Bisexuality is often misunderstood and stigmatized because it violates the binary gender system that divides humans into men and women. Bisexual individuals are attracted to both males and females, but their identity can also be nonbinary or fluid. They may switch between genders or experience feelings for all people regardless of gender.
This complexity is not limited to their identity; bisexuals also face challenges when it comes to experiencing erotic desire and interpreting conflicting attractions toward multiple genders.
How do bisexual individuals experience erotic desire?
Desire is subjective, personal, and unique for each individual. It is influenced by many factors, including biology, psychology, socialization, culture, beliefs, experiences, expectations, and fantasies. Therefore, bisexual individuals' desires cannot be generalized. Still, they usually describe feeling an attraction toward multiple genders simultaneously or one after another. This can create confusion and tension, leading them to question their sexual orientation and feel uncomfortable about themselves and others.
How do bisexual individuals interpret conflicting attractions?
Conflicting attractions refer to situations where a bisexual person feels erotically drawn to more than one gender at the same time. These feelings can cause inner conflict and make them struggle with their identity. Some bisexual individuals believe in monogamy and try to reconcile their desires by focusing on only one partner. Others accept polyamory and open relationships to explore their attractions freely without guilt or shame. A third group chooses to ignore these feelings altogether and focus on other aspects of life. The decision is personal, and there are no right or wrong answers.
Bisexuality is diverse, complex, and nuanced. Bisexual individuals have their own journey of self-discovery, exploration, and healing from stigma and discrimination. Their erotic desire is not always straightforward, and it may change over time. They need support, understanding, empathy, validation, respect, and compassion as they navigate this terrain. Society must accept their diversity and normalize nonbinary identities to eliminate stigmatization and misunderstandings that harm all.
How do bisexual individuals experience erotic desire, and how do they interpret conflicting attractions toward multiple genders?
Bisexuals' experiences with erotic desire can be complex due to their attraction to more than one gender. They may feel confused about their feelings, struggle with social stigma, and find it difficult to navigate relationships that involve non-monogamy. Some research has suggested that bisexual individuals may experience "identity conflict" where they struggle to reconcile their desires with societal expectations of monogamy and heteronormativity.