"more guys should be bi"

Before we knew Ilya Rozanov and while Nick Nelson was taking online quizzes to determine his sexuality, Eleanor Shellstrop posed this:

While Liz Lemon once insisted that bisexuality was invented in the 90’s to sell hair products, I disagree. I stopped using mousse in my hair in 1991. Before I came out to my best friend.

Queer identities come with stigma and stereotypes are fodder for lazy jokes but trans folks, especially trans women, are catching all the blame for causing problems that weren’t problems. It sucks.

Which is tricky because I am also doubling down on rest, fewer plans, and reading. I acknowledge not everyone is in a safe place to be loud about their identity.

I used to feel pressure to come out after hearing Dan Savage talk about the need for allyship. I get it . Also, I don’t really care about Dan Savage or what he thinks anymore. I come out because I want to let other bi, non-binary and queer folks that I’m out here too. Maybe this isn’t a big deal in Portland, but sometimes it still feels like it.

I’m tired of bad news. I missed any sense of euphoria during pride because I was too tired.

So if you’re curious, I’ve put together a little starter kit for you. If drag queens reading stories, and transwomen in bathrooms, and trans athletes have to deal with accusations of grooming, I’m gonna say it here, More Queer Folks now. The kids already get it, I’m speaking to you, my Gen X pals. Get a little more free1.

Watch: The Bisexual, borrow a friend’s hulu login and watch this one season comedy-drama about coming out as bi in the queer community.

Read: Dear Senthurian by Akwaeke Emezi, a memoir I haven’t read yet from the author of The Death of Vivek Oji . From the Emezi: I wrote it as if I was free.

Listen: Intimacy Coordinator, Joel Kim Booster’s renamed podcast is still a little hit or miss for me, but a recent episode with an all bisexual panel to discuss experiences and dispell sterotypes was worth a listen.

Advertise: with this bumper sticker I made, inspired by conversation with bi- pal.

Read: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab for some casual bisexuality. I’m all for this nonchalance around sexuality, and the conflict stems not from her sexuality but from her immortality.

For the ladies who feel no sexy thoughts towards other ladies, have you heard this:

For anti-capitalist queers (and allies) who are looking for a different kind of business school, Bear Hebert is leading a five month program this is enrolling now!.

For readers who are questioning: this shirt from my favorite neighborhood bookstore.

For some good news: libraries rule.

Which reminds me, I need to drop off some books at the library.

Take care friends.

Hope

PS. Portland folks: DO you have one (or seven) blank journal that you love but know you will never use? Write Around Portland is hosting its annual journal drive. These journals will be used by folks in their writing programs. Follow the link for instructions, and out-of-town folks can mail them in!