bisexual
bisexual
Pronunciation
The word bisexual refers to the capacity for romantic or sexual attraction to more than one gender. Below is a breakdown of its phonetics, variations, and definitions.
Phonetic Breakdown
IPA Spelling: /baɪˈsɛkʃuəl/
bi-: /baɪ/ — Consists of the voiced bilabial stop /b/ and the diphthong /aɪ/.
-sex-: /ˈsɛk/ — The stressed syllable. Consists of the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/, the open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/, and the voiceless velar stop /k/.
-u-: /ʃu/ — Consists of the voiceless postalveolar fricative /ʃ/ and the close back rounded vowel /u/.
-al: /əl/ — Consists of the schwa /ə/ and the alveolar lateral approximant /l/.
Word Form Variations
Adjective: Bisexual
Noun (Singular): Bisexual
Noun (Plural): Bisexuals
Adverb: Bisexually
Abstract Noun: Bisexuality
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
As an Adjective
Describing a person who is emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to more than one gender, often their own and others. It can also describe things relating to this orientation.
Synonyms: Bi, m-spec (multisexual spectrum), pansexual (related), fluid.
Antonyms: Monosexual, heterosexual, homosexual.
As a Noun
A person whose primary sexual orientation involves attraction to people of more than one gender.
Synonyms: Bi person, non-monosexual.
Antonyms: Heterosexual, gay, lesbian.
Examples of Use
Here are several examples of how the word bisexual is used across various mediums and public discourse.
Literature and Books
"The bisexual community is a large and diverse group, often making up the largest single portion of the LGBTQ+ population, yet frequently facing unique challenges regarding visibility." (Eisner, Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution, 2013).
In her memoir, the author explores her journey identifying as a bisexual woman while navigating the complexities of both the straight and queer dating worlds.
Newspapers and Journalism
"Advocates argue that health providers need better training to address the specific needs of bisexual patients, who may experience different health outcomes than their monosexual peers" (The New York Times, November 2021).
"The festival's lineup includes several films that focus on bisexual protagonists, aiming to move beyond tropes and provide nuanced representation" (The Guardian, September 2022).
Online Publications and Digital Media
"Many people use the term bisexual as an umbrella label to describe attraction to more than one gender, encompassing identities like pansexual and fluid" (NBC News, June 2023).
An editorial on a major lifestyle site discusses the importance of bisexual visibility month and how allies can support their bisexual friends without making assumptions about their relationship history.
Entertainment and Pop Culture
In the television series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the character Rosa Diaz officially comes out as bisexual to her colleagues, a moment widely praised for its straightforward and sincere execution.
During an interview on a popular late-night talk show, a well-known musician discussed how being bisexual influenced the lyrical themes of their latest album.
General Public Discourse
"When discussing inclusivity in the workplace, it is important to remember that bisexual employees often feel the need to 're-come out' depending on the gender of their current partner."
During a local community board meeting regarding pride celebrations, a speaker noted the necessity of ensuring bisexual voices are represented in the planning committee to ensure the event is truly inclusive.
10 Famous Quotes Using Bisexual
“I am bisexual because I am drawn to particular people regardless of gender.” (Lani Ka'ahumanu)
“I am a bisexual, and I suppose it's the best thing that ever happened to me.” (David Bowie)
“You're not confused if you're bisexual; it's not confusing at all.” (Kristen Stewart)
“While I don't often use the word, the technically precise term for my orientation is bisexual.” (Cynthia Nixon)
“I'm not gay, I'm not straight, I'm just bisexual.” (Evan Rachel Wood)
“I have no question in my mind about being bisexual.” (Megan Fox)
“I have always considered myself bisexual.” (Drew Barrymore)
“I am a bisexual Cuban-American woman, and I am so proud of it.” (Lauren Jauregui)
“I’m not like other girls; I like other girls, and I’m bisexual.” (Original Quote)
“To call me anything other than bisexual would be inaccurate.” (Clive Davis)
Etymology
The word bisexual has a fascinating history that began in the world of biology before moving into psychology and identity. Its meaning has fundamentally shifted over the last 150 years.
Origins and Early Biological Meaning
The word is formed from the Latin prefix bi- (meaning "two") and the word sexual. When it first appeared in English in the early 19th century (roughly around 1824), it was used strictly as a biological term.
At that time, to be "bisexual" meant to possess both male and female reproductive organs in a single body. In modern terms, we would use the word intersex for humans or hermaphroditic for plants and animals to describe this. For decades, it had nothing to do with who a person was attracted to; it only described their physical anatomy.
The Shift to Psychology and Attraction
The shift toward the modern meaning—attraction to more than one gender—began in the late 1800s through the work of early "sexologists" (scientists who studied sex).
First Use of the Modern Sense (1892): The first known use of the word to describe sexual attraction occurred in the English translation of Richard von Krafft-Ebing’s book, Psychopathia Sexualis. The translator, Charles Gilbert Chaddock, used "bisexual" to describe people who experienced what he called "after-homosexual" and heterosexual attractions.
The "Mental" Version: During this era, thinkers like Sigmund Freud also used the term to suggest that all humans are born with a "psychical bisexuality," meaning we all have both masculine and feminine psychological traits.
Modern Evolution
It wasn't until the mid-20th century, particularly with the Kinsey Reports in the 1940s and 50s, that the word moved away from being a clinical or "medical" label and began to be used by people as a personal identity.
By the 1970s and 80s, during the rise of the modern LGBTQ+ movement, the community reclaimed the word. It evolved from a description of a "biological mix" to a proud identity centered on the capacity for attraction to more than one gender.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Bisexual
Here is a list of phrases and idioms involving the word bisexual, as well as related expressions using synonyms to capture the same sentiment.
Bisexual erasure: A phrase used to describe the tendency to ignore, remove, or re-explain evidence of bisexuality in history, media, or personal lives.
The bisexual umbrella: A conceptual term used to describe a variety of identities (like pansexual or fluid) that fall under the broader definition of being attracted to more than one gender.
Bi-curious: A phrase used to describe someone who is exploring whether they have attractions to more than one gender but has not yet adopted a specific label.
Bi the way: A common pun used in social media and casual conversation as a shorthand for coming out or asserting a bisexual identity.
Sitting on the fence: A disparaging idiom often incorrectly applied to bisexual people, implying an inability to "choose" a side between gay or straight.
Best of both worlds: An idiom borrowed from general English to describe the capacity to appreciate or be attracted to people across the gender spectrum.
Double-gaited: An older, now largely obsolete slang term/idiom used to describe someone who is bisexual.
AC/DC: A classic slang idiom (referring to electrical currents) used to describe someone who is attracted to both men and women.
Switch-hitter: A sports-derived idiom (from baseball) used to describe someone who is comfortable "playing for both teams" or having attractions to multiple genders.
Equal opportunity lover: A colloquial phrase used to describe someone whose attraction is not limited by gender or sex.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of bisexual from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
