About the Author

I lead my first college human relations and sexuality discussion groups in 1976, and my passion for helping people better understand and accept the rich tapestry of human sexuality continues to this day. My lifetime interest in human sexuality, especially variations in sexual orientation and gender identity and how they affect our relationships with others, has given me the foundation for an educational outreach program to help make this a kinder, gentler world for all who follow.

I have been happily married to my wife, my best friend, the love of my life, and my soul mate for over 35 years. As a result of mastering many of the challenges discussed in this book, we hope to have many more happy years together. In 2007, I flung the doors of the closet wide open and began living my life openly authentically and with integrity as the bisexual I was born as, and my wife and I have worked as best friends and partners to create a pathway to success.

My writings about mixed-orientation marriage and pathways to success started as journal entries on a self-help website and they were met with very positive feedback. As I continued to post in blogs and online support groups, more and more people said, “Mark, you should write a book.” The problem is I am more of a conversationalist and not so much the next great American author. That said, so many people have written to me saying how they have been helped by my positive approach to bisexuals and their relationships that I feel called to do something to offset all the negative voices.

Bisexuals are amazing human beings, and many are in very happy relationships and marriages. There is a place for us in this world, after all. I am always learning more and finding better ways to say what I want to say. I am not so sure I will ever formally publish Mixed-Orientation Marriage Pathways to Success, but for now, in response to readers’ requests I will make it available here.

This is very personal stuff to be writing about in such a public way. I have faith in humanity that my work will be respected and used only for the purpose it is intended, which is to help couples in mixed-orientation marriages see possibilities of a pathway to success. Of course, I also hope professional counselors will read our book because I feel it provides a different approach to mixed-orientation relationships to the more common attitude that there is no hope, so run away.

Speaking of professional counselors, while I have a lifetime studying human sexuality, I am not a licensed counselor nor do I hold any special credentials, I am simply a lifetime student of human sexuality with a story to share. Issues with our sexuality, gender identity, and relationships are heavy stuff, so I recommend you have an experienced licensed and properly credentialed counselor to guide you on your journey.

Wishing you success wherever your journey will lead,

Mark Rheault

I can be reached at mark@mixedorientation.com

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