Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that describes people who are attracted to both men and women. It can be expressed through a combination of emotional, romantic, physical, and/or sexual attraction to different genders, which may vary across time, space, or circumstances. Bisexuals experience sexual attraction towards multiple gender identities but tend to self-identify based on their primary attractions. While some bisexuals identify exclusively with one gender identity, others do not. Bisexuality has been an accepted part of human sexuality for thousands of years, yet it remains stigmatized today due to societal prejudices. This essay explores how bisexual thoughts influence erotic arousal, identity development, and internal conflict between curiosity and commitment.
Erotic Arousal
Erotic arousal is a physiological response to sexual stimuli that involves changes in the brain, genitals, skin, heart rate, breathing, muscle tension, and other body parts. The extent of this response depends on many factors, including individual biology, personality traits, and current state of mind. For bisexuals, erotic arousal is influenced by the complexity of their desires, which often involve multiple gender identities simultaneously. Studies have found that bisexual women are more likely than heterosexual or lesbian women to report being sexually aroused by same-sex images. Similarly, bisexual men are more likely than straight or gay men to be aroused by male and female images. These results suggest that bisexuals' erotic arousal is affected by both intrinsic (i.e., personal sexual preferences) and extrinsic (i.e., environmental cues) factors.
Identity Development
Identity development is a process of becoming aware of who we are as individuals, including our beliefs, values, and behaviors. It typically occurs over several years and involves self-exploration, self-discovery, and socialization. Bisexuals may experience unique challenges during this process because they must navigate conflicting cultural messages about what it means to be straight, gay, or bisexual. This can lead to feelings of confusion, ambivalence, anxiety, and internal conflict between curiosity and commitment. Some bisexuals may identify with one gender identity for most of their lives before discovering their attractions towards others. Others may question their orientation throughout adulthood without fully understanding its implications. Regardless of when and how it develops, bisexual identity can take time to accept and embrace.
Internal Conflict
Internal conflict refers to mental tension or turmoil caused by opposing thoughts, feelings, or attitudes. It can occur in response to any situation, but it is particularly common among bisexuals struggling to reconcile their desires with societal expectations.
Some people feel pressured to choose between monogamy and polyamory, exclusivity and openness, marriage and singlehood, or traditional or non-traditional relationships. Such choices involve weighing multiple options that can seem equally appealing, leading to prolonged indecision. Other times, bisexuals experience guilt, shame, and/or fear of rejection due to cultural stigma surrounding bisexuality. These emotions can impact erotic arousal, causing discomfort, embarrassment, or even avoidance of sexual situations altogether.
Bisexual thoughts have a significant influence on erotic arousal, identity development, and internal conflict. They affect the types of individuals who are sexually attractive, how those desires manifest in real life, and whether bisexual individuals feel comfortable expressing them. Bisexuality remains misunderstood and understudied in Western society despite evidence suggesting that it is relatively common (up to 12% of adults). By exploring these complexities further, researchers may help improve bisexual wellbeing through interventions tailored to their unique needs and experiences.
How do bisexual thoughts influence erotic arousal, identity development, and internal conflict between curiosity and commitment?
Bisexuality is defined as sexual attraction to both men and women, but this definition is too narrow when it comes to understanding how bisexuals actually experience their sexuality. Some may not feel attracted to people of either gender equally while others might prefer one over the other. It also doesn't take into account non-binary identities which don't fall under male/female binary construct.