The term "bi" is a shorthand or informal way of referring to bisexuality, which is a sexual orientation. Bisexuality describes the capacity for emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to more than one gender. It is an important and inclusive term within the LGBTQ+ community, and its meaning has evolved over time to reflect a broader understanding of gender and sexuality.
History of the Term
The term "bisexual" was first used in the 19th century to describe people who exhibited both male and female physical characteristics (now referred to as intersex).
By the mid-20th century, it began to be used to describe sexual attraction to both men and women.
In the 1970s and 1980s, bisexual activists worked to establish bisexuality as a distinct identity within the LGBTQ+ movement, challenging the notion that people had to be exclusively gay or straight.
Challenges faced by bisexual people
Bisexual individuals often face unique challenges, including:
Biphobia: Prejudice or discrimination against bisexual people, sometimes even within the LGBTQ+ community.
Erasure: The tendency to ignore or invalidate bisexuality, such as assuming someone is gay or straight based on their current relationship.
Stereotypes: Bisexual people are often stereotyped as confused, indecisive, or promiscuous.
Bi on a baseball cap.
Bisexual Awareness Week
Bisexual Awareness Week, celebrated in September, and Bisexual Visibility Day, September 23rd, is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating bisexual identities.
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