Talking to your siblings about your sexuality will help develop your independence and self-confidence.Bisexuality is perceived negatively and some people are threatened by the reality of sexual identities other than those they are familiar with.While friends and lovers are often understanding of your lifestyle and identity, siblings can be more critical of the changes you go through as you grow into adulthood and decide the life you wish to live.
Step 1: If possible, tell them in person.
You can share information with your siblings in many ways.Your relationship with them will be a factor in this decision.It may be hard to bring up the topic.If you say something like, "There's something important that I want to tell you because you mean a lot to me", you can ease into a more serious conversation.If you want to tell your siblings one at a time, say something like, "I'm happy and healthy!"You can take a different approach with each of the people you hope to share the news with.For instance, you may have a sibling with whom a conversation in the car may work best, so as to facilitate a dynamic in which eye contact isn't as frequent as it may be face-to-face.It's important to be straightforward.If your siblings don't know what you mean when you say you're bisexual, go for a walk and say "I'm attracted to both men and women."Walking may be the best way to talk to someone.The fresh air, mobility, privacy, and more give a comfortable context in which to share a meaningful conversation.If you choose to tell your siblings, be sure to include the words "I love you, and I want us to have an honest, positive relationship."
Step 2: Let them know it's not verbal.
A face-to-face conversation can be too intense for some people.A face-to-face conversation may lead to rash or overly emotional reactions, whereas a distance and time allowed to digest the news will benefit some people.If you came from a home that was religious, culturally one-dimensional, or generally lacking in conversations about sex, notifying your siblings of your sexual orientation might upset them.Writing a letter might be the best way to tell someone who might need a while to come to terms with the news.If someone is put in a situation where they feel like they need to respond, they may not know how.Texts are impersonal, unless you have developed a communication style with one of your siblings that would facilitate the use of texts to convey something meaningful.You can express your thoughts in letters.If you want to express your love for your siblings in a face-to-face conversation, you can allow them to read it at their own pace and contact you when they are ready to speak with you.Share how important your family is to you in the beginning of the letter.I value our relationship and I always want to have your support, and you always have mine, so I'm writing to share a part of myself with you.
Step 3: Speak calmly and slowly.
You want to make sure everyone understands what you're saying when you tell your siblings.You want to convey calmness.Being calm will help your siblings stay calm as well.One option is to gather all of those you hope to speak with in a private place and explain that you want them to know something that means a lot to you.Explain that your sexuality is important to you and that you want to talk about it with them.Again, be clear that you are comfortable and content with your sexuality, as this may alleviate some concerns that they may otherwise have.Try something like, "I am more confident than I have ever been because I am comfortable with my sexual orientation."I want you all to be a part of my life, and to maintain the love we share.
Step 4: Ask your siblings to support you.
When we are going through periods of self-awareness and transformation, we need support.Our ability to connect with others, our internal strength, and our well-being are all a result of support from our siblings.Tell your siblings that they have your support, and that you hope to have theirs as well.On account of any of your family members' behavior, share any experiences of isolation you've felt.If your siblings can't provide you with the emotional and other support you need, look for a community in which you can get it.
Step 5: Don't be impatient.
You do not know how the conversation will go.It is possible that it will go better than expected and you will be happy to have spoken with your siblings about something important to you.Some of your siblings may be angry or even responsible.They might need some time to come to terms with what you are telling them.They may not have given you enough thought about your sexuality.There are feelings of shock, denial, and even guilt that are common among family members.Don't be surprised if your siblings are surprised at first.Allow them to express their feelings, and listen calmly.You may have to repeat yourself.People will deny, resist or ignore you if you are bisexual.After they have a while to come to terms with what you told them, you may need to have another conversation.
Step 6: Expect questions to come up.
Some of the questions may be personal and intimate.Your answers may help them come to terms with your bisexuality if you don't have to answer any questions that make you uncomfortable.Your siblings may be confused by what you are telling them.They may have questions about bisexuality and how to be sure.Know that short, simple answers will usually suffice, but be open and honest with them.They may not like what you are telling them.They shouldn't try to reason into accepting your identity.You won't be able to reason with them if they are resistant to the idea.If you don't know how to answer a question, re-iterating that you only want their love is the best way to go.They may be skeptical if you say things like "All I need from you is your love and support."Say, "I just know" if you get the all-to-common "How do you know?".
