The idea that desire can be mapped or defined is a common assumption made in popular discourse about human sexuality.
Bisexuality challenges this notion by exposing the epistemic instability of desire as something that cannot be easily pinned down or categorized. In this essay, I will explore how bisexuality exposes the problematic nature of such assumptions and why they are ultimately untenable.
It's important to define what we mean when we talk about desire and its relationship to sex and sexuality. Desire refers to an individual's innate, often irrational yearning for another person or thing. It can be influenced by factors like physical attraction, emotional connection, and personal experiences. Sexuality, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses a wide range of behaviors and identities related to gender and romantic relationships.
Bisexuality, which describes individuals who are attracted to both men and women, complicates the way we think about these concepts.
Consider two people, one of whom is exclusively attracted to women and the other of whom is exclusively attracted to men. If we assume that desire is fixed and stable, then we would expect them to experience different levels of attraction towards members of each sex. Yet in reality, this may not always be the case. Someone who identifies as bisexual may feel just as strongly drawn to a man as someone who identifies as straight feels towards a woman, while someone who identifies as gay may feel more intensely drawn to women than men. This suggests that desire is not necessarily tied to a person's identity or orientation but rather arises from complex psychological processes.
Bisexuality challenges our ability to categorize individuals based on their sexuality. A bisexual person cannot be neatly placed into either the "gay" or "straight" box, forcing us to grapple with the fact that human sexuality is far more nuanced and fluid than we previously thought. This also means that any attempt to define bisexuality itself becomes problematic, as it assumes a single definition for something that can take many forms.
Bisexuality exposes the epistemic instability of desire by highlighting its inherent complexity and unpredictability. Rather than viewing desire as an object that can be mapped or defined, we should approach it with humility and openness, recognizing that it is constantly evolving and shifting. By doing so, we can better understand the rich diversity of human sexuality and cultivate greater empathy towards those whose experiences differ from our own.
How does bisexuality expose the epistemic instability of desire as an object that can be mapped or defined?
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior toward both males and females. It has been historically stigmatized due to its perceived ambiguity and fluidity. Bisexuals are often assumed to lack commitment or to be indecisive, which contributes to their marginalization within the larger LGBTQ+ community.