Being bisexual is not just a ‘stepping stone to becoming gay’

24-year-old Kyle McGovern came out as bisexual last summer.

"Growing up in the Valleys and knowing that I was bisexual, it was one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through.

"In a school and in an environment where men had to be men, and if you was anything other [than that] you’d get bullied, it was really tough."

Kyle said he struggled to be open about his sexuality during his school years Credit: Kyle McGovern

Kyle knew he was bisexual during secondary school, but it was only after leaving for university that he said he felt he could be open about his sexuality.

"People can be who they want to be in cities and they seem to be fine with it, and all their friends, they seem to still want to be friends with them.

"It wasn’t until I moved away from the Valleys that I realised that it’s actually okay to be bisexual, and people will love me more for it."

Kyle said he was able to be more open about his sexuality when he went to university Credit: Kyle McGovern

Since coming out, Kyle said he has faced misconceptions about bisexuality.

"A typical one is, ‘oh you must be gay then’, which always makes me laugh.

"You can’t say that just because you’re bisexual that it’s a stepping stone to becoming gay."

He believes educating children on LGBT issues is the best way to tackle discrimination.

Kyle said education is key to tackling misconceptions about bisexuality Credit: Kyle McGovern

Becoming a part of the LGBT community has given Kyle a new sense of unity.

"Growing up when I wasn’t really sure of who I was, or understood my sexuality, I did feel really lost.

"But now I know that I’m bisexual I do feel like I belong to this community."

"[Pride is] a place we can come together to use our voices, to show that we are here, we do want to be heard and we do want equal rights."