Module 9

Clinical Issues with Bisexuals

A Providers Introduction to
Substance Abuse for Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Individuals
First Edition
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A Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Module 5 -12 Clinicians Guide


Clinical Issues With Bisexuals
Learning Objectives

Understand myths and
facts

Learn psychosocial
issues

Understand
implications for
treatment
Power Point Slide # 8-1, n29
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A Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Module 5 -12 Clinicians Guide
Definition of Bisexuality
The contemporary
understanding is that
bisexuality, affectional,
romantic and sexual
attraction toward same
gender and other gender
individuals, is a sexual
orientation in and of itself
and distinct from
heterosexuality and
homosexuality.
Power Point Slide # 9-2, n30
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A Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Module 5 -12 Clinicians Guide

Myths About Bisexuals
Bisexuals are confused about their sexual
orientation.
Bisexuals are afraid to be lesbian or gay because
of social stigma and oppression from the majority.
Bisexuals have gotten stuck in the coming out
process.
Bisexuals have knuckled under to the social
pressure to pass as straight.
Bisexuals are in denial about their sexual
orientation.
Bisexuals are not fully formed lesbians or gay
men.

Power Point Slide # 9-3, n31

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A Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Module 5 -12 Clinicians Guide
Facts About Bisexuality
A variety of sexual behaviors may be engaged in by
bisexual women, men, and transgender individuals at
any time because behavior and identity can be separate
issues.

Continuous Bisexuality: Bisexual identity is formed
early in ones life and remains intact across the lifespan.

Sequential Bisexuality: Desire is experienced by
bisexuals as sexual attractions to same-sex or opposite-
sex partners at different times during their lives.

Concurrent Bisexuality: Bisexuals express sexual
desire toward men and women at the same time.

Power Point Slide # 9-4, n32

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A Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Module 5 -12 Clinicians Guide
Facts About Bisexuality
Women and men (including transgender women and
men) who identify themselves as heterosexual may
have had, or may continue to have, sexual relations
with partners of the same gender.

Women and men (including transgender women and
men) who identify themselves as gay or lesbian may
have had, or may continue to have, sexual relations
with partners of the other gender.

People of transgender experience, including male-
to-female and female-to-male individuals, may
identify themselves as bisexual. This is because
bisexuality (and sexual orientation identity generally) is
a separate phenomenon from gender identity.
Power Point Slide # 9-5, n33

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A Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Module 5 -12 Clinicians Guide
Psychosocial Variables
Cultural norms and standards, political
views, and environmental factors many
influence bisexual identity and behaviors and
keep them separate.
- Same-sex relationships in prison
- Gay-identified men who have a
female sex partner
Power Point Slide # 9-6, n34
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Prairelands ATTC Toolbox Training Module 5 12 Clinicians Overview

KLEIN SEXUAL ORIENTATION GRID

Directions: Use the following scale to rate each of the following
variables in each period:
1. Other sex only
2. Other sex mostly
3. Other sex somewhat more
4. Both sexes equally
5. Same sex somewhat more
6. Same sex mostly
7. Same sex only

VARIABLE PAST PRESENT IDEAL
A. Sexual Attraction to
B. Sexual Behavior with
C. Sexual Fantasies about
D. Emotional Preference for
E. Social Preference for
F. Self-Identification as
G. LGBT/Heterosexual Lifestyle
Power Point Slide #9-7, n 35