Members of a panel dispelled myths surrounding bisexuality Thursday night.

Three students spoke to nearly 20 people about the realms of bisexuality in the Cardinal Room of the Memorial Union. The panel, “Start Seeing Bisexuals,” was part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Awareness Days.

Panelist Victor Roman, senior in computer science, said the definition of bisexuality isn’t the same for everyone.

“My definition of bisexual is being attracted to people in general rather than to a particular gender,” he said. “But many times people won’t define themselves as bisexual because of biphobia.”

Roman said biphobia is the cause of many reactions to an individual’s bisexuality.

“My dad thought since I was bisexual, I was only half gay, and that was only half as bad,” he said.

Roman said other common reactions are people thinking bisexuals are not monogamous.

Jessica Oftelie, graduate student in mathematics, said she had difficulty coming to terms with her bisexuality because she grew up in a town with “small-town attitudes.”

“I knew I was different, but I didn’t like to think about it because it wasn’t accepted,” she said. “I didn’t come out until about a year ago, and I’m not out completely.”

Krista Weber, freshman in liberal arts and sciences, said she’s always known she was bisexual.

“My first crush on a girl was when I was nine or ten years old,” she said. “I was attracted to women before I was attracted to men.”

Weber said most people she comes in contact with know about her sexuality.

“I’m out to all of my friends and plan to be out when I get a job, but I’m not out to my family yet,” she said.