What is Bisexual? Bisexuality Explained
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation where a person is attracted to two or more genders. It exists on a spectrum, and it is not uncommon for people who identify as bisexual to have a varying level of attraction to different genders at different times in their lives.
One of the best parts of being bisexual is not being limited to a romantic or sexual attraction to one gender, which can lead to a diverse and exciting dating and social life. This can also lead to a deeper understanding and acceptance of different genders and sexual orientations!
However, being bisexual can also come with its own set of challenges. Bisexual individuals may face discrimination and prejudice from both the straight and LGBTQ+ communities. This is most often referred to as "bi-erasure" or "biphobia," and it can take many forms, from dismissive comments to exclusion from LGBTQ+ spaces. This makes it difficult for bisexual individuals to find acceptance and validation for their identity. In the face of these challenges, it's important for bi individuals to remember that their identity is valid and that they deserve respect and acceptance.
If you're questioning your sexuality, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to identify. Your feelings and attractions are unique to you, and only you can determine what label or labels fit you best!
Stay true to yourself, and know that it is okay to take the time you need to figure out what feels right for you. Remember, whatever your experience, you are not alone.
______________________________________
Bisexuality Hub
History & Meaning of the Bisexual Pride Flag
______________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions About Bisexuality
What does bisexual mean?
Bisexual describes a person who experiences attraction to their own gender and to other genders. The "bi" in bisexual refers to the self and others, not strictly to two genders. Many bisexual people are attracted to people across the full gender spectrum. Bisexuality exists on a spectrum, and attraction doesn't have to be equal across genders to count.
Is bisexual the same as pansexual?
They're related but not identical. Pansexual describes attraction regardless of gender entirely. Bisexual describes attraction to one's own gender and other genders, which for many people also means attraction regardless of gender. The distinction matters to some people and not to others. Both are valid identities, and many people use both labels or move between them over time.
What is bi-erasure?
Bi-erasure is the tendency to ignore, dismiss, or disbelieve bisexual identities. It shows up when people assume a bisexual person is "really" gay or straight based on who they're currently dating, or when bisexuality is treated as a phase rather than a genuine orientation. It happens both outside and within LGBTQ+ spaces, which makes it a particular source of stress for bisexual people.
Is bisexuality a phase?
No. Bisexuality is a sexual orientation, not a stage on the way to identifying as gay or straight. Research consistently shows that bisexual people maintain their identity over time. Some people do use bisexual as a stepping stone while figuring things out, but that doesn't make bisexuality itself less real or less permanent for the many people who identify with it long-term.
What is the bisexual pride flag?
The bisexual pride flag was designed by Michael Page in 1998. It has three horizontal stripes: pink representing same-sex attraction, blue representing opposite-sex attraction, and purple in the middle representing attraction to both. The purple stripe overlaps the pink and blue, which was Page's way of showing that bisexuality blends and bridges both experiences.
Read More: Bisexual Pride Flag: History and Meaning
Where can I buy bisexual pride flags and merchandise?
Flags For Good carries bisexual pride flags in multiple sizes, plus bisexual stickers and other merchandise. Every purchase donates $1 to an LGBTQ+ affirming organization of your choice!
Share:
0 comments
Author
Michael Green is a credentialed vexillologist and the founder of Flags For Good, an Indianapolis-based flag company dedicated to causes worth flying. He served as Technical Editor of The Complete Guide to Flags of the World, 4th Edition and has delivered multiple TEDx talks on flag design and symbolism. With flags encountered across 75+ countries, Michael brings both academic expertise and real-world perspective to everything he writes about flags.
Read more from Flags For Good
-
Hanging It Right: The Critical Flag Protocol Venues Miss with Vertical Flags
International flag protocol can be a minefield for sports stadiums, convention centers, and entertainment venues. To save space or line arena walls, facility managers often hang national flags vertically from the rafters. However, simply rotating a standard flags 90 degrees can result in common vexillological faux pas...one you know and few you probably don't.
-
The Inspiring History and Symbolism of the Alaska Flag
The flag of Alaska is celebrated globally as a masterpiece of minimalist civic design. While many state flags in the United States rely on complex seals or cluttered historical imagery, Alaska stands apart with its striking arrangement of just eight gold stars over a deep blue field. Behind this simple design lies a story of youth creativity, cultural pride, and a successful campaign for statehood.
-
The Transgender Pride Flag: Colors, Meaning, and History
Monica Helms designed the transgender pride flag in August 1999, starting with a conversation, a suggestion to keep it simple, and a sketch drawn from bed two weeks later. Here's the full story behind the five stripes, what each color means, and the one design detail that makes it impossible to fly wrong.
