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Experiences Of Stigma

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

Bisexual men feel more HIV stigma, are lonelier and more socially isolated than gay men
read more here:https://www.aidsmap.com/news/apr-2021/bisexual-...

May 1, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members engaged in a deeply personal conversation about the unique challenges bisexual men face within HIV support spaces, with several... Read more

Members engaged in a deeply personal conversation about the unique challenges bisexual men face within HIV support spaces, with several bisexual members sharing how they experience stigma and dismissal not only from the broader community but also from within LGBTQ and HIV support groups themselves. One member described confronting biphobia even from a gay therapist who refused to validate bisexuality as a real orientation, while another shared the difficulty of finding genuine companionship when potential partners view bisexuality as an ultimatum or assume they must be shared. A recurring theme was the call for the community to truly see and embrace these differences rather than dismissing them, with members emphasizing that while HIV affects everyone, the layered stigma bisexual men face requires specific recognition and support.

A myHIVteam Member

Not that this should be a pissing contest but just once as a bisexual man I’d like our voice heard in the HIV or lgbtq community. Again any suffering is discounted and minimize.
The crap I’ve had to deal with from gay men and lesbian woman. NOT straight people, the community I supposedly belong too. And recently, not the distant past but the crap I’ve had to deal with in HIV support groups in the last 18 months.
Yeah, just Keep suppressing our voices.
I try to stay up and positive on this site but I’m getting sick of this.

May 2, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

I think stigma cuts across all groups.
Fear for disclosure is the reason I'm single

May 2, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

It is not easy at all... It really isn't..

May 12, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

I have seen this from the outside, having been around the gay community for 40+ years. People say they should just choose one or the other. It's not that easy. I have friends who are bi and they have lamented to me before.

May 6, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

Since I identify as a Bisexual male, I do get a lot of negatives based on my orientation. It is definitely more difficult trying to find someone (Male or Female) who will accept me as is with my baggage (children, grandchildren, and HIV)
With most people I encounter it is like an ultimatum "all or nothing" so currently I am ending up with nothing more than a "Wham, Bam, Thank you, Ma'am/Man" hook up that I despise since the other person doesn't want anything to do with "Me" but only my appendage. I am currently searching for companionship close to home and find it most difficult and unfruitful. Some guys I meet think they have to share me with a woman which is completely wrong. Once I meet someone, I am in it for the long haul and I choose only to be with the one and nobody else.
So, right this minute I have started to withdraw into myself because of the futility I am experiencing on my search for a companion/partner.
Being BI with HIV has its own sets of challenges as compared to being Gay/Gay, Straight/Straight, Trans, Lesbian, Etc. However, I know that I am not alone on this lonely journey.
My saving grace is my immediate family and my extended family on this platform. Aloha! John

May 5, 2021

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