Bisexuality is an orientation towards both men and women. It can be understood in terms of attraction, desire, identity, behavior, sexual contact, and/or emotional connection. Bisexuals may have romantic and/or sexual relationships with people of different genders.
Many people hold beliefs that sexuality is either/or, such as being "straight" or "gay". These binary frameworks assume that everyone fits into one category or another and that their sexual desires are innate and immutable. Essentialist ideas about relational identity suggest that certain identities are fixed and inherent to individuals from birth or early childhood. Both binary frameworks and essentialist ideas are problematized by bisexuality because it challenges assumptions about what is possible or normal when it comes to human sexuality.
Binary Framework
Binary frameworks divide sexuality into rigid categories. They assume that there are only two possibilities - heterosexuality or homosexuality - without acknowledging other potential orientations or fluidity within those categories. This limits the ways in which people can express their sexuality and creates stereotypes about how they should behave based on their assigned gender. Bisexuality is often misrepresented as a phase or a form of experimentation, rather than a legitimate identity. In some cases, bisexual people may experience discrimination from both straight and gay communities due to societal pressures and prejudices.
Essentialism
Essentialist ideas argue that sexuality is rooted in biological traits or genetics.
Some people believe that males are naturally attracted to females and vice versa. This leads them to label bisexuals as confused or indecisive, rather than recognizing them as valid members of society with unique experiences.
This perspective ignores the influence of culture, environment, and socialization on sexual attraction and behavior. It also fails to account for the diversity of sexual expressions and relationships among individuals. Bisexuality questions the assumption that one's sexual orientation is predetermined and unchangeable, opening up space for self-exploration and personal growth.
Bisexuality problematizes binary frameworks of sexuality by highlighting the complexity of human sexuality and challenging essentialist ideas about relational identity. It encourages us to think critically about how we define sexuality and recognize its fluidity. By embracing bisexuality, we can celebrate the diversity of sexual expression and promote inclusivity within our communities.
How does bisexuality problematize binary frameworks of sexuality and challenge essentialist ideas about relational identity?
Bisexuality has challenged binarism, which is an ideology that considers only two categories as the only options for understanding human sexuality. It has also challenged essentialist ideas about relational identity because it recognizes the fluidity of human relationships instead of relying on fixed notions of what constitutes a "male" or "female.