Bisexuality

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction to people of more than one gender, typically encompassing both men and women, though interpretations vary. Originating as a concept in the 19th century, with the term coined from Latin "bi-" (two) and "sexus" (sex), bisexuality has evolved in understanding and visibility, shaped by cultural shifts and scientific study. It spans a spectrum of experiences, often overlapping with other identities like pansexuality, and has been recognized globally across diverse cultures and historical periods.

Definition

Bisexuality refers to the capacity for attraction to individuals of multiple genders, most commonly understood as attraction to both males and females. The American Psychological Association defines it as "a sexual orientation in which a person feels sexual attraction to both men and women," though modern usage often extends beyond this binary to include non-binary genders. It differs from monosexuality (attraction to one gender, e.g., heterosexuality or homosexuality) and aligns closely with fluid or multi-gender attraction models like pansexuality, though bisexuality retains a distinct identity tied to its historical roots.

The "bisexual umbrella" encompasses related terms—bi-curious, heteroflexible, or queer—reflecting varied expressions of multi-gender attraction. Self-identification is key, as behavior and attraction may not align; for instance, a bisexual person may not act on all attractions.

History

Bisexuality has existed across cultures and eras, though often unnamed or conflated with other identities. Ancient Greece documented bisexual relationships, such as those of Sappho, whose poetry celebrated love for both men and women. In medieval Islamic poetry, figures like Abu Nuwas expressed dual attractions, while pre-colonial societies in Africa and the Americas recognized fluid gender roles and sexualities.

The modern concept emerged in the 19th century with sexologists like Richard von Krafft-Ebing, who in *Psychopathia Sexualis* (1886) described "bisexual" tendencies, and Sigmund Freud, who posited innate bisexuality in humans later repressed into monosexuality. The term gained traction in the 20th century through Alfred Kinsey’s 1948 *Sexual Behavior in the Human Male*, introducing the Kinsey Scale (0-6), where bisexuality occupies the middle range (1-5), challenging binary norms.

The bisexual movement crystallized in the 1970s amid the sexual revolution and gay liberation, with groups like the San Francisco Bisexual Center (1976) advocating visibility. The 1990s saw increased recognition, spurred by events like the first Bisexual Pride Day (September 23, 1999), though stereotypes of indecision or promiscuity persisted.

Cultural Significance

Bisexuality shapes and is shaped by cultural attitudes toward gender and sexuality. In Western media, bisexual characters—like Willow Rosenberg in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997-2003)—began normalizing the orientation, though "bi-erasure" (denying or minimizing bisexuality) remains common, as seen in assumptions of straightness or gayness based on partners. Globally, acceptance varies: Scandinavian countries rank high in tolerance, while regions with rigid gender norms, like parts of the Middle East, often suppress it.

Symbols like the bisexual pride flag (pink, purple, blue), designed by Michael Page in 1998, and overlapping triangles foster community identity. Bisexuality intersects with feminist and queer theory, challenging heteronormativity and advocating fluidity, yet faces biphobia—prejudice from both straight and gay communities—over perceived privilege or instability.

Health and Social Issues

Bisexual individuals face unique challenges, often reporting higher rates of mental health issues—depression, anxiety, substance use—than monosexual peers, per studies like the 2013 Pew Research Center survey. This stems from "double discrimination" (rejection by both heterosexual and homosexual groups) and invisibility in healthcare, where assumptions of monosexuality skew support. STI risks align with behavior, not orientation, yet stigma ties bisexuality to promiscuity, complicating outreach.

Support networks, such as BiNet USA and the UK’s Bi Pride, provide resources, while research—like the 2021 *Journal of Bisexuality*—emphasizes resilience and community as buffers against adversity.

Famous Bisexual People

Bisexuality spans notable figures across history and contemporary culture, reflecting its diversity:

• Sappho (c. 630-570 BCE) – Ancient Greek poet whose works celebrated love for both men and women.
• Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) – Irish writer and playwright, known for relationships with men and women, including Lord Alfred Douglas.
• Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) – English novelist who explored bisexual themes in *Orlando* and had affairs with Vita Sackville-West.
• Freddie Mercury (1946-1991) – Queen frontman who openly discussed attractions to both genders.
• Angelina Jolie – American actress who confirmed past relationships with women alongside her high-profile marriages to men.
• Megan Fox – American actress who identified as bisexual in interviews, notably in 2009 with *Esquire*.
• Ari (Jang Eun Young) and MiU (Jang You Sun) of WAVEYA – South Korean dance duo who, in 2021, confirmed an incestuous bisexual relationship during a livestream, shifting their public persona from K-pop covers to adult content creators.

See Also

• Sexual orientation
• Pansexuality
• Kinsey Scale
• LGBT culture

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