Bisexual people are individuals who experience attraction towards both men and women simultaneously. Despite being common among humans, bisexuality is often misunderstood or misrepresented in popular culture due to heteronormative norms that emphasize monogamy and exclusive same-sex attractions. In this essay, I will analyze how bisexual narratives help elucidate the complexity of human desires, attachments, and relations over time. Bisexuality is more than just an identity label; it is a way of understanding one's experiences and worldview. It challenges binary concepts like male/female and gay/straight, which are prevalent in Western society. By exploring bisexual stories, we can gain insight into the fluidity of desire and its potential for non-monogamous arrangements.
The first section of this article focuses on the phenomenology of desire, considering how bisexual people navigate their feelings and desires within a society that often marginalizes them. Desire is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical, emotional, and cognitive components. For bisexuals, this means navigating diverse sexualities while negotiating societal expectations about gender roles and romantic relationships. While some bisexuals may identify as exclusively attracted to two genders, others may explore multiple identities throughout their life journey. This fluidity can be seen through characters like Callie and Arizona from Grey's Anatomy, who express their love for each other regardless of gender. Their relationship demonstrates that bisexuality is not limited by labels or assumptions but rather shaped by individual preferences.
Bisexual individuals also experience relational multiplicity, where they form connections with multiple partners simultaneously. This dynamic enables them to explore different facets of themselves and embrace their unique experiences. Relational multiplicity differs from polyamory since it involves distinct relationships with distinct purposes and dynamics. Unlike monogamy, which prioritizes commitment over connection, relational multiplicity emphasizes connection above all else. Polyamorous relationships have different dynamics than those involving single partners. They require clear communication, trust, and mutual respect between all parties involved. These principles are essential in any healthy relationship, including those formed by bisexuals.
How do bisexual narratives illuminate the phenomenology of desire, shifting attachment, and relational multiplicity over time?
The research suggests that bisexual identities are often misunderstood and misrepresented by both heterosexual and homosexual communities due to their nonbinary desires and fluid sexuality, which can lead to social isolation, stigmatization, and marginalization (Hatzenbuehler et al. , 2018).