Bisexuality, like any sexuality, is a difficult thing to grasp. First there's the road to understanding and accepting it in one's own self, then there's the plight of garnering understanding from others. Everyone's story is different; some people embrace and flourish in their bisexuality early on, some take time to accept themselves, and some go their whole lives without acceptance, either out of shame or worry about what others might think. To some, bisexuality plays a very small role in life, while to others, it is a key aspect of one's personality. For many, it often feels like an awkward crossroads between heterosexuality and homosexuality, in which one has no place to fit in. On the flip side, others find it freeing.

If you identify as bisexual, I invite you to partake in this seven day activity worksheet which implements a diverse plethora of art therapy as a way to introspect, recollect, and digest one's feelings and experiences. Creativity not only frees the mind and allows for self expression & the concrete conceptualization of thoughts; it is a key ingredient in the journey of understanding the self.

Day 1

Write a poem

Poetry is one of the most multifarious art forms out there. There are various kinds of poetry—metered, haiku, ekphrasis, limerick, to name a few—but the beautiful thing about it is that you needn't know any of these things to write it yourself. An unstructured poem is typically referred to as "free verse", which may be easiest to do in this exercise; but feel free to research the different flavors of this genre and put yourself to the test if you so wish.

For this exercise, I implore you to write about your sexual awakening/exploration, and/or the internal struggles which came with it. Make it as long as you like, and be introspective. Use colorful language to convey emotion and experiences in literal and/or figurative ways. Tell your story with your own eloquence.

Alternative: If poetry isn't your forte, try writing a personal letter about your experiences, either to yourself or to someone else. The letter needn't be read by anybody but yourself; look at it strictly as a way of conveying yourself through words. (Also feel free to do this in addition to a poem if you feel inclined.)

Day 2

Compose a musical piece

Music is the window to the soul, as they say. For this exercise, you will write a short, simple piece of music. While doing this, think about the emotions you have felt in the past while learning to understand/come to terms with your sexuality; or, consider how bisexuality plays a current role in your life, and what you think that means. Choose a genre which fits the emotions that bisexuality has brought you.

I emphasize that this should be a short piece of music, no more than a handful of seconds long (aim for around 20-30 seconds if you are inexperienced); you will not need a degree in music theory to complete this task. If you choose to write sheet music, various free programs/websites exist for short term composition (e.g. Musescore – https://musescore.org/en/download).

Feel free to write song lyrics as well if you would like.

Alternative: If you do not feel confident in your ability to compose music, you can instead write a short review of a song or composition which speaks to your own emotions/experiences.

Day 3

Narrative writing

Another writing exercise. Here you will go for a less abstract approach by writing a short scene from a significant moment in your life involving your sexuality. This can be a literary short story, or a script vignette for a hypothetical movie/stage production. If you do not wish to relive such a personal event from your life, you can instead invent a fictional scene which explores such themes as your fears in accepting yourself and making you sexuality known to others, or your ideal outcome in such scenarios. You can choose to personify these themes if you wish—it's all up to you.

Day 4

Make a collage

There are a few ways that a collage can be made. The most well known is a photo collage: the process of cutting out pre-taken pictures and/or text (typically from magazines) and arranging them together in a new, unique way. Another way is to use objects—usually either things found in nature, or small household items. While the possibilities with this art form are endless, you'll be at the will of what you're able to find. Be prepared to get abstract with it.

As you're making your collage, think about the meaning and intent behind each picture/object/etc. that you are placing and how it interacts with the rest of the piece. This of this mostly as a meditative exercise. 

Day 5

Paint/draw a duality

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines bisexuality as "sexual or romantic attraction to people of one's same sex and of the opposite sex," but if you're this far into this workbook then you already know that. For this exercise, you will make a painting or drawing of any kind which conveys these parallel attractions: same sex, and opposite sex. You may choose to make two separate art pieces, or convey both kinds of attraction in the same piece, interacting with one another. Be literal or abstract, it is entirely up to you. Make sure to show intent with how you choose to approach this, such as what is being drawn and the colors you use (or lack thereof).

Day 6

Make a sculpture

This one is pretty self explanatory. Make a sculpture of your choice, personifying your sexuality and/or the struggles/happiness that has come with it. This could alternatively delve into the real people in your life, i.e. a romantic partner, an accepting friend, or an unaccepting relative. (Once again, if you fear your ability for realism, abstraction is always your friend.)

There exist various ways to make a sculpture. The most ideal is modelling clay, which can be found at any crafts store; however, alternative methods include papier-mâché; a mixture of flower, salt, and water; or even playdough.

Day 7

Meditative journaling

Finally, we will wrap the whole thing up with one final writing exercise. This time, you will begin by meditating briefly on your experiences and emotions in regards to your sexuality, considering the role it has played in your life and how you will choose to look at it going forward. Afterward, you'll journalize these thoughts and feelings to the best of your abilities. Make sure to keep in mind the creative breakthroughs you've made thus far; feel free to integrate them into your writing in any way you see fit.

Thank you for taking this journey through creativity and self-contemplation. Remember to stay positive, and feel free to come back to these activities at any time.