Making Sense Of It

Every person bears a sexual identity (male/female) and a sexual preference for a male or female. These two combine to create varying permutations and combinations of sexual expression, all of which are within the spectrum of normality. The naturalness of these tendencies is multi-factorial. These include genetic/organic elements, conditioning, sexual trauma, circumstantial exposure like long periods spent in dormitories, sexual values and sexual role models formed in the early years of life. So, bisexual women are in a fleeting and constant flux in terms of their sexual orientation.

It is in the early teens that a person starts feeling uncomfortable with his/her sexual preference. This also depends on circumstances, which vary individually. However, some women are more accepting of their sexuality but some go through mental turmoil and more importantly an identity crisis and it is for these people that counselling is required.

The issue needs to be addressed non-judgmentally and one has to help the woman make a choice and assess the emotional discomfort that she may have to suffer in the long run along with the social and emotional price that comes with this decision. Parents are also involved at times and in some cases are the ones who encourage counselling. Is she ready and equipped to bear the burden of her decision? This question becomes extremely relevant in a society like ours.

--Dr Anand Nadkarni, consultant psychiatrist at the Institute of Psychological Help, Thane