Step 7: Know what the facts are.
Understanding bisexuality can be very helpful in learning more about sexual orientation, gender, and even the mysteries of attraction and our subsequent treatment of one another.Be aware that bisexuality is more common than homosexuality.Yup.People who know that sexuality and gender are fluid are surprised to learn that bisexual people are more likely to do so.Some people think that bisexuality is more common for women than it is for men.
Step 8: People are often skeptical of bisexuality.
Many people, even people you may love, may not initially recognize your right to identify as you please.Bisexuality is difficult for some people.People who are comfortable with the concept of homosexuality may reject the idea of bisexuality because it may challenge their assumptions about sexual orientations.An inability to comfortably categorize other's as either alike or different from themselves, especially in the context of behavior or identity regarding aspects of our lives that some people are especially sensitive about, can lead to particularly vehement demonstrations of insecurity.Don't allow your siblings to hurt or disrespect you.The rest of the discussion should be put off until everyone is calm.If this behavior continues, have a friend or parent talk to them.
Step 9: Stand above it.
We live in a society that is not all Heterosexist.Many people assume that heterosexuality is normal.People are uncomfortable when challenges to this assumption are included.This is what homophobia refers to.People's fear does not mean they can't be more understanding.People are unaware of their prejudice.This doesn't justify rude behavior.It has nothing to do with you if you are mistreated by people who are bigoted.Many people don't understand the complexity of human sexual orientation.Many people don't like people who identify with minority categories of sexual identity.Positive interactions with people like you will change the views of most people.
Step 10: Stay positive.
If you are a positive, friendly person, you can help people realize that sexual orientation does not dictate your worth or quality as an individual.Social equality in terms of sexual orientation is rising, and your ability to have conversations about how you identify with your friends and family will help facilitate this process.Do not feel like you have to educate people about how you identify, or that it is your responsibility.These conversations help people better understand the diversity, wonder, and excitement that members of our species are capable of sharing with one another.
Step 11: The necessary courage needs to be built up.
Uncertainty about whether you should tell people in your life about your sexual orientation can contribute to stress and unhappiness.Go for it if you want to share your identity with your siblings.You are not alone if you are nervous.Less than a quarter of people who identify as bisexual are open about it.If you don't want to tell your siblings, it's fine.It is fine to wait until you feel comfortable doing so.
Step 12: Talk to other people before.
Get someone else's advice on how to start and respond to a conversation.If you speak to people who know you and your siblings, you can make sure the conversation goes smoothly and respectfully.Talk to a friend who has had similar conversations before.You should talk to one of your parents.Invite someone to join the conversation.Tell them that they don't need to speak for you, but that their support would help.
Step 13: Don't forget to take care of yourself.
If you can accept the sexual orientation you identify with, you will have a better sense of self-confidence.As a bisexual person, embracing your sexuality as a meaningful part of who you are will help you stand up to the unique challenges you may face.Don't allow your emotions to get the best of you.It's a sure way to guarantee your own unhappiness if you wish to be different than you are.It is more likely that you will become depressed or use substances if you question who you are.Before they take over your life, recognize negative, detrimental, or dangerous behaviors.Get professional help if you are struggling with addiction or depression.Talk to a counselor or therapist.While you know your siblings better than most people, there are trained professional who can help you deal with experiences such as those you are going through.You are not alone.Almost a third of lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer youth attempt suicide.You can call if you ever have suicidal thoughts.
Step 14: Support can be found online.
There are many websites that cater to bisexual people.There are online communities of people who are willing to support you.The project is called It Gets Better.People who identify as having a minority sexual orientation are supported by this website.People from all over the world share their stories.Being gay is ok to visit.The website is designed for people under 25 and provides helpful advice for young people coming to terms with their sexuality.You can find the LGBT Foundation website.There is a lot of information on the foundation's website.