Today marks the swearing-in of Kate Brown (D), the first openly bisexual governor in America. Following incumbent John Kitzhaber’s resignation, Brown will become Oregon’s 37th governor, and likely one of its most memorable.
Oregon’s first female governor, Barbara Roberts, was with her at the Oregon Historical Society on Saturday to celebrate the state’s 156th birthday.
As of yet, it’s unclear who is to be part of Brown’s staff, or what policies she might introduce, but it is very exciting that a bisexual woman will be at the forefront of a fairly open state. Her election is a huge step forward for what is sometimes the most contentious label within the LGBTQ community. Bisexuals have reported feeling ostracized because of the polarizing definitions of human sexuality, and are often told to just ‘choose one’.
It’s hard enough to be hated because of a sexual preference; it makes it even harder when people in your own community won’t offer support. Bisexual men are stereotyped for being effeminate, while bisexual women are shamed for the assumption that their sexuality somehow makes them inherently promiscuous. And bisexuals have a higher risk for developing mental health problems, most frequently depression and anxiety, than gay people.
Being bi is just one of the many ways that sexuality expresses itself in people. With this historical moment in Oregon, we hope everyone will realize that and continue to rally behind those who feel comfortable articulating their sexual preferences.
Images via Oregon Live
