Questions for Gay, Lesbian, Straight, and/or Monogamous Friends?

[purplerabbit]

So I am working on the paper for the Journal that is due at the end of the month and I have a questions for folks. One thing my survey confirmed, is that 70-80% of the folks in my own friendship network define themselves as bisexual, and the same number as polyamorous. Personally, I don't feel I discriminate against folks who are not bi or poly. But clearly we have more bi and poly friends.

So for those who identify as gay, lesbian, or straight -- how does it feel when you are in a room of predominately bisexually identified people? What are the challenges for you? Are there benefits? What do you experience that is different from a setting where you are not in the minority?

The same questions for those who identify as monogamous -- how does if feel to be in a gathering of predominately poly people? What are the difficulties? Benefits? How does it compare to other situations?

You may answer either here or in email if you like. I really would like to understand this.

Comments

[beanolc.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine just yesterday referred to me as the token monogamist and it sent me rolling. :-)

In situations now, I don't even think about it, it doesn't make me feel different, and I don't feel left out or anything. When both sides are open minded, there's no issue. However, I have been around folks who have dismissed me because I'm in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship. In some cases, gentle reminders of inclusiveness were all that were needed. In other cases, it's an assessment of whether or not I really want to be around the person who will judge me by my relationships. I don't judge you by yours, why should you judge me by mine?

In short, it's usually a non-issue these days.