Bisexuality is a term used to describe a person who is attracted either sexually, emotionally, or romantically to more than one sex or gender. These persons may engage in sexual or romantic relationships with females and males. Bisexuality is one of the three major sexual orientation classifications, the other two being homosexuality and heterosexuality. Once a person identifies as bisexual, it does not necessarily mean that the attraction to both genders is equal. It is common for them to have a distinction in their sexual preferences concerning their attraction to one gender or sex over the other.
As much as this is a basic definition, people who identify as bisexual are diverse, and each individualâs perception of their sexual orientation may differ. One person may be equally attracted to both genders, while another may have stronger relations towards one gender. A person who identifies as bisexual may be involved in a long-term heterosexual or a same-sex relationship or alternate between the two forms. In many instances, bisexuality is confused with pansexuality, where the individual is attracted to all genders, including transgender, cisgender, non-binary, agender, and other gender-non-conforming persons (Baker et al., 2021). This definition between bisexuality and pansexuality seems similar; however, there is a distinct difference where a bisexual person is attracted to multiple genders while a pansexual individual is romantically or sexually attracted to all.
Scientists are not yet able to determine the exact cause of sexual orientations, but they theorize it may have resulted from a complex interaction of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors (Fox, 2004). Scientists do not view sexual orientation as a choice; however, no single theory has gained ample support in scientific relevance based on biological theories. Bisexuality has been reported and identified in human societies and animals throughout history. Bisexuality comprises the largest group among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community (âUnderstanding bisexualityâ). However, many people believe that bisexuality does not actually exist and that these people suffer from bi- negativity and bi-invisibility from the gay and lesbian community, which may be used to explain instances of high levels of disparities.
Most of the time, people who identify as bisexual are poorly understood, leading to isolation, anxiety, and loneliness. Many stereotypes and myths exist surrounding bisexual individuals. One pervasive statement about bisexuality is that people are either confused or in denial and may eventually come out as lesbians or gays (Bradford, 2008). They may be viewed as indecisive and only label themselves with this term when figuring out if they are straight or gay. Some people may find it as a face or a stepping stone to homosexuality. Others feel they are just seeking attention by identifying with the LGBT community. Many are instances where bisexuals are termed as greedy and not satisfied with one gender. Bisexuals are seen as weak individuals and often are asked why they cannot admit they are gay.
Some people believe that bisexuals do not need to come out and can pretend to be straight, diminishing their place in the LGBT community. Promiscuity is the common myth and stereotype that surrounds the bisexual community. Some believe these individuals are more likely to cheat on their partners as they cannot be satisfied by one gender (Ferajaje, 2022). Some people fear dating bisexual persons because they are likely to be unfaithful. Stereotypes think a bisexual is not looking for anything serious, which is not true because this varies from person to person, as well as their commitments in long-term and short-term relationships. It is common for bisexual persons to be asked if they are looking for a threesome as people assume that as a result of their sexuality, they may be willing to be involved with different genders simultaneously.
As a result of these notions, members of the bisexual community experience otherness and potential marginalization of their identity within their LGBT and heterosexual community. The circumstances make them feel excluded, leaving them longing for belonging and seeking validation without having to identify with homosexuality. According to Lynch and Maree (2017), persons who identify as bisexuals are subject to micro aggression and operations and more exclusion from community initiatives. Biphobia exists against these people, from LG and heterosexual persons to people who come out and present with bisexual behaviors (Bradford, 2008). Members of the lesbian and gay (LG) community feel that bisexuals are closeted homosexuals and have confused identities. Some lesbian and gay people have viewed them with suspicions and have termed them as infiltrators who do not belong to their community and cannot be trusted as they are not one of them. Heterosexuals express biphobia to these persons as they feel same-sex behavior is a different practice. Bisexuals are viewed as liars and claim it is an excuse for promiscuity and to go to bed with many people.
Lesbians and gays Judge bisexuals and term them as greedy as they want to be part of their community and still date opposite-gender partners. They feel that bisexuals are too afraid to come out and are viewed as not proud of their sexuality. Bisexuals have been excluded in discussions of challenges faced by the LGBT community and seen as having hetero privileges. The stigmatization of these persons by monosexuals has derived a negative attitude towards bisexuals. Bisexual women are often ignored by feminist groups and lesbians. Bisexuality is often viewed as a sexual identity that is bipolar and that this person has sexual identity issues (DĂ€umer, 2020). Bisexuality has been seen as existing out of oppositional categories and is purposive of gender binaries. The political value of bisexuality is invalidated and is identified as a practice that unsettles the hetero-gendered norms. Puralsexuality and invisibility have been seen as a way of preventing community organizing bisexual communities. Lack of acceptance from the LGT has impacted bisexuals, leading them to experience stress, loneliness, and isolation. Lack of social support has resulted in concerns about the well-being and health of bisexual individuals.
