What Is It?

Some people think of their sexuality in black-and-white, straight-or-gay terms. But being bi moves sexuality into a more fluid region where one can be attracted to people within one's gender and to those of the opposite gender. The term hetero-flexible has also been used to describe those who identify as bisexual.

Those who are bi-curious, rather than fully bisexual, will typically define themselves as straight or gay, while still being open to romantic and/or sexual involvement with a person who falls outside the regular definition of their sexual orientation.

While more women than men openly identify as bi-curious, this is perhaps due to the fact that it is more socially acceptable for women to feel this way. In fact, the bi community has been attacked by both straight and gay communities.

In the words of writer and gay community advocate Ramon Johnson, "For years the gay community has challenged heterosexuals who publicly state that homosexuality is only a phase. Bisexuals face the same generalization from both the gay and straight community... Emotional connections often take precedence when bisexuals pursue a potential partner. Bisexuality is just as much of a natural preference as homosexuality and heterosexuality."

Conversely, in words Sex and the City's resident sexpert Carrie Bradshaw: "I'm not even sure bisexuality exists. I think it's just a layover on the way to Gaytown."

Insider Quote:

"There is still a lot of stereotyping ... Some still see bisexuals as people who are waiting to finish coming out... Or who have a choice and therefore might always choose to go with the straight world because that's safer or easier." -- Robyn Ochs, editor of the Bisexual Resource Guide and Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World.

Catty Fact:

The phrase bi now -- gay later has often been derisively used within the gay community to describe those who are bi or bi-curious.

To Learn More:

http://www.biresource.org/