All you would want to know about BISEXUALITY

Bisexuality is one of the three main classifications of sexual orientation. Bisexuality can be defined as sexual behavior whereby one is attracted to people of multiple genders. Individuals with a bisexual orientation experience emotional and sexual attraction to both, people of their own sex as well as those of the opposite sex. The other two sexual orientations classify people as heterosexuals and homosexuals.

We are living in 21st century, it is high time that people give up their myths and misconceptions about bisexuality.

• There is a common misconception about bisexuality that, the bisexuals need to be attracted to both sexes equally. It should be understood that bisexuals don't require to be attracted equally to people of both sexes. In fact, people who have a distinct but not exclusive preference for one sex over the other can still be identified as bisexuals.
• Some people might be under heterosexuals’ category and likewise engage in homosexual behaviors. Such people could be considered bisexuals but they may not identify themselves as one. You will also realize that people who practice bisexual behavior might support the homosexuals in the society, but they will still keep on identifying themselves as heterosexual.
• Another misconception about bisexuality is that bisexuals are adulterous and polyandrous and that they are people who just want to exploit their sexuality. The reason for this misconception is the fact that it is assumed that the bisexuals must be in a relationship with a man and a woman at the same time. It should be understood that bisexuals might consider living a diversified sexual lifestyle just like the way people of other sexual orientations do. Some of these lifestyles include promiscuity, serial monogamy, polyamory, celibacy, monogamy amongst many others.

Sexual orientation often describes the pattern of sexual behavior, attraction, and identity. However, take note that sexual behavior or attraction may not be consistent with identity. A good example comes in when some people describe themselves as being bisexual or homosexual without even having any sexual experience. At the same time, some people might have had a homosexual experience but, do not consider themselves as gays, lesbians, or bisexuals. In short, it is true to say that someone does not have to be exclusively homosexual or heterosexual but can have varying degrees of both. The way we characterize our sexual identity can obviously change with time. What attracts people can also change over time!

Most bisexuals start to identify themselves as one in their early mid-twenties. Studies have shown that most bisexual women have their first heterosexual experience before their first homosexual experience. This is the complete opposite of bisexual men, who usually have their first homosexual experience first.

Bisexuality like any other form of sexual behavior depends on the individuals. It is a common myth that bisexuals spread HIV/AIDS, since they first have sex with gays and then go spread it to their straight partners. People who are dishonest about their sexual behavior might as well be dishonest about their health status and they need to protect themselves with safer sex. Remember germs are not aware of your sexual orientation or behavior, and will not discriminate. Once a person is honest about their lifestyle, they will strive to protect their health and the health of the people they engage with.

Overall, it should not be taken as a taboo to be bisexual. Being bisexual is normal. Being attracted to people of different genders makes the society diverse and diversity is always something to be celebrated.