bisexual

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender. People who are bisexual may be attracted to women, men, and/or non-binary individuals, though attraction patterns vary. The term is inclusive of a range of experiences and does not require equal or simultaneous attraction to all genders.

Bisexuality is distinct from pansexuality; many people use "bisexual" as an umbrella term for attraction to two or more genders, while "pansexual" emphasizes attraction regardless of gender. Some individuals prefer "bi+" to signal inclusivity of non-binary identities and other experiences beyond a strict binary model.

Historically, bisexuality has been discussed in both academic and activist contexts since the 19th and 20th centuries, with Kinsey’s mid-20th-century research popularizing the idea of attraction across genders. In contemporary discourse, bisexuality is recognized in many countries and is an established part of LGBT communities, though bisexual people may face stigma from both heterosexual and gay/lesbian communities and can experience bisexual erasure, the tendency to overlook or invalidate bisexual identities.

In health and social life, bisexual individuals may encounter unique challenges, including discrimination and health disparities linked to stigma. Many organizations promote inclusive care, visibility, and affirmative support to address these issues and to affirm the validity of bisexual identities.