Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by an attraction towards people of more than one gender. It is a fluid identity that can shift and change over time and may include various degrees of romantic, emotional, physical, spiritual, and sensory attractions. Bisexuals are often marginalized and discriminated against due to their non-heteronormative identities, which makes it difficult for them to have open and honest conversations about their experiences.
Bisexual ethics offers a framework for understanding bisexuality that is inclusive of multiple forms of desire and relationships. This essay will explore how bisexual ethics expands moral philosophy to incorporate relational multiplicity, fluidity of desire, and ethical accountability.
Relational Multiplicity
Relational multiplicity refers to the idea that human beings are capable of forming relationships with people of different genders and identities simultaneously. It suggests that humans are not limited to binary categories such as male/female or heterosexual/homosexual but rather exist within a range of possibilities. Bisexuality is a prime example of this concept, as individuals may experience attraction toward multiple genders simultaneously. As such, bisexual ethics recognizes the importance of acknowledging diverse identities in our daily lives and interactions with others.
Fluidity of Desire
Fluidity of desire means that bisexual attraction can be unpredictable and change over time. It acknowledges that bisexuals may feel attracted to someone initially based on their gender and then later develop deeper connections with them regardless of their gender. This approach challenges traditional views that suggest sexuality is fixed and immutable. By embracing fluidity, bisexual ethics provides an opportunity to rethink our assumptions about desire and relationships.
Ethical Accountability
Ethical accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions and considering how they affect others. In bisexual ethics, this principle emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency when navigating romantic and sexual relationships.
If someone is unsure whether their feelings for another person are purely platonic or romantic, it is important to communicate this openly to avoid misleading them.
Bisexuals should consider how their choices impact themselves and those around them, including their partners, friends, family members, coworkers, and society at large.
How might bisexual ethics expand moral philosophy to incorporate relational multiplicity, fluidity of desire, and ethical accountability?
Moral philosophers have been preoccupied with questions such as “What is right?” and “How should we live our lives?” for centuries. Traditionally, these questions are addressed from the perspective of either/or choices between two or more alternatives.