Bisexual
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to both males and females. Bisexual individuals can experience emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of both genders. It's important to note that bisexuality exists on a spectrum, and individuals may experience varying degrees of attraction to different genders. Recognizing the intersectionality of bisexuality with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status, involves addressing the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals who belong to marginalized communities.
Positive aspects of bisexuality can include embracing and celebrating one's diverse attractions, forming meaningful connections with individuals of different genders, and contributing to a more inclusive understanding of human sexuality.
Bisexuality is often distinct from other sexual orientations such as homosexuality (attraction to the same gender) and heterosexuality (attraction to the opposite gender). Bisexual individuals may have different preferences and relationship experiences, just like individuals of any other sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation is a multifaceted construct that includes identity, attraction, and behavior. Miller and colleagues defined bisexuality as: “The capacity for emotional, romantic, and/or physical attraction to more than one sex or gender” noting, “That capacity for attraction may or may not manifest itself in terms of sexual interaction”. Based on data from five United States (US) population-based surveys, Gates estimated that 1.8% of the US population identified as bisexual (2.2% of women, 1.4% of men). The bisexual population in the US may be even larger, as one national survey found that 3.1% identified as bisexual (3.6% of women, 2.6% of men) and rates were even higher for adolescents (4.9% of adolescents identified as bisexual, including 8.4% of females and 1.5% of males).
Rates of bisexual identification range from 0.5% to 1.2% in other countries (Australia, Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom), but those estimates were based on a single population-based survey in each country. Regardless, even larger proportions of people report being attracted to more than one gender or having engaged in sex with both women and men. People who report bisexual attractions or behavior may identify as bisexual, but they may also use alternative labels (e.g., queer, pansexual) or identify as lesbian, gay, or heterosexual.
Bisexuality, like any other sexual orientation, is a valid and natural aspect of human diversity. Unique stressors that bisexual individuals experience include negative attitudes toward bisexuality, microaggressions and victimization, challenges related to identity management (e.g., concealment, disclosure), and the internalization and anticipation of stigma.
Bisexual individuals are at increased risk for negative health outcomes compared to heterosexual individuals and often compared to gay/lesbian individuals as well. there is strong evidence that bisexual individuals are at increased risk for mental health and substance use problems. These disparities are evident across dimensions of bisexuality (identity, attraction, and behavior), but there are important nuances to these findings. There is also evidence that bisexual men are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to heterosexual men and that bisexual women are at increased risk for STIs compared to both lesbians and heterosexual women. Although there are numerous causes of these disparities, a leading contributor is stress related to stigma and discrimination.
A consistent finding in the literature is that bisexual individuals report higher rates of mental health problems compared to monosexual individuals. Bostwick and colleagues found that bisexuality (identity, attraction, and behavior) was generally associated with increased rates of mood/anxiety disorders for women and men. Despite rates being similar for self-identified gay and bisexual men, rates were higher for behaviorally bisexual men compared to behaviorally gay men (46.5% versus 26.8% for mood disorders, 38.9% versus 25.0% for anxiety disorders).
Bisexual individuals reported higher depression and anxiety compared to heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals as well as higher suicidality compared to heterosexual individuals. Conron and colleagues provide striking data on suicidality, reporting that 18.5% of bisexual individuals had seriously considered suicide in the past year compared to 4.2% of gay/lesbian individuals and 3.0% of heterosexual individuals.
The finding that bisexual individuals report higher substance use compared to monosexual individuals has been replicated in numerous studies. Bisexuality (across dimensions) was generally associated with increased rates of substance use and dependence for women and men. For instance, past-year rates of heavy drinking, marijuana use, and other drug use were higher among bisexual-identified women (25.0% for heavy drinking, 22.2% for marijuana use, 14.1% for other drug use) compared to lesbians (20.1% for heavy drinking, 16.7% for marijuana use, 12.6% for other drug use) and heterosexual women (8.4% for heavy drinking, 2.6% for marijuana use, 3.1% for other drug use).
Ssexual orientation is a deeply personal aspect of one's identity, and everyone's experience with bisexuality may differ. It's important to respect and acknowledge individuals' self-identified sexual orientations and support them in creating a safe and inclusive environment. Promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and supporting the rights and well-being of bisexual individuals can contribute to creating a more equitable and accepting society for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Bisexual liberation refers to the ongoing movement and advocacy for the rights, visibility, and acceptance of bisexual individuals in society. It seeks to challenge biphobia, bi erasure, and other forms of discrimination that bisexual individuals may face. The bisexual liberation movement aims to promote understanding and recognition of bisexuality as a valid and legitimate sexual orientation. It strives for equal treatment, representation, and support for bisexual individuals, both within LGBTQ+ communities and in society at large.
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