Ellyn Ruthstrom

I’m a long-time bisexual activist in the LGBT rights movement and an active member of the Boston bi community. I’m a writer/editor who loves to travel, loves the arts and the outdoors, and loves bringing people together in bi-positive spaces.

Being bisexual means that I don’t let sex or gender determine who I might be attracted to or who I want to have relationships with. I’m interested in a person and how that person makes me feel.

I want people to know that there is a bisexual community and there are many other people out there who understand bisexuality. If you are bisexual and feel isolated, keep looking for us. There are organizations and social groups that can help you feel less isolated.

I thought I was straight until I was in college; I didn’t have the early same-sex attraction that others experience. Then when I was about 18-19 I had my first crush on another woman and realized I wasn’t just straight. I didn’t have a word for it at that time and not until I had my first sexual experience with another woman (I continued to be involved with men) in my early 20s did I find the identity of bisexual and ever since that has defined my truth.

Monosexuals who don’t understand that everyone else isn’t exactly like they are and who refuse to educate themselves beyond their narrow views.

Being in bi-positive space where people are free to be who they are and express their love and attraction in an open and free environment.