Apr 20 2008
Bisexuality
For the uninitiated, bisexuality is a sexual orientation. A bisexual person will find themselves romantically and/or sexually attracted to both men and women. However, they may not be equally attracted to men and women and contrary to popular belief an equal attraction to both sexes is not a prerequisite to being bisexual.
Some 1.8% of men and 2.8% of women identify as bisexual, that’s according to a survey done in the United States by National Center for Health Statistics. Though other surveys have recorded higher instances, for example, Alfred Kinsey’s 1948 study Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, reported that 46% of the male population had engaged in both homosexual and heterosexual relations at some point in their lives. Though the sampling methods of the Kinsey reports were heavily criticised as 25% were or had been prison inmates, and 5% were male prostitutes.
No-one believes that Kinsey’s figure is accurate, however his was the first survey of its kind and it gave us an important scale for measuring sexuality, known as the Kinsey Scale. It uses a scale of 0-6 with 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 been exclusively homosexual. 1-5 on the scale describe varying degrees of bisexuality.
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Exclusively heterosexual |
| 1 | Predominantly heterosexual, only incidentally homosexual |
| 2 | Predominantly heterosexual, but more than incidentally homosexual |
| 3 | Equally heterosexual and homosexual |
| 4 | Predominantly homosexual, but more than incidentally heterosexual |
| 5 | Predominantly homosexual, only incidentally heterosexual |
| 6 | Exclusively homosexual |
| X | Asexual |
The Kinsey Scale
Often one of the first things newly self-acknowledged bisexuals do is determine where they feel they fit on this scale. Often people don’t fit neatly onto one of the numbers, but remember this is a continuous scale, so its perfect OK to identify between the labelled points. Personally I find I fit somewhere between 1 and 2, so I say “I’m Kinsey 1.5″.
Another important point to acknowledge about sexuality is that our sexual orientation can vary. Bisexuality in particular is fluid, at some times in our lives we find ourself increasing attracted to the same sex and at other increasingly attracted to the opposite sex. So whilst at present I might identify as Kinsey 1.5, next year I may re-evaluate and declare myself 2.5, who knows - what matters is how you feel today.
Realising your bisexuality and ‘coming out’ can be a very rewarding. For many people, myself included, ‘coming out’ is very self-affirming and positive experience. Though its worth pointing out that I live in liberal secular Europe, where religious conservatism is thankfully rather muted.
Still being honest with yourself is the first step, and contrary to what the religious purists would have us believe, bisexuality is perfectly natural. It has been observed across the animal kingdom and we have documented historical evidence of its prevalence in Ancient Greece and Rome as well as in the Far East. Its nothing new, it wasn’t invented yesterday. The important thing is accepting yourself for who you are, working up to coming out to friends and family is something you can do when you feel the time is right.
Finding out more about bisexuality:
- Read this blog, there are a number of stories and articles covering a range of bisexual issues.
- Check out the links in our blogroll - they take you to a number of interesting web sites.
- Join your local LGBT group.
12 Responses to “Bisexuality”
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I am a 2 … most of me says 3 … and I’m a christian. I don’t like myself some days but I don’t deny myself either.
Glad to see a well put together website about those of us who can’t full explain ourselves.
-Amber
I am a kinsey 1.5 to 2.. I’ve known his since my youngest memories.
I have kept my desires a secret until just recently (the last 2 years). My wife now knows of my feelings and not sure if she believes me or not.
Both my wife and myself have always been “gay friendly”, and support our local community.
Thank you for your interesting web site. I look forward to learning more about others who share my desires.
Don.
I think I’m 1.5 too… mainly men, but mainly bisexual men, and occasionally some women….
I’m attracted to masculinity and femininity combined…
I’m also a Christian but I agree you should not deny yourself mentally even if you try not to act on it!
It really helps you if you can accept yourself inside!
Rose
Why should you try not to act on it? I can’t say I know the bible inside out, but I know it better than a lot of people who go to church regularly and I can’t recall there ever been any prohibition of lesbian relationships in the scripture.
God hates fags but not dykes seemingly. Perhaps he’s a fan of Swedish cinema?
I’m like a 2.5
I have always known that I’m bi, but I really confirmed it 2 months ago, so I’m really confused about everything and everyone, but I’m happy with my self and that’s what is important.
Thank you for the interesting information!!
i think i am about a 3 but it changes from day to day and seems to depend on my moods. I think that it is important info for everyone so they arent afraid to be themselves
im a 2. i like women but i love a good man once in a while
It really depends on my mood, but I like at least 2 guys that are in my life. I’d put myself at a 1.7 - 2. What’s interesting is that I’ve come out before, but almost immediately gotten scared and gone back to calling myself straight.
However, recently (my girlfriend’s bi, so I feel more comfortable talking about it) I’ve felt more bi-curious. It comes in cycles.
I’ve made out with a guy once and I liked it. But, iunno.
I know the internet isn’t generally the place one would place trust into another’s hands, but here it feels different. It has a different vibe. I read a couple of the articles and comments and feel a lot more confident about myself. This blog is really awesome and I’ll definitely keep posted for more updates.
(P.S. The fact that your a brit made me even more interested because I was born in Cardiff, Wales and so it’s nice to hear a more international look at the topic of bisexuality. Plus I prefer to listen to brits over yanks sometimes)
i think i’m a 2 (most of the time)! but right now i’m 0.5 …
I know I am in the 2.5 and sometimes 3 range. How can one not fall in love with people, no matter the gender, when they are thinking, loving, peaceful, thoughtful human beings?
There are those that make me want to be a 0 and then there are those that make me want to be a 6, but a good majority of the time I see and meet people that have me be a 3 or 2.5.
Can’t better explain it I think, people, when extraordinary, regardless of sex, are always attractive.
Thanks for the opportunity to voice.
New to expressing verbally what I’ve known of my thoughts and desires for a long time. Still conflicted but am in the midst of educating myself and am so relieved, thanks.
Im a solid 2. I’ve only been with and am still with only one guy because I’m ridiculously picky when it comes to males. However, if I’m never with another guy in my lifetime I’m perfectly okay with that.