Stefanie Ford

I have been married for almost 12 years to my best friend who is the most understanding and caring man. Without his support I would not have the courage to accept ME. I enjoy writing short stories and poetry and I dabble in all sorts of artistic mediums. I’ve lived in the Mid-West my entire life and I am definitely a country girl at heart. I love spending time outdoors hiking and camping.

Plain and Simple: Being bisexual means that I am naturally attracted to both genders.

I am not going through a phase, or experimenting; these are real feelings and desires that I have always felt. They are not temporary.

I knew at a very young age that I am attracted to both genders but growing up in a Christian family I was taught that any form of homosexuality is sinful and an abomination so I lived in fear of going to hell for feeling this way. I mostly suppressed my feelings during my teenage years and only had relationships with guys however there were a few glorious (and guilty feeling) moments when I acted on my attractions towards women. Looking back, I really wish I had known that what I felt was completely normal and that lots of people have these feelings. I met my husband shortly after high school and I came out to him as being bisexual before we got married. He has never criticized me for being this way and has been extremely understanding. I have only recently come out to a few close friends and family.

The stereotypes that bisexuality is a life-phase, identity crisis or being confused. The fear of certain people finding out, knowing they will be disappointed. Figuring out how relationships should work.

This is a hard question because I really feel like it should say, “What is the best thing about coming out as bisexual” because I don’t choose to be bisexual, I just am. Coming out as bisexual has been a huge sigh of relief because I have kept this a secret for my entire life. With the exception of a very few people, I have not shared this information until now.

I have had some of the best, supportive responses from friends and family including my husband, my mom and my sister. When I began telling a few friends, some felt awkward and have stopped talking to me and others taught me what true friendship means. They accept me, give me advice and just provide a shoulder to cry on. rnThere are still some people that I dread the day that they find out because I know that they will be disappointed or even fearful that I am going to hell or they will say I am disgusting or sinful and that really hurts because those people are family and I love them so much. rnFortunately for me, I am at peace with who I am AND my spirituality. I feel free knowing that I don’t have to hide who I am anymore!