilege associated with “passing” as straight. Wether you are bisexual, gay, or lesbian, presenting in a way that is unnatural to you is the result of societal oppression.
