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Resource
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American Institute
of Bisexuality
PFLAG:
Bisexuality 101
Wikipedia:
What is
Bisexuality?
Bi Net USA
Religious Tolerance:
Neither Homosexuality
or Heterosexuality
Bisexuality
Basics
Rush PR News:
Researchers Puzzled
About Bisexuality
Coming Out:
Realizing Bisexuality
in a Straight World
Journal of
Bisexuality
Happy Soulmates:
Bisexual Men
Jennifer's Index Page
About Bisexuality
Getting Bi:
Author Robyn Ochs
Born Different
LINKS
What Makes
People Gay?
How Do I Know
I'm Gay?
APA Booklet:
Just the Facts
About Sexual
Orientation
Biology Not Bigotry
By Justin Woods
Homosexuality:
Is It A Choice?
Homosexuality:
Biologically or
Socially Constructed?
CBS News
60 Minutes Report:
The Science of
Sexual Orientation
Wikipedia:
Homosexuality and
Psychology
BISEXUALITY DEFINED
What Is Bisexuality?
Bisexuality can
be described as an emotional, affectional, romantic, or sexual regard
for both men and women. A bisexual person possess the potential to feel sexually attracted to and to engage
in sensual or sexual relationships with people of either sex.
a. men
b. women
c. all of the above
If a person is bisexual, he or she is can be attracted to both genders equally, or he or she can be attracted to one gender more than the other, and the degree of attraction may vary over time. Therefore, the gender a bisexual person is attracted to more depends on the person himself or herself. One cannot say that he or she has to be attracted to this particular gender more than the other. The fact remains that most bisexuals actually look at the person and not the gender.
You might sometimes hear bisexuals described as, "going both ways."
As an understanding of bisexual behavior developed, other terms have been used to help define bisexuality. Some individuals may describe themselves as "pansexual," "omnisexual," or "heteroflexible." Some individuals may characterize their sexuality as "fluid."
One source describes bisexuality as, "the gift to love someone for who they are regardless of gender."
Bisexuals should not be thought of as "sexually confused," "undecided," or "on the fence." Bisexuality is not a transition phase where a person is trying to decide whether he or she is gay or lesbian. Instead, it is separate sexual orientation and people should accept that fact.
The famous, controversial ‘Kinsey scale’ invented by Alfred Kinsey in the late 40’s presents the idea that most people fall somewhere between 0 (totally heterosexual) and 6 (totally homosexual) on a sexual “preference” continuum. Kinsey’s scale suggested that ‘heterosexual’ and ‘homosexual’ are not opposites, but rather two possible positions on a continuum of sexual “preference.” There are other theories on the variables that play a role in determining sexual orientation. In fact, researchers are finding that many people have transitional phases of heterosexuality or homosexuality in their coming out process as bisexual.
Self-perception is the key to a bisexual identity. Many people engage in sexual activity with people of both sexes, yet do not identify as bisexual. Likewise, other people engage in sexual relations only with people of one sex, or do not engage in sexual activity at all, yet consider themselves bisexual. There is no behavioral “test’’ to determine whether or not one is bisexual.
LINKS:
The Star: Late In Life Lesbian Love
Medical
News: Research Findings on Bisexual Women
Bisexuality:
A Unique Sexual Orientation
NGLTF:
Bisexuality a Distinct Orientation in Women
ON BEING BISEXUAL
Understanding Bisexuality
Bisexual Identity
Some people believe that a person is born heterosexual, homosexual, or
bisexual (for instance due to prenatal hormonal influences), and that
their identity is inherent and unchangeable. Others believe that sexual
orientation is due to socialization (for example either imitating or
rejecting parental models) or conscious choice (for example, choosing
lesbianism as part of a political feminist identity). Others believe
that these factors interact. Because biological, social, and cultural
factors are different for each person, everyone’s sexuality is highly
individual, whether they are bisexual, gay or lesbian, heterosexual, or
asexual. The “value” placed on a sexual identity should not depend on
its origin. Many people assume that bisexuality is just a phase people
go through. In fact, any sexual orientation can be a phase.
Humans are diverse, and individual sexual feelings and behavior change
over time. The creation and consolidation of a sexual identity is an
ongoing process. Since we are generally socialized as heterosexuals,
bisexuality is a stage that many people experience as part of the
process of acknowledging their homosexuality. Many others come to
identify as bisexuals after a considerable period of identification as
gay men or lesbians.
A recent study by Ron Fox of more than 900 bisexual individuals found
that 1/3 had previously identified as lesbian or gay. An orientation
that may not be permanent is still valid for the period of time it is
experienced. Bisexuality, like homosexuality and heterosexuality, may be
either a transitional step in the process of sexual discovery, or a
stable, long-term identity.
How Common is Bisexuality?
It is not easy to say how common bisexuality is, since little research
has been done on this subject; most studies on sexuality have focused on
heterosexuals or homosexuals. Based on research done by Kinsey in the
1940s and 1950s, as many as 15-25% of women and 33-46% of men may be
bisexual, based on their activities or attractions. Bisexuals are in
many ways a hidden population. In our culture, it is generally assumed
that a person is either heterosexual (the default assumption) or
homosexual (based on appearance or behavioral clues.) Because
bisexuality does not fit into these standard categories, it is often
denied or ignored.
When it is recognized, bisexuality is often viewed as being “part
heterosexual and part homosexual,” rather than being a unique identity.
Bisexuality threatens the accepted way of looking at the world by
calling into question the validity of rigid sexual categories, and
encourages acknowledgment of the existence of a diverse range of
sexuality. Since there is not a stereotypical bisexual appearance or way
of acting, bisexuals are usually assumed to be either heterosexual or
homosexual. In order to increase awareness, bisexuals have begun to
create their own visible communities.
