I find myself entering my seventh academic year at Loughborough, but my first as a staff member. My previous voluntary and sabbatical roles as a student and as a Loughborough Students\u2019 Union staff member gave me experience in the world of equality, diversity, and inclusion; however, my new role as the Celebration and Awareness Lead for the University\u2019s LGBT+ Staff Network is my first foray into a formal position in the LGBT+ world. Here at Loughborough, we are exceptionally fortunate to not only have a very active LGBT+ community, but also a supportive team of senior management who strive to champion the work of the Network to create an inclusive community for LGBT+ staff and allies. That is a source of comfort for me as someone relatively new to the LGBT+ \u2018scene\u2019. Today, during Bisexual Awareness Week, I just want to take a moment to talk about my experience of bisexuality and labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many people, identifying with an LGBT+ label or identity can provide reassurance, confidence and community. Conversely, for me, there are very few occasions when I identify with a specific LGBT+ label or identity: something just doesn\u2019t sit perfectly no matter which label or identity I try on for size. At the moment, as I continue to navigate the wonderful world of the LGBT+ community, I enjoy knowing that I sit somewhere on the sexuality spectrum, most likely in the bisexual space, but without have a real need to put a name to my attraction to people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of not identifying with labels, I\u2019ve never found myself \u2018coming out\u2019 to people (I wonder whether this is a \u2018luxury\u2019 of some people in bisexual relationships living in the UK?). It seems that I can refer to past relationships or my attitude to life in a way that doesn\u2019t attempt to hide my sexuality but doesn\u2019t make a clear declaration either (maybe similar to the privilege that straight people have when living their life?). I do wonder how this might change now that I\u2019m heading into a work environment where many conversations involve discussions about partners, children or families: perhaps I\u2019ll have to come out more if I enter a relationship with a same-gendered partner? But to be honest, I don\u2019t mind at all whether people find out about my undefinable bisexual [ish] sexuality. I feel that some people will always find a reason to judge negatively (maybe because I\u2019m allergic to eggs, wear glasses, or because I am left-handed \u2013 classic playground issues!), so trying not to care what others think has been a useful life skill for me to get used to even before I have come to better understand my sexuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, from a new member of the LGBT+ Network and wider staff community, this Bisexual Awareness Week, if nothing else, I just wish to urge everyone to remember the words of Brian Tracy, motivational speaker and publicist, when you find out about someone\u2019s sexuality (with or without a definitive label):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cthe greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Matt Youngs is Celebration and Awareness Lead for the LGBT+ Staff Network, and a Graduate Management Trainee currently based in the Research & Enterprise Office.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n