The idea that one can become something new is central to the philosophy of existentialism. Existentialists believe that humans have free will and are responsible for shaping their own destiny through choices and actions. In this sense, they reject deterministic views that reduce human agency to biological or social factors beyond an individual's control.
Bisexuality challenges this notion of becoming. Bisexuality suggests that individuals are attracted to both men and women, which means they do not conform to traditional gender norms. This nonconformity undermines the notion of becoming because it suggests that an individual is born into a certain identity rather than choosing it later.
What is bisexuality?
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people of more than one sex or gender. It has long been stigmatized as promiscuous, immoral, or confused, but recent research has shown that bisexuals are just as committed to monogamy as heterosexuals and homosexuals. Many bisexuals identify with both male and female traits and feel comfortable expressing them in their relationships. Some may even transition between genders.
Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce) identified as male until her gender transition and now identifies as female. Other celebrities who identify as bisexual include Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, and Lily Tomlin.
How does bisexuality challenge becoming?
Existentialism emphasizes the idea that each person has a unique experience and perspective on the world. Each person defines themselves through their experiences, including their sexual desires.
Bisexuality suggests that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed through choice. The fact that someone can be attracted to multiple genders challenges the idea that humans have free will when it comes to sexuality. Instead, sexual identity appears to be based on biological factors beyond an individual's control.
Can bisexuality inform becoming?
Despite this challenge to existentialism, bisexuality also offers insight into the concept of becoming. Bisexual individuals may view their sexual orientation as a part of their essence rather than something they chose. This suggests that human identity is not entirely determined by external factors such as culture or social norms. Rather, it is shaped by internal characteristics such as attraction and desire. Bisexuals may see themselves as always having been attracted to more than one sex, regardless of external influences. In this sense, bisexuality informs the philosophical notion of being rather than becoming. It suggests that some aspects of our identity are fixed and cannot be changed.
Bisexuality challenges traditional ideas about gender and sexuality while offering insights into the philosophy of becoming and being. It highlights the complexity of human sexuality and encourages people to accept diversity in all forms. By embracing bisexuality, we can expand our understanding of what it means to be human and create a more inclusive society.
How does bisexuality inform the philosophical concept of becoming as opposed to being?
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that encompasses attraction to both men and women. It is not strictly defined by gender identity but rather by romantic, sexual, and/or physical attractions. The philosophy of "becoming" suggests that one's identity is constantly evolving, whereas the philosophy of "being" implies a fixed sense of self.