FAMOUS BI PEOPLE
Who is Bisexual?
Among prominent people who have announced that they are bisexual are famous men and women in a variety of areas. Recent disclosures have revealed many bisexual persons in the entertainment world.
Among bisexual musicians are Fergie (lead singer of Blacked Eyed Peas), Pink, Nelly Furtado, Hailey Williams (lead singer of Paramore), Laural Holloman, Billie Joe Armstrong (lead singer of Green Day), Kim Cooper, Duncan James (from Blue), Amy Winehouse, and Vanessa Carlton.
Among bisexual actors are Anna Paquin, Whoopi Goldberg, Andy Dick, Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde, Kim Zolciak (from Real Housewives), and Megan Fox.
Also included in the list of famous bi people is fitness expert Jillian Michaels.
Certain timely comments, observations, and situations have sometimes defined Madonna, Brittany Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore, and Megan Mullally (from Will & Grace TV Show) as bisexual.
BISEXUAL PARTNERS
Bisexual Relationships
Bisexuals, like all people, have a wide variety of relationship styles. Contrary to common myth, a bisexual person does not need to be sexually involved with both a man and a woman simultaneously. In fact, some people who identify as bisexual never engage in sexual activity with one or the other (or either) gender. As is the case for heterosexuals and gay men and lesbians, attraction does not involve acting on every desire. Like heterosexuals and gay people, many bisexuals choose to be sexually active with one partner only, and have long-term, monogamous relationships.
Other bisexuals may have open marriages that allow for
relationships with same-sex partners, three-way relationships, or a
number of partners of the same or other gender (singly or
simultaneously). It is important to have the freedom to choose the type
of sexual and affectional relationships that are right for the people
involved, whatever their orientation.
BIPHOBIA
Challenges of Bisexuality
Biphobia
Bisexual women and men cannot be defined by their partner or potential
partner, so are rendered invisible within the either/or heterosexist
framework. This invisibility (biphobia) is one of the most challenging
aspects of a bisexual identity. Living in a society that is based and
thrives on opposition, on the reassurances and “balanced” polarities of
dichotomy affects how we see the world, and how we negotiate our own,
and other peoples lives to fit “reality.”
Most people are unaware of their homosexual or heterosexual assumptions
until a bisexual speaks up/comes out and challenges the assumption. Very
often bisexuals are then dismissed, and told they are “confused” and
“simply have to make up their mind and choose.” For bisexually
identified people to maintain their integrity in a homo-hating
heterosexist society they must have a strong sense of self , and the
courage and conviction to live their lives in defiance of what passes
for “normal.”
BIPHOBIA
What Does Biphobia Look Like?
Assuming that everyone you meet is either heterosexual or homosexual.
Supporting and understanding a bisexual identity for young people because you identified “that way” before you came to your “real” lesbian/gay/heterosexual identity.
Expecting a bisexual to identify as heterosexual when coupled with the “opposite” gender/sex.
Believing bisexual men spread AIDS/HIV and other STDs to heterosexuals.
Thinking bisexual people haven’t made up their minds.
Assuming a bisexual person would want to fulfill your sexual fantasies or curiosities.
Assuming bisexuals would be willing to “pass” as anything other than bisexual.
Feeling that bisexual people are too outspoken and pushy about their visibility and rights.
Automatically assuming romantic couplings of two women are lesbian, or two men are gay, or a man and a woman are heterosexual.
Expecting bisexual people to get services, information and education from heterosexual service agencies for their “heterosexual side” (sic) and then go to gay and/or lesbian service agencies for their “homosexual side” (sic).
Feeling bisexuals just want to have their cake and eat it too.
Believing that bisexual women spread AIDS/HIV and other STDs to lesbians.
Using the terms “phase” or “stage” or “confused” or “fence-sitter” or “bisexual” or “AC/DC” or “switchhitter” as slurs or in an accusatory way.
Thinking bisexuals only have committed relationships with “opposite” sex/gender partners.
Looking at a bisexual person and automatically thinking of their sexuality rather than seeing them as a whole, complete person. Believing bisexuals are confused about their sexuality.
Assuming that bisexuals, if given the choice, would prefer to be within an “opposite” gender/sex coupling to reap the social benefits of a “heterosexual” pairing.
Not confronting a biphobic remark or joke for fear of being identified as bisexual.
Assuming bisexual means “available.”
Thinking that bisexual people will have their rights when lesbian and gay people win theirs.
Being gay or lesbian and asking your bisexual friend about their lover only when that lover is the same sex/gender.
Feeling that you can’t trust a bisexual because they aren’t really gay or lesbian, or aren’t really heterosexual.
Thinking that people identify as bisexual because it’s “trendy.”
Expecting a bisexual to identify as gay or lesbian when coupled with the “same” sex/gender.
Expecting bisexual activists and organizers to minimize bisexual issues (i.e. HIV/AIDS, violence, basic civil rights, fighting the Right, military, same sex marriage, child custody, adoption, etc.) and to prioritize the visibility of “lesbian and/or gay” issues.
Avoid mentioning to friends that you are involved with a bisexual or working with a bisexual group because you are afraid they will think you are a bisexual.
Adapted from the Bisexual Resource Center
BI BOOKS
Publications With Bisexual Theme
Bisexuality has been widely researched and written about. Several reputable books on the subject of bisexuality are currently available.
Robin Ochs and Sarah Rowly have released two editions of their book, "Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World."
Other publications include the following:
Bisexuality: A Reader and Sourcebook by Thomas Geller
Bisexual Option by Fritz Klein
Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics by Jennifer Baumgardner
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