Women are more likely than men to be accepted for bisexuality. Female-to-female sexual behaviors are more encouraged, especially in colleges, and then encouragement comes predominantly from heterosexual males. According to Monro, Hines and Osborne (2017), bisexual women are sometimes fetishized and overly sexualized. They are often seen as objects of desire and fantasy and eroticized for sexual purposes. Some men would view a bisexual woman as a chance to be engaged in a threesome relationship or sexual and romantic practices. On the other hand, harmful stereotypes exist against bisexual men and are most times scorned and ridiculed. Bisexual men and viewed as persons who transmit sexually transmitted infections between gay and straight communities. Bisexual men are termed as âPegasusâ due to their rarity.
It has not been easy for persons who identify as bisexual because they are stereotyped as being oversexed, unfaithful, and confused. Bi people and more likely to experience higher rates of intimate partner violence, depression, and alcohol and drug abuse, and coming out is highly challenging (Bradford, 2008). However, bisexuality is revolutionary, and several positives exist for being bisexual. Bisexual movements have resulted in not only freedom for bisexual individuals but also the liberation of other groups. As monosexism creates disparities between bisexual communities and the rest of the people, their resilience has resulted in recognition of refusal to conform to stereotypes and misconceptions. Bisexuals have opened platforms for other sexualities and genders to come out; due to this, there are more than 100 genders that currently exist (Ferajaje, 2022). Gender is no longer regarded as a binary concept and has emerged as a spectrum and continuum to identify them with any identity they wish. The members of this gender feel a sense of belonging in a community.
Bisexuality has promoted visibility, normalization, and acceptance of one identity in society. These persons can now receive support and discuss their shared experiences which promote personal growth. A person is not limited to gender when it comes to sexual and romantic experiences, which promotes the celebration of oneâs identity. Inclusivity in the community reduces phobias and promotes unity (Wang and Feinstein, 2022). A bisexual person enjoys the privilege of pursuing relationships with anyone they choose regardless of gender. This aspect opens them up to a world of millions of sexual possibilities. They can expand their horizon, try new experiences, pass knowledge from one partner to another, and create a world of better sex for everyone.
In conclusion, bisexuality is associated with persons who experience attraction to both sexes. Different stereotypes exist concerning bisexual identity, including people thinking bisexuals are confused, weak, greedy, and promiscuous. These stereotypes have resulted in otherness, exclusion, and biphobia from heterosexuals and the LG community. Bisexual persons experience adverse effects due to these challenges; however, positives exist about being bisexual. Bisexuality has created ventures for the identification of other existing gender identities. Additionally, a bisexual person is a revolutionary by refusing to take sides even under the pressure of everyone stereotyping them, proving them wrong, and remedying their misconceptions.
Reference List
âUnderstanding bisexualityâ. American Psychological Association, Web.
Baker, et al. (2021) âSexual health information sources, needs, and preferences of young adult sexual minority cisgender women and non-binary individuals assigned female at birthâ, Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 18(3), pp. 775-787.
Bradford, M. (2008) âThe bisexual experienceâ, Journal of Bisexuality, 4(1-2), pp. 7-23.
DĂ€umer, E. (2020) âQueer ethics; or, the challenge of bisexuality to lesbian ethicsâ, Hypatia, 7(4), pp. 95-105
Ferajaje, I. A. (2022) âQueer(y)ing religious education: teaching the R(evolutionary) S(ub)Versions) or Relax! ⊠Itâs Just Religiousâ ed. Journal of Bisexuality, 22(2), pp. 318-319.
Fox, R. (2004) Current research on bsexuality. Binghamton, NY: Taylor & Francis Group.
Lynch, I. and Maree, D. (2017) âGender outlaws or a slow bending of norms? South African bisexual womenâs treatment of gender binariesâ, SAGE Journals, 19(3).
Monro, S., Hines, S. and Osborne, A. (2017) âIs bisexuality invisible? a review of sexualities scholarship 1970â2015â, The Sociological Review, 65(4), pp. 663-681.
Wang, A. Y., and Feinstein, B. A. (2022) âThe perks of being bi+: positive sexual orientationârelated experiences among bisexual, pansexual, and queer male youthâ, Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 9(1), p. 58.