By Max Jiminez

Why do so many in the community - especially gay men - have a hard time buying bi? Is it because too many mo's have used bisexuality as a way to dip their toe before diving head first into gaydom? Or do most gay men fervently believe that once guys go gay, they stay? We polled an assortment of prominent members of the community for their position on bisexuality.

Ron Perkov

Out Singer

"There are so many different types of love. Instead of labeling, just be. As the title of my new dance single says, "It doesn't Matter",

Jonathan Crutchley

Manhunt Founder

"Whenever I'm single, I'm looking to date straight married men or guys with girlfriends. In fact, my current boyfriend of ten years had a girlfriend when we met. He left her and moved in with me and is now fully gay - or so I hope. I believe bisexuality is real."

Jincey Lumpkin

Juicy Pink Box

"I once called myself bisexual, but that was before I had ever had a serious girlfriend. Once I fell in love, I realized that I never had that deep kind of connection with a man, and I knew I was gay. But it took me 25 years to find out. A lot of people think they are bisexual when they might truly be gay because they have been conditioned to believe that being gay is wrong. I grew up in a very small town in Georgia, and there was not a single gay or lesbian living openly out of the closet. Not one. It was pre-Ellen, so I had absolutely no idea that there were other women in the world who had feelings for women. I didn't know what a lesbian was! I learned about lesbians from the Howard Stern Show.

Leah Driscoll

Pop Star/Hetero Fag Hag

"It seems most people who call themselves bisexual tend to lean towards gay over time. People don't want to believe in bisexuality. We want clear cut, black and white answers to everything. Bisexuality leaves a lot of people seeing gray. We also have a need to label people - you against me, us against them. I think the idea of bisexuality makes people uncomfortable. In the end, I don't think it's really anyone's job to judge the feelings of others."

Raven O

Androgynous Superstar

"A hole is a hole when the lights are off. I'm sure "his holiness" the Pope has the answer to whether or not bisexuality is real. I don't. I believe after a few drinks, anything's possible."

DJ Seth Gold

Gay Spinner

"I think if you talk to a man who has been partnered with another man for 20 years, he's going to tell you "there's only gay." On the other hand, if you talk to a 20 year old in college who has a girlfriend and a male hookup on the side, he'll swear up and down that bisexuality is absolutely possible. Beliefs are based on one's own experience. I think most gays don't believe in bisexuality because they feel so strongly and proud about being gay. I, however, believe bisexuality is real."

By Max Jiminez

KIMBERLEY LOCKE has come a long way in the years since her appearance on American Idol, where she placed third behind Reuben Studdard. In seven years, she's had eight Top 20 smashes, three #1 Dance hits and has recorded three #1 Christmas songs.

Her latest single, "Strobelight", is collaborative effort with American Idol judge Randy Jackson's new dance label, Dream Merchant 21. The single debuted at #30 in early summer, and rockets up the charts into the top ten this week.

To promote the release, Locke is hitting clubs across the country. We spoke with the pop diva from her recording studio in Los Angeles.

Do you really love dancing under the strobelight?
I love to dance and have a good time. If you don't want to dance, don't take me to the club!

Does anything come close to the euphoria of losing yourself in a great song on the dance floor?
The only thing that I can think of is when the fans are singing my songs. That is the best feeling ever! I got that euphoric feeling this past weekend performing San Diego's Zoo Party. It was amazing.

How do you feel about comparisons to Donna Summer?
I welcome the comparisons. Donna Summers is an icon. If I can accomplish even a portion of her success, I will be extremely happy.

Strobelight seems to be inspired by the 70's dance floor.
That's exactly what we hoped to accomplish. I love old school music. I grew up listening to it at home with my parents. Disco is fun and lends itself to big voices. With "Strobelight", I can just let it all hang out and go there on the power notes.

For so long, pop artists were afraid to identify themselves as dance artists. Has that changed?
Dance music is back. Music is forever changing but I think today's dance takes us back to the good old days of the disco era. Our modern day dance music is disco re-invented.

Randy Jackson launching a dance label implies a major comeback for the genre.
What I love about Randy is that he appreciates all music. Randy recognizes a resurgence of the dance genre and wants to be a part of this music history with his label, Dream Merchant 21. Gladly, he has chosen me to go along with him!

What draws you to dance music?
My fans. They have shown me time and time again that this is where they love me.

What do you hope to contribute to the genre?
I only hope to contribute great music that people will remember and appreciate for years to come. That's what it's all about for me.

Is their pressure being the first artist on Randy's new label?
Oh yes! I want to deliver and so does Randy. Randy obviously believes in my talent as an artist and I want to live up to that.

Were you always close with Randy? On the show, you seemed closest with Paula.
I don't think I was particularly close to any one judge but I have always had a great deal of respect for Randy. He is such a well rounded person in this industry. He's done it all and he is still doing it. He can relate on all levels from artist to executive and everything in between. That's why I love working with him.

Why did you decide to do a singles-only deal with Dream Merchant 21?
A singles deal was the best for all parties involved. In today's world of digital downloads, where the consumer can download only the songs that they want, why not give them what they want every time? A banging single!

What do you plan to explore in your next tracks?
Who knows? I am excited to find out myself. More dance, for sure.

Did you ever imagine the gay community would embrace you like they have?
I would never have guessed it in a million years, but I must say that I am so glad about it. The only way I can explain it is that the gay community has such an appreciation for singers. In these days of auto tune, I appreciate people who appreciate singers.

Good luck with Strobelight, Kimberley!

See you on the dance floor!

Visit kimberleylocke.org