Hug a Bisexual Mormon

Sometimes people ask me why I feel the need to advertise my sexuality and my religion.

Do I really need to put it on a sign and parade my labels in the streets?

The answer is yes. Yes, I do.

When I was a teenager, I didn’t know it was okay to be bisexual and Mormon. I didn’t know if there were others like me. I didn’t know if there would ever be a place for me at church or at Pride. I didn’t know being bisexual is just as legitimate as being straight or gay. I didn’t know if my religious community understood how many queer folks were quietly sitting in the pews. I didn’t know I could belong.

I put my labels on a sign because it would have made a difference to me to see a grown woman confidently wearing the label “Bisexual Mormon.” It would have made a difference to know I was legitimate.

Whenever I get a hug from a fellow bisexual Mormon, especially the young girls, I’m confident I’m doing the right thing by parading my labels in the streets.

*Also published at Patheos: The Mormon Therapist on July 17, 2019.