When You're Bisexual, You're Hated By Both Sides! [Movie Transcript]

Melissa: Definitely, I think it is really important for me to talk about being bisexual, because basically... you're hated by EVERYONE. I've had gay and lesbian people tell me to my face that they would never date me, because they said, flat out, I would screw around with other people. And y'know, I would cheat on them and ultimately leave them for someone of the opposite sex. Which isn't true. So, you kind of get it on both sides.

In terms of Coming Out, I think it's probably a little bit easier to Come Out as bisexual. My mom was like, "Yeah. I knew. (laughter) You went to Gay Camp." (laughter) I think it's a little bit easier, at least in my personal experience. I can't speak for everyone.

James: So, do you think that your mom hopes you'll end up with a man or...?

Melissa: I think, maybe when I first came out, she actually mentioned, "Oh, you know. Maybe it's just a phase," which really pissed me off. (laughter) But I think now she really doesn't care. I think the only reason she would want me to end up with a guy is because she knows it would be easier for me in society.

But my mom is so super open and supportive of me. And she has more gay friends than I do. (laughter) She goes out to gay bars with her friends. So, yeah, she's really supportive. I don't feel at all that my mom is pushing me to end up with a guy.

PREJUDICE FROM THE GLBTQ COMMUNITY: HIV-Pos and Transgender Issues (Sarah)

I can't really comment on this in terms of Gettysburg, but I know where I work now (within the HIV positive community in Boston) it seems to be an underlying issue between different groups of people and how they identify themselves. For example, we had a "transgender issues" panel at work, and I was really surprised at some of the hostility we encountered from some of our gay and lesbian members. I had heard/read about this being an issue, but it was weird to see it actualized. I know some of our transgender members have faced a lot of prejudice from within the GLBTQ community simply for how they identify.

GAY-on-GAY CRIME: I Only Felt Hostility From Closet Gays and Non-ALLiES Members (James)

Ironically, during my 4-year career at Gettysburg College, I've felt hostility/resentment from NOTHING BUT gay students, for personal reasons. Mostly, I've felt hostility from CLOSETED gay people and gay non-ALLiES members on this campus. I guess they've had cold attitudes toward me because they know that I know that they know... Plus, I enjoy drawing attention to myself and to the cause most dear to my heart: gay rights/equality for all.

I think I'm one of the few GLBT students who doesn't have a problem getting dates, but sustaining a relationship's a whole different ballgame. I've had a few guys mention in casual conversation that they're into a certain type of guy, one who doesn't match my physical description (eg. weight, hair color).

I have a much easier time attracting men back in Maryland than I do here. As a result of trial and error, my potential date criteria has become more and more strict. What can I say? It's extremely difficult to find an out & proud, politically active, respectable guy to date @ Gettysburg College.

I've seen people's attitudes toward me change once they found out that not only was I gay but that I find no problem talking about it. It hurts to see how many "friendly" guys I've scared away because they were afraid of their names being associated with mine.