Today while at the cafe with my editor, I drank an iced coffee and a fresh orange juice. I’d planned to finish one (coffee first), then the other, then take a cursory sip of the glass of water. But my desires got the better of me, and I interrupted the coffee midway with a sip of orange juice. They clashed.
Editor: “What just happened in your mouth?”
Me: “Wow, eugh. That was weird. But they’re both really nice.”
Editor: “Can you just go between them?”
Me: “Of course! I’m Bisexual baby!”
Queer stereotypes are trash, unless we’re the ones saying them. In this case, I fully adhere to the Bisexual drink theory, that Bi people like to consume multiple beverages on the go at any one time. Usually three (particularly if they’re out at brunch).
I asked the Bisexuals who follow me on Instagram why they like to drink three drinks at once. The responses included:
“One for energy, one for flavour, one for hydration and maybe a fun one too, or one for vitamins like juice or smoothie, usually when hungover.”
“because neurospicy”
“need all the different thirsts quenched!! each drink opens a new portal – energy, pleasure etc”
“greedy in all things”
“I’m a master of the triple but obviously mainly gay”
The “fun” drink could be orange juice, coke, or an alcoholic beverage perhaps. Maybe a cocktail! The drink for hydration will be a glass of water (disgusting, have to force that s**t down), and the caffeine will be an oat flat white or iced latte, obviously!
Cue also all the obvious jokes about not being able to choose, being greedy, flitting between, etc etc.
But enough of the empty stereotypes – is there any science to back this up? Why is it just sooo nice to have three little drinks on the go at any one time? Why can I never finish a glass of water???
There is plenty of research to support the idea that LGBTQ+ people have specific nutritional and dietary needs, particularly for those living with HIV or people undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. However, official guidance is scarce. In this study into LGBTQ+ dietary needs by the Harvard Department of Nutrition, “Experiences of stigmatisation and discrimination are associated with diminished mental health quality and psychological distress, which are risk factors for developing various eating disorders. Other nutrition disparities include increased risk for food insecurity, body dissatisfaction, and weight complications.”
The same study highlighted that there are “higher odds” of both men and women who identify as Questioning or Bisexual to develop eating disorders compared to heterosexual counterparts, and underdiagnosis relative to Gay or Lesbian peers. They also point to the Growing Up Today Study, which found that Bisexual adolescents are twice as likely to binge eat and to purge compared to heterosexual peers.
When it comes to alcohol specifically, a 2016 study of college students showed that among female drinkers, Bisexuals used alcohol on a greater number of days than their heterosexual counterparts.
Could there be a neurological reason why Bisexuals like to have a few little drinks on the go?
I asked Daniel O’Shaughnessy, a nutritionist who specialises in LGBTQ dietary concerns and is the author of Naked Nutrition. “I would say this is more of a neurodivergent thing, ADHD trait, more than anything,” he tells me. “Which makes me wonder if there is any science around ADHD diagnosis and sexual identity.
“I’m not an expert on ADHD, but it may be an expression of the symptoms. It could be down to impulsivity, variety and stimulation, forgetfulness and routine or structure.”
There does seem to be some evidence to back up Daniel’s hypothesis. In a study of individuals with ADHD and bipolar disorder from 2018, results indicated that a large proportion of female patients with those neurological disorders (61%) reported a nonheterosexual sexual orientation.
And a study released last year found that individuals with ADHD are more likely to be sexually adventurous, with higher rates of homosexuality and bisexuality.
As well as forgetfulness potentially leading to not finishing a drink, ADHD stimulant medication can be dehydrating, leading to a greater need to drink.
A quick Twitter search also indicates that people with ADHD might be prone to have multiple drinks on the go or unfinished on the desk in front of them. Are you thinking what I’m thinking????
In conclusion, if you’re a Bisexual who likes to have multiple drinks on the go at any one time, you might have ADHD. Or you might just be thirsty. But what’s wrong with trying every flavour anyway?
*This article does not constitute medical advice or science reporting*
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