What Does Bisexual Mean?
Bisexuality means feeling attracted to more than one gender. If you're bisexual, you might like both your gender and other genders.
People who are bisexual can like men and women differently. Some might like both equally, while others might prefer one over the other.
Bisexual folks can be in a relationship with someone of the same gender or a different gender. They might also change between types of relationships over time.
Pansexual vs. Bisexual
People often mix up bisexuality with pansexuality. If you're pansexual, you're into all genders, including cisgender, transgender, agender, non-binary, and more.
Bisexual means liking multiple genders, but not necessarily all.
Some bisexual people might feel attracted to all genders, too. The main thing is what each person feels suits them best.
Busting Myths
There are many wrong ideas about bisexuality. These myths can lead to biphobia, which is prejudice against bisexual people. This can happen both inside and outside the LGBTQ community.
Myth 1: Bisexuals only date cisgender men or women. Truth: “Bi” means liking your own gender and others, not just two genders.
Myth 2: Bisexuals are confused or deny their true selves. Truth: Bisexuality is a real identity, not a phase or experiment.
Myth 3: Bisexuals are more likely to cheat. Truth: Cheating has nothing to do with being bisexual.
Myth 4: Only women are bisexual. Truth: Men can be bisexual, too, though they might not talk about it as much.
Despite these myths, everyone's experience with bisexuality is valid.
Understanding and Support
Coming out as bisexual can be tough because of these myths. You don't have to come out until you're ready.
If you choose to, sharing information about bisexuality can help your loved ones understand. It can also clear up any wrong ideas they might have and make things easier for you.