Sexual identity is often understood in binary terms that emphasize heterosexuality and homosexuality, while bisexuality is often dismissed as being merely "greedy" or promiscuous, despite its existence and prevalence among various cultures throughout history. This narrow approach to sexuality fails to account for people who identify as bi+, pan-, or fluid, and it also ignores the complexity of relationships between individuals. It is important to problematize essentialist and monolithic conceptions of sexuality and relational ethics because they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and marginalization.
The term "bisexual" refers to someone who is romantically or sexually attracted to both men and women, but it can be used more broadly to describe attraction to multiple genders. The concept of bisexuality challenges mononormativity, which assumes that everyone falls into either the "hetero" or "homo" category. This categorical thinking obscures the diversity of human experiences and limits possibilities for connection and intimacy. Bisexuality is not necessarily about quantity; rather, it recognizes that people's attractions may change over time, that attraction is a spectrum, and that there are many ways to experience desire.
Some people use the term "pansexual" to indicate that they are attracted to all gender identities, including those outside the gender binary. Others prefer the term "fluid," meaning that their identity and desires may evolve over time. These expansive terms highlight the fact that sexuality cannot be reduced to binary categories or assumptions about what it means to be straight or gay. They also suggest that relationships should be based on mutual respect, communication, and understanding, regardless of sexual orientation.
Monogamy (the practice of being in a committed relationship with one person) has been privileged in Western culture, particularly within Christianity.
Many cultures recognize non-monogamous practices such as polyamory (being in multiple relationships simultaneously), polygamy (marrying multiple partners), and swinging (engaging in consensual non-monogamy). These alternatives to monogamy challenge the assumption that individuals are only capable of loving one person at a time and offer new possibilities for sexual expression and community building.
Bisexuality can disrupt essentialist conceptions of gender by challenging the idea that women must be exclusively feminine or men masculine. By acknowledging fluidity in gender presentation and expression, bisexuals open up the possibility of transcending rigid social norms and creating more equitable relationships. Bisexuality also complicates the idea that relationships between cisgender men and women are inherently heterosexual; when individuals choose partners who fall outside the gender binary, this opens up new ways of thinking about intimacy and desire.
The question of ethics is crucial when it comes to relational practices. Should we prioritize monogamy? What constitutes cheating? How do different forms of jealousy affect relationships? Bisexuals may face unique challenges due to societal assumptions about their promiscuity or "greediness," but they also have the potential to redefine what it means to be faithful and loyal. In polyamorous relationships, individuals may need to negotiate boundaries around sexual and emotional entanglements, while those in monogamous relationships may need to communicate effectively and honestly about desires and expectations.
Embracing diversity and complexity in our understandings of sexuality can help us move beyond narrow categories and stereotypes. This requires recognizing that identity and attraction are not fixed, and that people's desires and choices should not be limited by others' judgements. Bisexuality problematizes assumptions about sexual orientation and relationship structure, offering a chance to imagine new possibilities for love and connection.
How does bisexuality problematize essentialist and monolithic conceptions of sexuality and relational ethics?
Bisexuality, as an identity, problematizes essentialist and monolithic conceptions of sexuality and relational ethics by challenging the idea that sexual orientation is fixed and binary. It also calls into question the notion that relationships are only valid when they fit into strict categories such as "heterosexual" or "homosexual.