Bisexual

Bisexual refers to an individual who experiences romantic or sexual attraction to more than one gender. This can include attraction to both people of the same gender and people of a different gender, though the degree or nature of attraction can vary for each person. Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that recognizes the fluidity of attraction, which may not be equally distributed across genders or may change over time.

Key Features

Attraction to Multiple Genders: Bisexual individuals are attracted to more than one gender. This attraction can be experienced to varying degrees or in different ways, depending on the individual.
Fluidity of Attraction: Some bisexual individuals may experience attraction to different genders at different times, while others may feel an equal level of attraction to multiple genders simultaneously.
Identity Variability: Bisexuality can be fluid, meaning an individual may not always experience equal attraction to all genders or might have varying preferences over time.

Context

Bisexuality challenges traditional binary gender expectations, as it acknowledges that attraction is not limited to one gender or sex. Being bisexual can mean different things for different people, and it is important to note that bisexual individuals might experience attraction to people of any gender in different forms—emotional, romantic, sexual, or some combination thereof.

Definition and Scope

Bisexuality refers to attraction to more than one gender but does not imply equal attraction or simultaneous attraction to all genders. The term is inclusive of individuals who experience attraction to people of the same gender and different genders.

Example: A bisexual person may feel romantic attraction to women and nonbinary people or sexual attraction to men and women.

Fluidity in Bisexuality

Bisexuality is inherently fluid, allowing for changes in attraction over time. Some bisexual individuals identify under related terms, such as Bi+, to emphasize the inclusivity of their orientation.

Cultural Relevance

Bisexuality plays a vital role in the broader LGBTQ+ community, helping to challenge the notion that sexual attraction is binary or limited to same-sex or opposite-sex relationships. Bisexual individuals may face unique challenges, such as biphobia (discrimination against bisexual people), and may be marginalized both within the straight and LGBTQ+ communities. Increased visibility and understanding of bisexuality are crucial in promoting inclusivity and addressing misconceptions, such as the idea that bisexuality is just a phase or that bisexual individuals are confused. Bisexuality is a valid sexual orientation, and its recognition supports a more diverse and inclusive understanding of human attraction and sexuality.

Historical Context

Bisexuality has been present throughout history but was often misunderstood or erased in dominant cultural narratives. In ancient societies, such as Greece and Rome, relationships across genders were not uncommon, though they were rarely classified as bisexuality in the modern sense. In contemporary LGBTQIA+ movements, bisexuality has often been overshadowed by gay and lesbian identities, contributing to bi-erasure.

Media Representation

Bisexual characters in media have historically been underrepresented or portrayed through harmful stereotypes, such as promiscuity, indecision, or betrayal. Recent shows and films have started to showcase more nuanced bisexual characters, such as Rosa Diaz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine or David Rose in Schitt’s Creek, helping normalize bisexuality.

Social Misconceptions and Stereotypes

Bisexual people often face assumptions that they are:

“Confused” or in transition to being gay or straight.
Hypersexual or incapable of monogamy.
Experimenting or going through a phase.

Challenges Faced by Bisexual Individuals

Bisexual Erasure: Bisexuality is frequently erased in cultural and social contexts, where bisexual individuals are presumed to be gay, lesbian, or straight based on their current partner. This erasure is pervasive in both heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ spaces, leading to invisibility and invalidation.
Mental Health Disparities: Studies show bisexual people face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than gay, lesbian, or straight individuals. These disparities are driven by stigma, isolation, and exclusion from both queer and straight communities.
Social and Relational Stigma: Bisexual individuals may be stereotyped as unfaithful or untrustworthy in relationships. They may face rejection or misunderstanding from both heterosexual and queer partners, family, or friends.
Lack of Community: Bisexual people often feel excluded from both heterosexual spaces and LGBTQIA+ spaces, which can lead to feelings of isolation.