PSU members discuss stereotypes about polysexuality

Carolyna Guillen can say she likes multiple foods, but once she tells people she is attracted to more than one gender, some don’t believe her.

“When I sit here and say I like multiple genders, people have a problem,” said the UF microbiology and cell science junior, who identifies as pansexual.

More than 50 members of UF’s Pride Student Union gathered Monday night at Ustler Hall to discuss common stereotypes and biases toward people who are attracted to more than one gender. Students who identify as bisexual, pansexual or polysexual spoke about their experiences with their sexuality.

Guillen, 21, said it’s important to talk about polysexual identities because the group doesn’t get much attention in the media and within the LGBTQ+ community.

“A lot of the feedback that we get from our general body is that they feel erased or neglected,” said Guillen, PSU’s president.

The group discussed stereotypes including girls coming out as bisexual for attention, bisexual people are transphobic and that individuals attracted to transgender people are automatically pansexual.

When Liana Moss, a UF zoology senior, is in LGBTQ+ spaces, she identifies as pansexual, but she said it’s easier to tell straight people she’s bisexual.

“And I don’t have to explain that I’m not attracted to cooking utensils,” the 21-year-old said.

She said bisexuality and pansexuality should be addressed to combat negative stereotypes.

“If you’re a bi female, everyone assumes you’re straight; if you’re a bi male, everyone assumes you’re gay,” she said. “Everyone expects us to like men.”