Bisexuality is a broad and inclusive term that describes physical attraction, romantic attraction, or sexual behavior that is not limited to one sex. In the scientific language of sexual orientation, bisexuality encompasses both heterosexual (different sex) and homosexual (same-sex) attraction or behavior. In everyday language, depending on the speaker’s culture, background, and politics, that translates into a variety of popular definitions such as:
- Attraction to men and women
- Attraction to same and other genders
- Attraction to all sexes or genders
- Love beyond gender
- Attraction regardless of sex or gender
Some important points to note:
- A bi person may be attracted to different sexes or genders in different ways.
- A bi person may be attracted to different sexes or genders more than others.
- A bi person may be attracted to different sexes or genders at some times and not others.
In other words, there are as many ways to be bisexual as there are bi people, just like any other sexuality.
Bisexuality is a broad and inclusive term that describes physical attraction, romantic attraction, or sexual behavior that is not limited to one sex. In the scientific language of sexual orientation, bisexuality encompasses both heterosexual (different sex) and homosexual (same-sex) attraction or behavior.
Please note that saying "both heterosexual (different sex) and homosexual (same-sex) attraction or behavior" is very different from saying bi means part straight and part gay. Attraction, identity, and behavior are the three main components of sexual orientation, and they each mean different things. Please also note that attraction to both the same and different means attraction to all. Bisexuality is inherently inclusive of everyone, regardless of sex or gender.
In everyday language, depending on the speaker’s culture, background, and politics, that translates into a variety of popular definitions such as:
- Attraction to men and women
- Attraction to all sexes or genders
- Attraction to same and other genders
- Love beyond gender
- Attraction regardless of sex or gender
Some important points to note:
- A bi person may be attracted to different sexes or genders in different ways.
- A bi person may be attracted to different sexes or genders more than others.
- A bi person may be attracted to different sexes or genders at some times and not others.
In other words, there are as many ways to be bisexual as there are bi people, just like any other sexuality.
Bisexuality is a dynamic spectrum that includes all sexuality that isn't limited to one sex. In terms of the Kinsey Scale, that means everything between mostly straight and mostly gay or lesbian. Because of that tremendous variety, there are different terms that people within that spectrum may use to describe their identity. Or people may not use any terms at all. Just like heterosexuality, homosexuality, and asexuality, bisexuality is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of relationships, lifestyles, and personal preferences. It also covers a wide range of attachment styles. A bi person's sexuality does not change to straight or gay (or anything else) depending upon the gender of their partner; even if they are in a long-term monogamous relationship, a bi person is still bi.