Bisexual

What it means

Bisexual people are attracted to more than one gender. The widely used definition from activist Robyn Ochs is attraction to 'people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree'. Bisexuality includes non-binary people; it doesn't mean 'only men and women'. Bisexual people make up the largest group within the LGBTQ+ community in most surveys.

Where the term comes from

'Bisexual' was used in biology in the 1800s and gained its current meaning in the 20th century. Bisexual activism grew strongly from the 1970s onward, pushing back against the idea that bisexuality is a phase.

How it can look in real life

• A woman married to a man who is still bisexual — her partner's gender doesn't erase her orientation.
• Someone attracted to women most of the time and to men occasionally.
• A non-binary person attracted to people of several genders who finds 'bi' fits best.

These are examples, not requirements. People who use the same word can have very different histories, relationships and preferences — and nobody needs a particular amount of experience to know what fits.

Common myths

• Bisexual people are confused or going through a phase.
• Bisexual people are more likely to cheat — fidelity depends on the person, not the orientation.
• Bisexual means attracted only to men and women — most bi communities define it inclusively.
• Bi and pan are rivals — the words overlap, and people pick the one that feels right.

Talking about it with a partner

It can help to say clearly that being bi describes who you could be attracted to, not a need for partners of multiple genders. If you're in a monogamous relationship, say what monogamy means to you; if you're not, agree on terms.

It helps to talk about specifics — what closeness, touch, exclusivity and privacy mean to each of you — rather than expecting a label to answer those questions. Either person can decide something isn't right for them, and nobody owes intimacy to keep a relationship going.

Sexual-health notes

• Routine STI testing every 3–12 months is a sensible baseline for anyone with new or multiple partners; how often depends on your situation.
• Bisexual people report higher rates of anxiety and depression, often linked to feeling erased by both straight and gay communities. Seeking bi-affirming support helps.
• Prevention depends on practices: contraception, PrEP, condoms and dental dams may all be relevant at different times.
• The HPV vaccine protects against the strains that cause most genital warts and several cancers. It's routinely offered to young people, and many adults can still get it.

Health advice should follow your body and the activities you actually do, not a label. A clinician can help with testing, vaccines and barriers — and you deserve care that doesn't judge.