Ashley & Erin

Ashley & Erin

L to R: Ashley, Erin

Erin and I are fraternal twins, but people say we’re like day and night. We went to different colleges and I remember coming home late one night. I saw this rainbow ribbon on her bag. I asked her about it and at first she didn’t really say much, but then she told me she was bisexual. I guess I was kind of shocked, especially when I found out that other people knew before me. She said she had even had these feelings back in high school. I was the first family member she told.

When people used to bring up her bisexuality, I didn’t know how to handle it at first. But I had to learn how to because she’s my sister and means everything to me. I remember being at a presentation where she spoke about being a bisexual woman and I thought to myself, I am really proud of her. It’s easy not to challenge stereotypes. I’ve learned so much from Erin and I know that if someone discriminates against her, I am probably going to feel offended too. I probably used to be really offensive and judgmental, but over time I have learned and grown out of this.

Even though we are twins and we are really close, I consider her one of my best friends. Now that I’m older I’m learning that it is okay not to think alike all the time. Our differences make us unique. I want to learn a lot more from Erin and I will always be there for her. She supports me in everything I do too.