The term "bisexual" refers to people who feel romantic and/or sexual attraction towards more than one gender. Some researchers have suggested that being bisexual can involve accepting or rejecting different sexual orientations simultaneously; others maintain that it involves balancing them or choosing between them. This suggests that a person's identity may depend on their desire for a specific partner or activity instead of their overall orientation.
This view neglects the concept of fluidity, which is central to bisexual experience. Fluidity means that someone's desires and attractions are constantly changing and developing, without necessarily leading to a fixed identity. It also implies that bisexual individuals can be noncommittal, neither selecting nor refusing identities, instead exploring possibilities. Therefore, while the choice to identify as bi might seem ethically wrong, the refusal to choose may be an option as well.
Why is bisexual identity important?
Bisexuals often struggle against stereotypes and prejudice from both straight and gay communities. They face discrimination in employment, healthcare, education, politics, and media representation. Even when they find acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community, they can still encounter hostility due to fears about heterosexual assimilation and internalized homophobia. Bisexuality challenges binary thinking by acknowledging that all humans exist on a spectrum of sexuality and attractiveness. It highlights the importance of sexual agency, allowing individuals to break free from social norms and explore their true desires.
How does "bisexual" affect dating?
Many bisexuals experience rejection from both hetero- and homonormative worlds, making it difficult to date within their own community. Many people assume that bisexuals will cheat or deceive them because of their dual attraction. This stigma has led some bisexuals to identify as pansexual or queer instead.
These terms have different connotations and historical roots than bisexuality. Pansexual emphasizes attraction beyond gender, including animals and objects, whereas queer is an umbrella term for any non-heterosexual orientation. These labels can misrepresent bisexual experiences and alienate those who feel comfortable identifying with bisexuality.
What are the ethics of fluidity?
Fluidity implies that someone's identity may change over time based on context and desire. Someone could be bisexual at one point but later identify as gay or straight, while others might switch between multiple orientations throughout life. This flexibility can lead to confusion and doubt about what constitutes authentic identity. Still, it also suggests that sexual identity should not be rigidly defined or permanently attached to a specific label. By embracing this notion, we can create new possibilities and empower ourselves to live our truth without fear of judgment or repression.
Can the refusal to choose be an ethical stance in bisexual experience?
There are many factors that may contribute to a person's choice or non-choice of bisexuality as their sexual orientation, including personal experiences, cultural context, social norms, and individual values and beliefs. It is generally accepted that sexual identity is fluid and can evolve over time, so it is possible for someone who identifies as bisexual at one point in life to later identify differently.