As much as college is a time of education, it’s also a period in a young person’s life where they can go on a journey of self-discovery. Not only are students finally away from their parents, but they are also away from their hometown. That gives them a chance to go on a quest of self-discovery where they can redefine themselves more honestly. That doesn’t mean this time is without challenges, though; take a look for yourself.
Self-identification
The biggest benefit to being bisexual in college is that you can finally try a new identity. People get so wrapped up in trying to please their family, friends, and teachers back home that they get stuck in a personal rut during a very tumultuous time of their lives, young adulthood. As a college student, you can identify any way you wish, gain new friends, and try dating new people. The simple act of asking different people out on a date as a “bisexual” instead of being gay or straight can be very liberating. Remember that personal definitions can shape the way that we perceive ourselves and others perceive us; recognizing yourself as a bisexual is a huge deal in college.
Bisexual Dating in College
Dating as a bisexual in college can be both a benefit and a challenge. If you only dated people of the opposite sex before, then trying to date the other sex can help you explore that facet of yourself. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Bisexual people face a lot of pressure from gay and straight people to fall in line with their views instead of straddling them. Fortunately, college dating means the freedom to meet people without getting too attached and to test the waters. That’s why college-aged people use sites to find a bisexual hookup to help them find partners interested in having some fast, fun dates. They can skip past the drama and the social pressures that come with dating someone full-time and focus on developing their self-conceptualization. After all, how is a person ever supposed to know the differences between dating a man or a woman so they can figure out their preferences in life? Dating sites are also beneficial because of the privacy and safety factors, two important elements since people tend to meet many contacts during their time in college. Keeping your personal and public lives away from each other is much easier to do when you manage your love life online.
Out or Not?
Building on that concept of talking about your personal life with people you meet at college, every bisexual person has to decide whether they want to come out or not. Some people may consider this a challenge because it means that people have an unusual insight into your personal life that they have no reason to know. Furthermore, that knowledge can be used against you in your future workplace. That is only one side of the coin. You should also consider the fact that many parts of the world are becoming increasingly friendly towards LGBT people. Some universities are looking to offer places to more LGBT people in terms of on-campus leadership roles that could prepare you for a bright future. Coming out does not always have a significant negative impact on a person, especially if they are attending school online. Talking to other classmates on the internet while being honest about yourself can feel a lot more natural and less intimidating than talking about it face-to-face. The decision about whether to be out or not is always yours, and it’s something that you should carefully weigh before making a decision.
College Experience as an LGBT Member
Every college experience is a little different based on many factors, and your sexuality is certainly one of them. If you’re at a conservative or religious college, coming out as a bisexual might not lead to a pleasant outcome. Other colleges are much more socially liberal and have groups to join for LGBT empowerment and connectivity, thereby offering you a way to get ahead in life by networking with other people in the community. Your college choice will have a vast impact on your college experience. Many more places are welcoming these days, so it’s getting easier to be LGBT on campus. It’s still important to consider your personal safety and well-being in certain situations, though.
Going to college is a major shift in one’s lifestyle. You will find yourself suddenly free to pursue a host of different opportunities, redefining yourself in the process. Some people might use this newfound freedom to find authentic relationships online, and others will bask in their LGBT societies on campus to be out, loud, and proud. Your approach will have far-reaching consequences in your development as a young adult, and many of them will be positive as you learn to accept and love yourself and be assertive. Just remember to examine your college choice from a social standpoint before applying and making a final attendance decision.
