In this paper, I will examine bisexuality's role in challenging traditional phenomena around love, desire, and intimacy from philosophical perspectives. I will begin by outlining some fundamental features of bisexuality before exploring its implications for theories of attraction and relationship formation. I will then look at how philosophy can be used to understand bisexual experiences beyond traditional binary conceptions of gender and identity.
I will conclude with suggestions for future research and discussions surrounding bisexuality within broader frameworks of philosophy and social science.
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction towards people regardless of their gender identity. It differs from homosexuality and heterosexuality, which are limited exclusively to same-sex or opposite-sex attractions, respectively. The term "bisexual" has existed since at least the late nineteenth century, but it was largely ignored until later decades when LGBTQ+ identities began to gain visibility and recognition. Bisexuality remains understudied today due to various factors such as stigma, lack of representation, and misunderstanding.
There have been several attempts to explore bisexuality through philosophical lenses that challenge traditional assumptions about attraction and relationships.
One way that bisexuality challenges traditional phenomenologies of attraction is by highlighting the fluid nature of human sexuality. Previous models of attraction assumed that individuals were either primarily attracted to men or women, with a small percentage of individuals being ambivalent or indifferent between genders. This view, known as the Kinsey Scale, suggested that most people fit into distinct categories along a spectrum ranging from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual). By contrast, bisexuality implies that attraction can be multi-faceted and changeable over time. Some studies suggest that bisexuals may experience greater flexibility in their preferences than monosexuals, potentially reflecting broader differences in socialization, hormonal levels, or brain structure.
Another challenge posed by bisexuality concerns relationship formation and maintenance. Traditional theories of love and desire assume that romantic bonds emerge between two individuals based on shared interests, values, and beliefs. These notions do not always account for complex power dynamics or unequal social structures that affect interpersonal interactions. Bisexual individuals may face unique challenges in finding compatible partners who share both gender identities while also navigating societal norms around masculinity/femininity, monogamy/nonmonogamy, etc. The polyamorous community has explored alternative models of relationship structure that could better accommodate multiple gender identities and desires, but there remains much work to be done in this area.
Philosophy can help expand our understanding of bisexual experiences beyond traditional binary conceptions of gender and identity. Feminist philosophy, for example, suggests that we should question the assumptions underlying male/female dichotomies and explore the fluidity of gender. Queer theory similarly examines how society's rigid categorizations restrict people's self-expression and limit possibilities for intimacy. Moreover, poststructuralist ideas about language and meaning propose that sexuality is constructed through discourse and culture rather than innate biology or personal choice. By reconsidering these frameworks, we might gain new insights into how bisexuality challenges traditional phenomenologies and opens up fresh avenues for philosophical inquiry.
Bisexuality represents an important challenge to existing models of attraction and relationships within philosophy. It requires us to reevaluate fundamental concepts like gender, desire, and love while recognizing the importance of individual agency and flexibility. Future research could focus on collecting empirical data from diverse populations, developing theoretical frameworks, and creating ethically responsible interventions that support bisexual individuals.
Bisexuality provides an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of human experience and reshape how we think about intimate connections between people.
In what ways does bisexuality challenge traditional phenomenologies of attraction and relationality, and how might philosophy expand to accommodate these experiences?
Bisexuality challenges traditional phenomenologies of attraction and relationality because it involves an attraction to both genders, which can be difficult for individuals who identify as monosexual (i. e. , heterosexual or homosexual) to understand. Philosophy may expand its understanding of sexuality and relationships by acknowledging that there are multiple forms of intimacy and desire that exist beyond binary categorization.