Bisexuality is the romantic or sexual attraction to multiple genders, but it is often misunderstood as being the same thing as pansexuality, which includes nonbinary individuals. Bisexuals may identify as male, female, transgender, or nonbinary. In contrast to heterosexual monogamy, bisexuality challenges traditional expectations regarding relationship fidelity and monogamy. Bisexuality also explores new forms of relational ethics and redefines social norms about gender binaries and sexual exclusivity. This article will explore these issues in detail.
The assumption that everyone has a primary sexual orientation is rooted in Western cultures' obsession with binary gender categories. These assumptions are based on a false notion that human beings fall into one category of masculinity or femininity, which can be seen through their physical attributes, interests, behaviors, and desires.
This view fails to recognize that sexual orientations are fluid and that some people may experience sexual desire beyond binary categories. Bisexuality interrogates these assumptions by challenging the idea of strict sexual categories and inviting an exploration of fluidity within them. By recognizing bisexuality, we challenge the dominance of heteronormative ideas of what sex should look like.
The definition of bisexuality complicates notions of monogamy. Monogamy requires loyalty to a single partner and faithfulness, which would seem impossible for someone attracted to more than one person at once.
The existence of polyamory suggests that multiple partnerships are possible simultaneously without conflict or jealousy. Polyamory involves romantic relationships between three or more individuals who engage in emotional, physical, and/or spiritual intimacy, often characterized by open communication and commitment. In this context, bisexuals can experience mutual support while exploring their attraction to different genders. Therefore, bisexuality disrupts the expectation that relationships must be exclusive and monogamous.
Bisexuality also undermines traditional relationship ethics by redefining how we define fidelity. Traditional views see infidelity as breaching trust, but bisexuality reveals that sexual exclusivity is unnecessary and restrictive.
A couple could agree to date others outside the relationship if they maintain open communication and mutual consent. This non-traditional approach to relationships highlights bisexuality's challenge to society's norms regarding sexual desire and intimacy.
Bisexuality interrogates assumptions about gender binaries, relational structures, and sexual exclusivity. It invites us to explore the fluidity of our desires beyond heteronormative expectations, broadening our understanding of love and intimacy.
How does bisexual desire interrogate normative assumptions about attraction, fidelity, and relational ethics?
Bisexual desire can be defined as an orientation towards both males and females or attraction toward multiple genders, irrespective of gender identity or sex. It is often considered to be different from homosexuality or heterosexuality because it involves romantic and sexual attractions for individuals who do not identify with either gender or have no preference between them (Myers et al. , 2019).