Bisexuality is a sexual identity that falls under the "B" in LGBTQ+. It refers to individuals who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one gender. Bisexuality is often misunderstood or misrepresented, despite the fact that bisexual people make up a significant portion of the LGBTQ+ community. This article will help you understand what bisexuality is, address misconceptions, and explain how to support bisexual individuals.

What Does Bisexual Mean?

Being bisexual means that a person is attracted to more than one gender. This could include attraction to both men and women, but it is not limited to these two genders. Many bisexual people are also attracted to transgender and nonbinary individuals. Bisexuality is a broad identity that encompasses various forms of attraction and is not confined to just male or female genders.

It’s important to note that bisexual people don’t need to have experienced attraction to both genders in equal measure, nor do they need to have sexual experiences with both genders to identify as bisexual. Bisexuality is about the potential for attraction to more than one gender, not necessarily acting on that attraction.

Contrary to some misconceptions, bisexuality is not a “phase.” Bisexual people can experience a range of attractions throughout their lives, but that does not invalidate their sexual identity. Bisexuality is a legitimate and stable sexual orientation that reflects the diversity of sexual attraction that can exist in the human experience.

Is Bisexuality Binary?

A common misconception about bisexuality is that individuals need to have been intimate with both a man and a woman to be considered bisexual. This is incorrect. Bisexuality is not confined to the binary gender system of male and female. Bisexual people are attracted to individuals across a spectrum of gender identities, which may include cisgender, transgender, and nonbinary people.

Dr. Jo Eckler, a psychologist based in Texas, explains that bisexuality involves attraction to people of the same gender and those of other genders, including transgender individuals. Our society's perception of gender and sexuality is often very binary, meaning that people are conditioned to think in terms of just male or female. Bisexuality, however, transcends these limitations and reflects a nonbinary experience of sexual attraction.

Bisexuality vs. Pansexuality

Bisexuality is sometimes confused with pansexuality, but there are important differences. Pansexuality refers to attraction to all genders without being influenced by gender identity. A pansexual person is attracted to people regardless of their gender, while bisexual people are attracted to individuals of more than one gender, but gender may still play a role in their attraction.

Although the two orientations overlap, the distinction lies in how individuals experience attraction. Bisexuality often acknowledges gender as a factor in attraction, while pansexuality is more gender-neutral and includes individuals of all gender identities. Some people identify as both bisexual and pansexual, depending on how they experience their attraction to others.

Common Misconceptions About Bisexuality

There are several misconceptions about bisexuality that persist due to biphobia and the lack of positive representation of bisexual people in media. Biphobia is a form of discrimination against bisexual individuals, and it can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health. Here are a few myths that continue to circulate about bisexuality:

Bisexual People Are Hypersexual

A common myth is that bisexual people are more promiscuous than others and are unable to maintain monogamous relationships. This stereotype is not true, and it is often perpetuated by media portrayals of bisexuality. Being attracted to more than one gender does not mean a person is more sexually active or unfaithful to their partners. Bisexual people, like anyone else, can have committed relationships and respect their partners' boundaries.

Bisexuality Is Not Real

Some people believe that bisexuality is not a legitimate sexual identity, often dismissing it as "just a phase." This belief is known as bisexual erasure, and it can make bisexual individuals feel invalidated or unsupported. People may assume someone is straight if they are in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender or gay if they’re with a partner of the same gender. This lack of recognition can lead to feelings of isolation and stigma within the LGBTQ+ community.

Bisexuality Is a Phase

Another misconception is that bisexuality is merely a phase before someone comes out as gay or lesbian. This myth harms individuals who identify as bisexual by invalidating their experience of attraction. Bisexuality is a valid, longstanding identity, and the idea that it’s just a passing phase overlooks the reality that bisexual individuals may experience attraction to multiple genders throughout their lives.

How to Support Bisexual People

Understanding and supporting bisexual people is crucial for fostering an inclusive and accepting environment. Here are several ways you can support individuals who identify as bisexual:

  1. Be an ally: Advocate for bisexual individuals by speaking out against biphobia and discrimination. Make your spaces—whether at work, school, or in social settings—inclusive of bisexual people.

  2. Listen and validate: When someone opens up about their bisexuality, listen with empathy and validate their experience. It’s important not to invalidate their identity or pressure them to "pick a side."

  3. Educate yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about bisexuality and the challenges bisexual people face. Read articles, engage in conversations, and learn how you can become a better ally to the bisexual community.

  4. Speak out against biphobia: When you witness biphobia or negative stereotypes about bisexual people, stand up and speak out. Bystander intervention can help combat discrimination and support marginalized individuals.

  5. Support marginalized voices: Within the bisexual community, there are individuals who face additional challenges, such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) bisexual people. Supporting these voices and acknowledging the diversity within the bisexual community is important for creating an inclusive environment.

A Quick Review

Bisexuality is a sexual identity that involves attraction to more than one gender. Bisexual individuals may experience attraction to people of various gender identities, including cisgender, transgender, and nonbinary people. Despite being misunderstood or stigmatized, bisexuality is a legitimate identity. Understanding bisexuality, addressing misconceptions, and offering support to bisexual individuals is vital for creating a more inclusive society.

By being educated, validating bisexual identities, and speaking out against biphobia, you can help create a more supportive and accepting world for bisexual people.