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

[thats-ms-dragon.livejournal.com]

I find that as a straight woman I have to be careful what I say to unknown or acquaintance level women in the room so that I don't feel that I am "leading them on" or creating discomfort. Sometimes I have had women presume that all of the women at a gathering were bi and who came on very strong.

I think that as a result, I give off a don't touch vibe at times that people feel is unwelcoming. So, in trying to stave off one uncomfortable situation, I create another. However, with women that I know well, this is not a problem at all and I know I can talk, be affectionate, and even be mildly flirtatious as my boundaries with them are already established.

*shrug* It doesn't bother me that much, but it has at times in the past. If you would like more information, I would be happy to elaborate.

Hope this helps.