Understanding Bisexuality

[JacksinPA]

Understanding Bisexuality

Definition of bisexuality and information for psychologists, including practice guidelines and other APA resources.

www.apa.org

The term “bisexual” is used to describe a person who experiences emotional, romantic and/or sexual attractions to, or engages in romantic or sexual relationships with, more than one sex or gender. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in a 2016 publication that 1.3 percent of women and 1.9 percent of men said they were “homosexual, gay, or lesbian,” and that 5.5 percent of women and 2 percent of men said they were bisexual. These finding indicate that bisexual people may comprise the largest single group in the LGB community for both women and men. Nevertheless, many believe that bisexuality does not really exist, and bisexual people suffer bi-invisibility or erasure and bi-negativity from both the lesbian and gay community and the heterosexual community, which may explain evidence suggesting higher rates of health disparities bisexuals experience compared to either. Here are a few more research findings:

• Bisexual people are significantly less out to family and friends
• Bisexual people are more likely than lesbian and gay people to experience disparities in terms of poverty, employment, violence and health
• "Shining a Light Into the Darkness: Bisexuality and Relationships"
  Sexual and Relationship Therapy, February 2018
  A major goal of this special issue is to highlight the intricacy of bisexual relationships and to provide greater direction to mental health providers working with bisexual individuals and their partners.
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I engaged in bisexual activity as a teen before girls & a driver's license were available. I have also engaged in this play when my younger wife was traveling & I was home alone & had access to Craigslist Personals. I also engaged in a episodic affair with local guys when my wife was away. Unfortunately the lockdown & the pandemic ended my having m/m sex with a local guy. My attitude is don't knock it until you've tried it.

 

[maquiscat]

I engaged in bisexual activity as a teen before girls & a driver's license were available. I have also engaged in this play when my younger wife was traveling & I was home alone & had access to Craigslist Personals. I also engaged in a episodic affair with local guys when my wife was away. Unfortunately the lockdown & the pandemic ended my having m/m sex with a local guy. My attitude is don't knock it until you've tried it.

Two things from this. The first as general information. Sexual activity and sexual orientation are two separate things. One can engage in bisexual activity without being bisexual. Orientation only applies to what sexually attracts you, not what you are willing to shag.

I do take offense at you calling an orientation a play. That implies that it's a kink thus a choice, instead of an orientation.

Sent from my cp3705A using Tapatalk

 

[Deuce]

I'm not sure what there is to understand. The label's meaning is self-evident!