Bi +

Bi+ is an umbrella term used to describe individuals who are attracted to more than one gender. It is often used to refer to people who identify as bisexual, but it also includes anyone whose attraction spans multiple genders, such as those who are pansexual, demisexual, or any other identity within the broader bisexual spectrum. Bi+ acknowledges the fluidity and diversity of attraction across genders while emphasizing that bisexuality is not limited to attraction to only two genders.

Key Features

Bi+ refers to anyone who experiences attraction to more than one gender, which may include bisexual, pansexual, or other identities within this spectrum.
The “+” in Bi+ represents the inclusion of various other identities beyond bisexuality, reflecting a broad, inclusive understanding of attraction across genders.
Bi+ individuals may be attracted to multiple genders at once, or their attraction may vary over time, making it distinct from a rigid definition of bisexuality.

Context

Bi+ is a more inclusive and expansive term used within the LGBTQIA+ community to encompass the variety of experiences people have with attraction to more than one gender. It highlights the diversity of bisexuality and related identities, as well as the fluid nature of sexual attraction. The term seeks to bridge gaps between bisexuality, pansexuality, and other orientations that acknowledge attraction to multiple genders, without placing restrictions on how that attraction is experienced.

Attraction Beyond a Single Gender

Bi+ individuals are characterized by their capacity for attraction to more than one gender. This attraction may be romantic, sexual, or both. The nature of this attraction can differ from person to person and may not be equally distributed among genders.

Example: A person might be romantically attracted to men and women but sexually attracted to nonbinary people.

Diverse Labels Under Bi+

Bi+ encompasses a variety of identities, such as:

Bisexual: Attraction to two or more genders.
Pansexual: Attraction regardless of gender.
Polysexual: Attraction to multiple, but not all, genders.
Omnisexual: Attraction to all genders, often with recognition of gender as a factor.

These labels reflect different experiences and perspectives within the Bi+ community.

Example: Someone might identify as pansexual because they feel their attractions transcend gender, while another might prefer bisexual to emphasize attraction to multiple genders.

Fluidity in Attraction

For some Bi+ individuals, the intensity or focus of their attraction may change over time or depend on context. This fluidity highlights the dynamic nature of sexual and romantic orientation for many within the Bi+ spectrum.

Example: A Bi+ person might feel a stronger attraction to men at one stage in life and to nonbinary individuals at another.

Cultural Relevance

Bi+ plays an important role in promoting inclusivity and visibility for people whose sexual orientations are not limited to a single gender. It works against the misconception that bisexuality only means attraction to men and women and challenges stereotypes within the broader LGBTQ+ community. By using the term Bi+, the community acknowledges the fluidity and complexity of attraction, allowing for greater representation and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.

Visibility and Representation

Bi+ people often face erasure or misunderstanding, even within LGBTQ+ spaces. Misconceptions like "being indecisive" or "transitioning to gay/straight" can undermine the legitimacy of Bi+ identities. Positive representation in media and culture is crucial for increasing visibility and combating stereotypes.

Example: Iconic figures like Freddie Mercury or pop culture characters who identify as Bi+ help challenge stigma and foster understanding.

Community and Support

Bi+ individuals may feel isolated due to marginalization from both heterosexual and queer communities. Creating inclusive Bi+ spaces fosters solidarity and validation. Organizations and pride events focusing on Bi+ identities provide platforms for advocacy and education.

Example: Bi+ support groups or pride flags at LGBTQ+ events help create spaces where Bi+ individuals feel seen and celebrated.

Historical Contributions

Bi+ individuals have been pivotal in LGBTQ+ activism and rights movements, though their contributions are often overlooked. Figures like Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist, played a key role in organizing the first Pride March, yet the contributions of Bi+ people are sometimes erased in queer history.

Example: Recognizing Bi+ activists during Pride events helps affirm their role in the broader LGBTQ+ movement.

Challenges Faced by the Bi+ Community

Bi-Erasure and Misconceptions: Bi+ individuals often face invalidation, with their identities dismissed as "phases" or "confusion." Bi-erasure occurs when media or culture downplay or ignore Bi+ identities, reinforcing stereotypes that Bi+ people must "choose a side."
- Example: A bisexual character in a movie being portrayed as "actually straight" after ending up with an opposite-gender partner contributes to bi-erasure.
Stereotyping: Bi+ individuals are frequently stereotyped as promiscuous, indecisive, or unfaithful, which can lead to stigmatization in relationships and communities. These stereotypes harm self-esteem and contribute to discrimination.
- Example: A Bi+ person might hesitate to disclose their orientation to a partner for fear of being labeled as "untrustworthy."
Mental Health Impacts: Due to marginalization, Bi+ individuals often experience higher rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Lack of acceptance in both straight and queer spaces exacerbates feelings of isolation.
- Example: A Bi+ person struggling with erasure in their social circles might face difficulties in accessing affirming support.