Bisexuals are people who experience attraction to more than one gender simultaneously, but their experiences can be very different from those of heterosexuals or homosexuals. In the past, bisexuality was often seen as an immature stage in development towards monosexual identities, and bisexuals were expected to choose between "straight" and "gay". Today, bisexual narratives help create awareness about the diversity of human sexuality and show that sexual orientation is not just a binary choice. These narratives articulate the lived reality of multiplicity, layering, and simultaneous attractions, which may include emotional, physical, and psychological aspects.
One common feature of bisexual narratives is polyamory, which involves having multiple romantic relationships simultaneously. This can involve emotional, spiritual, social, and erotic connections. Bisexuals may find themselves attracted to individuals of both genders, but also have a desire for intimacy with multiple partners without exclusivity.
They might date a man and woman at once, while remaining emotionally connected to them separately. They may also enjoy polyfidelity, where all members of a couple share sexual and emotional relations with each other. While some people may see this as promiscuous behavior, it reflects the complexity of bisexual desires and needs.
Another aspect of bisexuality is the idea of fluidity, which means that sexual identity can change over time. Some bisexuals may identify as gay or straight temporarily, depending on who they are currently dating or what their current interests are. Others may feel more comfortable with one gender than another, or experience different levels of attraction throughout their lives. Bisexuals may also explore different types of relationships such as open marriages, swinging, or casual encounters. This fluidity allows them to express their sexuality in ways that fit their own unique needs.
Bisexual narratives also highlight the importance of intersectionality and how bisexuality intersects with other identities such as race, class, gender expression, age, religion, and ethnicity.
Bisexuals of color may face discrimination from both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities due to stereotypes about bisexuality being associated with promiscuity and disloyalty. Bisexuals of lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional barriers due to lack of resources for exploring multiple romantic options.
Bisexuals may not always fit into neat categories such as male-bodied and female-bodied, but instead may be non-binary or transgender, blurring traditional binaries.
Bisexual narratives help create awareness about the richness and diversity of human sexuality, challenging societal norms about monogamy, gender binaries, and sexual exclusivity. They show that love and intimacy can take many forms, and that bisexual identity is a valid and important part of the larger queer community. By sharing these experiences, we learn more about ourselves and each other, creating a world where everyone feels safe and supported to live authentically.
How do bisexual narratives articulate the lived reality of multiplicity, layering, and simultaneous attractions?
Research suggests that bisexual narratives are rich with experiences of multiplicity, layering, and simultaneous attractions. The term "bisexual" has historically been used as an umbrella term for people who experience romantic, sexual, or affectional attraction to more than one gender (Hoppe et al. , 2019).