There are different ways to describe bisexuality. But strictly speaking, they all mean the same thing. Some bisexual people would certainly say of themselves that they are attracted to both women and men. Others would describe themselves as being "into their own gender, among other things." And still others would perhaps define themselves as "pansexual" - although in the latter case there are various possible interpretations.
If you look a little closer at the word "bisexual", you will recognize its classic meaning. The "bi" stands for two. Accordingly, it is assumed here that two genders - men and women - are desired.
Bisexuality and pansexuality - what is the difference?
The term "bisexuality" assumes that there are "only" two genders: Men and women. People who are pansexual love somewhat more "comprehensively" in that they can, for example, also fall in love with people who do not fit this "pattern". Pansexuals may also have romantic or erotic feelings for non-binary people, for example. The boundaries here are in a way fluid.
Not everyone who has sex with both sexes is automatically bisexual
Instead, it is often mere curiosity that leads to gaining experience with one's own sex. Many women want to know what it's like to kiss a woman. Just as many men sometimes become curious about gay sex. Especially when these are unique experiences, it would certainly be a bit exaggerated to speak directly of bisexuality.
Ultimately, everyone should be allowed to decide and assess for themselves whether they are bisexual, straight or gay or lesbian, or whether perhaps another sexual orientation applies to them.
Bisexuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bisexuals have had a somewhat harder time within the community for a long time. And even today they often have to justify themselves. Because: There are numerous gay or lesbian queerswho see bisexuality as "nothing half and nothing whole". Due to the fact that pansexuality plays an increasingly important role within the scene, it is becoming easier for many bisexuals to identify themselves and to present this self-image to the outside world.
When do you realize that you are bisexual?
Bisexuals are often confronted with their sexual orientation for the first time in their teens. At this time, it often seems very confusing to them when they realize that they are somehow attracted to both sexes. Depending on how openly they were raised, they may also wonder if there might be something wrong with them.
Also the information that the partner identifies as bisexual can be confusing for many in the first step. In this context, quite a few people ask themselves whether bisexuals are perhaps less faithful, since they have "so much more choice". Of course, a classic prejudice is served here. Because: Whether a person is faithful or not depends on his character and not on his sexual orientation.
It is also a misconception that bisexual men and women "almost always want to have a threesome". The idea of watching your partner have same-sex sex turns many on. Nevertheless, it is definitely wrong to see in a bisexual person a person who is love-hungry for all representatives of the same sex.
Bi never hurts! To be honest, almost every man has a bi sexual desire, don't you think? So when I'm at the Glory Hole, there are always straight men who want to try something new, i.e. want to test a man but don't dare to do so openly.