Bisexuality FAQs:
Bisexuality is romantic or sexual attraction to more than one gender. Although bisexual people make up the most significant part of the LGBTQ+ community, bisexuality is often misunderstood. Myths and stereotypes persist. This Frequently Asked Questions page answers common questions about bisexuality to dispel misconceptions. It covers topics like:
- Defining bisexuality
- Bisexual identity
- Bisexual diversity
- Biphobia and bi-erasure
- Bisexual relationships
Learning about bisexuality promotes understanding and acceptance. This page provides accurate information to validate bisexual experiences and highlight the diversity of the bisexual community. Whether you identify as bisexual or have a loved one who does, this FAQ page can enhance your knowledge. Understanding bisexuality helps achieve full equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
What is the difference between bisexual, pansexual, and omnisexual?
Bisexual refers to attraction to two or more genders. Pansexual refers to interest regardless of gender. Omnisexual refers to attraction to all genders.
Can bisexual people be monogamous?
Yes. Bisexual people are just as capable of monogamy as anyone else. Being bisexual does not mean someone cannot commit to one partner.
Is bisexuality the same as being confused about your sexuality?
No. Bisexuality is a legitimate sexual orientation. Assuming bisexual people are "confused" is inaccurate and dismissive of their identity.
Do all bisexual people experience attraction to exactly two genders?
No. Some bisexual people are attracted to only men and women. Others may be attracted to more than two genders, including non-binary identities. There is diversity within the bisexual community.
Can someone use the bisexual label if they experience a slight attraction to the same gender?
Yes. There are no rules about the "amount" of attraction someone needs to be bisexual. Even slight attraction makes someone eligible to identify as bisexual.
Is bisexuality just a phase?
For most bisexual people, bisexuality is an authentic, long-lasting sexual orientation, not just a "phase." Research indicates bisexuality is stable over time.
Does identifying as bisexual mean someone is equally attracted to men and women?
No. Bisexual people may lean more towards attraction to one gender. Equal interest is not required to identify as bisexual.
Do all bisexual people eventually realise they are gay/lesbian?
No. Many bisexuals remain bisexual for life. Assuming bisexuals will eventually "pick a side" is inaccurate and erases the legitimacy of their identity.
Can someone identify as bisexual if they have never had a relationship before?
Yes. Bisexuality is about attraction, not behaviour. Someone who has never dated can identify as bisexual based on whom they are attracted to.
Is bisexuality anti-trans?
No. Bisexuality is not inherently exclusive of attraction to transgender, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming people. Many bisexual people are attracted to people of various gender identities.
Do bisexual people face discrimination?
Yes. Like others in the LGBTQ+ community, bisexual people frequently face stigma, stereotyping, and questioning of the validity of their sexual identity.
Does being bisexual mean someone is sexually promiscuous?
No. There is no evidence that bisexual people are more likely to be sexually promiscuous. This assumption unfairly stereotypes bisexuals.
Can straight people call themselves bisexual?
No. Bisexuality refers to actual attraction to more than one gender. If someone is exclusively attracted to the opposite gender, they are not bisexual.
Do all bisexual people participate in threesomes?
No. While some bisexual people may choose to participate in threesomes, most do not. This assumption fetishises bisexual people.
Can bisexual people raise children?
Yes. Bisexual people are just as capable of raising happy, healthy children as anyone else. A parent's sexual orientation does not determine their fitness as a parent.
Do bisexual people have high rates of STIs?
No. Bisexual people do not inherently have higher rates of STIs than others. Safe sex practices are essential for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
Are most bisexual people secretly gay/lesbian?
No. Assuming bisexuals are "really" gay/lesbian invalidates the authenticity of their identity. Bisexual people have multifaceted attractions.
