Bisexuality represents one of the many diverse sexual orientations that exist beyond the limiting heterosexual-homosexual binary. Those who identify as bisexual or “bi” have the capacity for emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender.
While bisexuality is often misunderstood, it encompasses a rich spectrum of multisexual identities and experiences. Examining the realities of bisexual life illuminates the complexities of human desire, relationships, and the ongoing evolution of sexuality labels.
Defining Bisexuality
Bisexuality refers to the potential to be attracted to and form relationships with people of multiple genders. A popular definition from bi advocate Robyn Ochs states:
“The potential to be attracted, romantically and/or sexually, to people of more than one sex and/or gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree.”
Key aspects of this definition include:
- Attraction, not just behavior. Orientation exists separately from sexual experience.
- Romantic and/or sexual attraction. Bisexuality encompasses emotional and physical intimacy.
- More than one gender. Binary limitations do not apply.
- Fluidity in attraction over time, situation, and partners. Static binaries do not apply.
- Varying intensity of attraction. Equal attraction is not required.
- People of any gender identity can be bisexual. It is not defined by the gender of the individual.
Bisexuals comprise a sizable portion of the LGBTQ+ community. Research indicates that bisexuals make up the largest share of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.
Is Bisexuality Binary?
Some claim that the “bi” in bisexuality reinforces the gender binary, as bi means two in Latin. However, many identity terms originated before understandings of gender diversity evolved. Their historical meanings do not limit their current usages.
The cultural and personal understandings of bisexuality have always involved attraction beyond the binary, not just to men and women. While definitions evolve with society, identity labels ultimately reflect how people interpret and apply them based on their lived experiences.
What About Pansexuality?
Pansexuality defines attraction regardless of gender. The “pan” prefix means “all” in Greek. Pansexuality and bisexuality have much overlap in the experiences they describe. Some use the terms interchangeably, while others prefer one exclusively.
Respecting how individuals label themselves remains vital. No identity term is intrinsically better or more accurate. The best term is what resonates most with each person’s sense of self and community.
Diverse Multisexual Identities
Myriad identity labels describe forms of attraction beyond the heterosexual-homosexual binary. These include:
- Omnisexual – Attraction to all genders, with gender playing a role
- Fluid – Shifting attraction over time or circumstances
- Queer – Identities outside heteronormativity
- Abrosexual – Sexuality that is constantly changing
- Skoliosexual – Attraction to trans and nonbinary people
Such terms provide nuance in describing multisexual orientations. However, many who resonate with identities beyond monosexuality may still claim the word bisexual. Its expansive historical context allows diverse interpretations.
Romantic Orientations
Romantic orientation labels help describe emotional and nonsexual attraction. Many asexual (ace) people identify with orientations like biromantic or panromantic to communicate their romantic preferences.
For both asexual and non-asexual people, romantic orientation terms can add nuance to discussions of multidimensional attraction. Romantic and sexual identities do not necessarily align.
To Label or Not to Label?
For some LGBTQ+ people, finding identity labels can represent liberation from compulsory heterosexuality. Labels help build community and further marginalized group research.
However, others feel constricted by labels. Due to safety concerns or personal reasons, avoiding labels remains valid. Self-identification is a deeply personal choice.
Why Support Bisexual Youth?
Research indicates bisexual youth face higher rates of bullying, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and other challenges compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian peers.
These troubling statistics reveal the need to specifically understand and uplift bisexual young people within LGBTQ+ advocacy and mental health services.
Responding to Myths and Questions
Many misconceptions persist about bisexuality. Here are responses to frequent myths and questions:
Myth: Bisexuality is just a phase.
Reality: Bisexuality represents a real, lasting identity, not just experimental behavior. Insisting it is temporary invalidates and erases bisexual people’s experiences.
Myth: Bisexuals are inherently unfaithful.
Reality: Orientation does not predict monogamous or polyamorous behavior. Bisexual people have diverse relationship styles, like anyone else.
Myth: Bisexuality propagates the gender binary.
Reality: Contemporary understandings of bisexuality encompass attraction to nonbinary genders as well. Definitions reflect lived experiences, not just etymological origins.
Question: Do you have to be equally attracted to all genders to count as bisexual?
Response: Unequal attraction to different genders is extremely common among bisexuals. Identity is not defined by percentages.
Question: How can I come out to unaccepting loved ones?
Response: Unfortunately, you cannot control others’ reactions. Give them resources to learn, but focus on self-acceptance. Come out only if safe.
Question: Isn’t everyone a little bisexual?
Response: Sexuality is complex and personal. Universalizing bisexuality dismisses the self-understanding of both bisexuals and monosexuals.
Question: Do I have to hook up with someone to know my orientation?
Response: Fantasies, crushes and emotional connections determine orientation, not experiences. Sexuality exists apart from behavior.
Question: Do I need a partner of my same gender to call myself bisexual?
Response: Your identity stands independent of relationship status. Come out only if safe and only to those you choose.
Health Concerns Facing Bisexual Communities
Unfortunately, bisexual people face higher risks of certain mental and physical health issues compared to heterosexuals. Contributing social factors include:
- Biphobia and bisexual erasure
- Isolation from both straight and gay communities
- Intimate partner violence
- Poverty and economic instability
- Stress from identity concealment
Providing bisexual-inclusive healthcare services can help address these disparities. However, avoiding assumptions and meeting each individual’s needs remains critical.
For physical health, bisexual people generally share concerns with others of their anatomical sex, including cancers and conditions affecting reproductive organs. HIV/AIDS used to disproportionately impact bisexual men, though research on new transmission rates is needed.
Regardless of orientation, practicing safer sex reduces STI risks. Linking promiscuity directly to bisexuality promotes harmful assumptions. Orientation does not predict behavior.
Creating Change
While society has grown more accepting of LGBTQ+ identities, harmful misconceptions about bisexuality persist. Moving forward requires:
- Affirming bisexual youth experiences
- Funding bisexual-specific mental health research
- Training clinicians in bisexual cultural competence
- Representing bisexual people positively in media
- Teaching LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education
- Advocating for bisexual legal protections
- Countering biphobia within straight and gay communities
Actively confronting myths and giving bisexual people greater voice and visibility will help dispel ignorance. With understanding, society can fully embrace the spectrum of human sexuality.
Key Takeaways
- Bisexuality involves romantic and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender.
- Diverse labels exist, but many use bisexual as an umbrella term.
- Bisexuality does not reinforce the gender binary.
- Attraction does not have to be equal across genders.
- Both behavior and identity determine orientation.
- Bisexual youth face higher risks of bullying, assault and suicide.
- Supportive families, schools, medial care, and laws are needed.
Bisexuality highlights the beautiful complexity of human intimacy. As culture expands beyond limiting binaries, we more fully comprehend the diversity of attraction. By embracing this spectrum, we move closer to true inclusivity.
Reference
- Lim, Sean. “Understanding LGBTQ+ Meaning.” Heckin’ Unicorn, 10 June 2020, https://heckinunicorn.com/blogs/heckin-unicorn-blog/understanding-lgbtq-meaning.
- Gotter, Ana. “What Is Asexuality?” Healthline, 1 July 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-asexual.
