Bisexual identity refers to an individual's attraction to people of more than one gender or sex, while also identifying as bisexual. This term is often used interchangeably with pansexual, which means being attracted to all genders and/or sexes. Bisexual individuals may experience emotional and physical attractions to men and women, people who identify as nonbinary, agender, transgender, etc. According to some researchers, these terms are critical for challenging essentialist and totalizing ontologies of desire and relationality.
Essentialist ontology suggests that there are certain natural characteristics associated with being male or female, such as biological differences between them. It assumes that the body is the primary basis for determining identity and sexual orientation. Essentialists believe that men and women have different roles in society based on their bodies, which affects how they view themselves and others. In contrast, non-essentialist theory argues that gender identity is socially constructed through language and culture, rather than biologically determined. Non-essentialism rejects the idea of fixed categories like 'male' and 'female' and emphasizes fluidity in gender expression and identification.
Totalizing ontology claims that there is a single truth about reality and that everything can be reduced to this truth. It suggests that sexuality is either heterosexual or homosexual, ignoring the existence of other orientations. Totalization reduces complex human experiences to simplistic binaries that exclude diverse perspectives, including bisexuals.
The concept of bisexuality challenges both essentialism and totalization by refuting the notion that sexuality can be limited to two categories (heterosexual vs. homosexual). Bisexuality expands the spectrum of sexuality beyond binary classifications, allowing individuals to explore multiple attractions without feeling confined within rigid boxes.
Bisexual identity raises questions about the nature of desire and intimacy. Does attraction depend on physical appearance or emotional connection? Is it possible to experience eroticism towards people of various genders simultaneously? Can one love someone without romantic or sexual feelings? These debates challenge the traditional understanding of sexual relationships as strictly binary and monogamous, encouraging individuals to reconsider what constitutes relationality.
Bisexual identity highlights the importance of embracing diversity and nonconformity. By defying stereotypes and normative expectations, bisexuals promote inclusivity, breaking down barriers that limit us to pre-determined identities and behaviors. This attitude fosters tolerance for different identities, cultures, and backgrounds while emphasizing individual choice and self-expression.
Can bisexual identity function as a critique of essentialist and totalizing ontologies of desire and relationality?
No, bisexual identity does not necessarily serve as an effective means for criticizing essentialist and totalizing ontologies of desire and relationality. While it can be argued that bisexuality challenges traditional binaries and promotes fluidity in sexual orientation, its association with nonmonogamy and sexual promiscuity may reinforce heteronormative notions of gender and sex.