Coming out is different for bi people than it is for gay people in several ways. Most importantly, the coming out process never really ends for bisexual people. Typically, bi people must come out to each and every person they date. If a bi person dates a straight person, they must come out to that person. If a bi person dates a gay or lesbian person, they must come out to them too. That’s a level of disclosure not expected of straight, gay, or lesbian people (whose orientation is just assumed by virtue of the sex of their date).
Unfortunately, biphobic reactions are far too common and almost every bi person has horror stories to share about dating or courting a straight, gay, or lesbian person for whom their bisexuality was a deal-breaker. That additional risk of romantic rejection because of one’s sexual orientation is not a hurdle faced by straight and gay people. Even once in a relationship, bi people will be assumed to be straight or gay/lesbian, depending on their partner, and will have to continuously clarify their sexuality to others. Hopefully, as bisexuality is better understood and becomes more accepted, this will change for the better.