Blaize Stewart

I’m an Influencer Relations Associate for a full-service influencer marketing agency in Chicago, IL. I recently graduated with a Master of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I also received a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism degree. While in college, I was a member of a fraternity and worked with several campus media organizations. I have always been a passionate writer and, since coming out, have continually used my writing to advocate for the LGBT community. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, Netflix, spending time outside and spending time with my family.

Bisexuality means that I am not going to be placed under a specific label to fit the expectations of the straight or gay communities; I am the one who is able to express my sexual orientation and identifying as bisexual is what I am the most comfortable with.

We are not confused, going through a phase, or anything other of confident and sure of our sexual orientation.

I came out through an article in a school newspaper after several years of figuring out my sexuality. Before coming out, I was pressured by gay men to ditch the idea of bisexuality but, ultimately, I knew that I was. It took me longer to come out because of this, but I am happy I waited until I was confident in my sexual orientation and did not let others pressure me to fit their ideas.

There is a stigma that we are confused and that is the must frustrating part to me. I am a well-educated adult; I am more than capable of interpreting my feelings and expressing them as I best see fit.

I think being bisexual really opens your mind to a lot in life. I find that I can look at things in less than a black and white lens and keep an open mind regarding many things, not just in reference to sexual orientation.

My family is 100% supportive. While at first they were unsure of what it even meant to be bisexual, they ultimately just care about my happiness and have supported me since I came out unwavering. The biggest struggle I have found is in the dating world, particularly with gay men. It seems that a lot of them have issues with accepting bisexual men, at least in terms of long-term relationships.