Bisexuality: A Comprehensive Overview
Bisexuality is a complex and often misunderstood sexual orientation in which an individual is capable of having romantic, emotional, and sexual attractions towards both men and women. The term “bisexual” was first used in 1892 by Charles Gilbert Chaddock (Lippa, 2007) to describe a person who was attracted to both sexes. Bisexuality is an important and legitimate sexual identity, with a rich history and culture, and it is important to acknowledge the unique experiences of bisexual individuals.
This paper will provide an overview of bisexuality, including its history, the prevalence of bisexuality, contributing factors to bisexual identity, and the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals.
History of Bisexuality
Though the term “bisexual” was first used in the late 19th century, bisexuality has likely existed for centuries. Bisexuality, as a concept, has been referenced in ancient Greek and Roman literature (LaMarre, 2009). In the 19th century, the term was used by some medical professionals to refer to people who were sexually attracted to both sexes, and bisexuality was used to describe people who were “intermediate” between heterosexual and homosexual (Lippa, 2007).
The twentieth century saw a shift in the perception of bisexuality. In the 1950s and 1960s, bisexuals were viewed as confused individuals who were unable to make up their minds about their sexual orientation (LaMarre, 2009). However, in the 1970s, bisexuality began to be viewed as its own distinct sexual orientation. During this time, bisexual activists began to form their own communities and organizations in order to advocate for bisexual rights and to create a safe space for bisexual individuals (LaMarre, 2009).
Prevalence of Bisexuality
The prevalence of bisexuality is difficult to accurately estimate due to the lack of research and the general invisibility of bisexual individuals. However, recent studies have attempted to estimate the prevalence of bisexuality. In an analysis of US adults, Lippa (2007) found that approximately 5% of men and 3% of women identified as bisexual. Additionally, a survey of college students found that approximately 7% of men and 8% of women identified as bisexual (Rostosky, Riggle, Horne, & Miller, 2009).
Contributing Factors to Bisexual Identity
There is no single factor that can explain why some individuals identify as bisexual. Rather, bisexual identity is likely the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Biological factors, such as hormonal levels, may play a role in determining an individual’s sexual orientation. For example, a study of male twins found that those with higher levels of prenatal testosterone were more likely to identify as bisexual (Dorfman, 2018).
Psychological factors, such as early childhood experiences, may also play a role in determining an individual’s sexual orientation. For example, individuals who experienced same-sex attractions as children may be more likely to identify as bisexual in adulthood (Diamond, 2014).
Social factors, such as culture and environment, can also influence an individual’s sexual orientation. For example, individuals who grow up in more accepting environments may feel more comfortable expressing their bisexual identity (Rostosky et al., 2009).
Unique Challenges Faced by Bisexual Individuals
Bisexual individuals face unique challenges due to their sexual orientation. Bisexual individuals often face discrimination from both the heterosexual and homosexual communities. Bisexual individuals are also more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety, compared to heterosexual and homosexual individuals (Dorfman, 2018). Additionally, bisexual individuals are more likely to experience poverty, homelessness, and violence compared to other sexual orientations (Herrick, 2018).
Conclusion
Bisexuality is a complex and often misunderstood sexual orientation. This paper provided an overview of bisexuality, including its history, the prevalence of bisexuality, contributing factors to bisexual identity, and the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals. It is important to recognize bisexual individuals and their unique experiences in order to create a more inclusive and accepting society.
References
Diamond, L. M. (2014). Bisexuality in adolescence and young adulthood. Annual Review of Sex Research, 25(1), 377-395.
Dorfman, L. (2018). Male bisexuality: A review. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(4), 1115-1131.
Herrick, A. (2018). Bisexual people face higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and violence. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/bisexuality-theory-and-advocacy/201809/bisexual-people-face-higher-rates-poverty-homelessness-and-violence
LaMarre, T. (2009). Bisexuality and the challenge of inclusivity. Journal of Bisexuality, 9(2-3), 221-239.
Lippa, R. A. (2007). The preferred traits of mates in a cross-national study of heterosexual, gay, and lesbian people: An examination of biological and cultural influences. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(2), 193-208.
Rostosky, S. S., Riggle, E. D., Horne, S. G., & Miller, A. D. (2009). An exploration of bisexual identity development. Journal of Bisexuality, 9(2-3), 131-151.