Bisexual people define gender as a spectrum instead of a binary. This means that they recognize the presence of multiple genders beyond male and female. They may identify as masculine, feminine, nonbinary, transgender, agender, intersex, genderfluid, androgynous, or any other label that fits their personal identity. Bisexuals challenge traditional ideas about gender roles, stereotypes, and expectations. They reject labels based on gender expression, such as "feminist" or "masculine", and focus on emotional resonance instead.
In bisexual culture, emotional resonance is more important than physical attraction. Bisexual individuals can find themselves attracted to both men and women, regardless of their own gender identities or presentations. They prioritize intimate connections over superficial ones. It's common for bisexuals to feel attracted to people who express traditionally "opposite" gender roles, such as butch lesbians, femme gay men, tomboys, or princesses. Some may be drawn to specific traits like confidence, sensitivity, or ambition rather than outward appearance.
Gender roles are defined by society, and many bisexuals choose to ignore them. They don't follow strict rules about how to dress, act, speak, or behave. They may defy social norms by adopting elements from different genders in their clothing choices, grooming styles, hobbies, and habits.
Some bisexuals wear makeup and heels while others prefer t-shirts and jeans. They may even embrace stereotypical masculine or feminine behaviors without being exclusively masculine or feminine themselves. This allows them to break free from the pressure of gender conformity and explore new perspectives.
Bisexuals also question the idea that gender should dictate sexual orientation. Many reject the notion that heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality are separate categories based on gender identity. Instead, they see sexuality as a fluid continuum wherein multiple attractions can coexist. They may date partners with the same or opposite gender identities, engage in threesomes or other nontraditional relationships, and experiment with eroticism beyond labels. Some bisexuals identify as pansexual or polyamorous, embracing all forms of intimacy without restrictive definitions.
Bisexuals challenge the notion that gender is always visible or fixed. Many feel comfortable presenting in a way that doesn't match their assigned sex at birth. They may transition or express themselves however they wish, regardless of external expectations. By doing so, they redefine what it means to be male, female, transgender, intersex, etc., and reject societal assumptions about how these identities must look or act. Bisexuals understand that gender is a personal journey that requires constant self-exploration and introspection. They prioritize emotional resonance over social norms, seeking out meaningful connections rather than superficial ones.
In what ways do bisexual individuals redefine gender as a field of emotional resonance rather than an organizing category?
Many bisexual people find that gender is not a fixed or static concept but rather something that can be fluid and ever-changing. They may experience attraction to both men and women at different points in their lives, or they may feel attracted to masculine traits in one individual and feminine traits in another. For some bisexuals, gender identity is more about how they express themselves rather than a set of rigid expectations based on sexual orientation.