‘Am I Bisexual?’ 8 Signs To Know And Common Misconceptions

When you fall for someone, you fall for everything, irrespective of their gender. You feel the pull from multiple directions as your heart is open to more than one color. That’s the radiance of bisexuality. You are bisexual if the attraction for you extends over a wide spectrum of genders. You may prefer one gender, but other genders do not cease to appeal to you. Having strong feelings for more than one gender could bemuse you, but know that it is okay. Stay calm and acknowledge your emotions rather than dismiss them. Let’s look at what bisexuality means and ways to identify it. And once you are sure of being bisexual, we can look at what to do next and tackle some misconceptions.

What Is Bisexuality?

Earlier, bisexuality meant feeling attracted to both men and women. But with the evolution of the human race, more genders are recognized. Today, bisexuality refers to getting attracted to more than one gender. However, it doesn’t mean that a bisexual person simultaneously maintains a relationship with multiple partners from across genders.

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center (2022), five percent of US adults identified themselves as bisexual. Among them, 12% were adults aged between 18 and 29.

Did you know?

Popular actresses Drew Barrymore, Kristen Stewart, Lili Reinhart, and poet and playwright Oscar Wilde are some of the most famous bisexual celebrities.

What Are The Signs Of Bisexuality?

Labeling your sexuality is not simple. However, if you feel you may be bisexual, the following signs can help you better understand your preference.

1. You are attracted to multiple genders

The most significant indicator of bisexuality is having a strong attraction to people of different genders. However, it’s important to note that not everyone’s gender fits neatly into the binary categories of male or female. Some people may identify as genderfluid, meaning their gender identity can shift and change over time. You may find yourself checking out someone from the opposite sex and later experiencing an emotional or sexual pull from someone of the same gender.

2. You are confused

You are uncertain if your feelings stem from a place of friendship and curiosity about others or sexual attraction.

3. You feel and relate to bisexual people

When you listen to someone’s story, you understand them. Their experiences are relatable. You like hanging out exclusively with the queer community. You support the LGBTQ+ community because you feel a sense of belonging.

4. You have a desire for different genders

You often fantasize about people belonging to the same and different genders. You dream of getting sexual with people, irrespective of their gender (pansexual). At times, you may recall when you had a crush on a girl and a boy.

5. You share a strong significance with the ‘bi’ label

Labels could be daunting, but if you resonate with the information about bisexuality, it could be an affirmation. If you identify as bisexual, you may embrace it, be at ease, and eventually get confident.

6. You feel the need to take a ‘bi’ test

Are you always in conflict with your overwhelming feelings? You might feel compelled to determine what exactly you want. So, you often take the ‘am I bi’ test to check if your feelings can be validated and categorized as bisexual.

7. You yearn for someone of the same and opposite gender

You want a happy and long-lasting relationship. And you even imagine a happy life with a partner. However, your partner choice is not limited to a particular gender; you can be happy with anyone, be it a male, female, or non-binary.

8. You have a ‘sure’ feeling

Often, we dismiss some strong feelings as ‘just a phase.’ Your growing feelings for the same and different genders may be confusing but not fleeting. You know in your heart that this is not temporary, and you feel strongly bisexual. If you feel it deep within and if your inner voice says, ‘I am bisexual,’ then there cannot be a more legit confirmation. Embrace your uniqueness with pride.

How To Accept Bisexuality?

Having a sexual orientation different from most people makes you unique. There will be times when you will feel that no one understands you. But don’t worry, as you are not alone in this. Here is what you can do when you know you are bi.

1. Don’t rush

You may feel overwhelmed knowing you have discovered who you truly are. However, don’t be quick to label your orientation. Give yourself more time to understand your preferences. Sexuality is a fluid experience, so know that it may change over time.

2. Accept and embrace your uniqueness

Since not every stratum of society is accepting, it is natural to feel scared. But being different is not wrong. So, don’t let society’s expectations keep you from accepting your true self. Your feelings are valid, and so is your unique orientation.

3. Hang out with a queer crowd

Join an LGBTQ+ group or hang out with people who can better understand you. Talking to and listening to their experiences will help you manage your feelings. Also, you can develop a support system and gain more confidence in yourself.

4. Take time to come out

There is no right or wrong time to come out. Your sexuality is your personal matter and depends entirely on whether you wish to share it with others. So, don’t take the pressure. Come out only when you feel ready.

5. Be safe

You may want to explore your sexuality and experiment to understand what makes you tick. However, don’t be reckless in your quest for intimacy. Learn more about STDs, know your boundaries, and be firm about what you are comfortable with and what is not acceptable.

Do remember

Bisexuality does not necessarily mean that a person is equally attracted to men and women. Their preference cannot be quantified. Also, their level of attraction can change with time.

What Are The Misconceptions Related To Bisexuality?

The concept of bisexuality may seem complicated for some people. Various myths and misconceptions associated with it add further to the confusion. Let’s look at the most common ones and try to break them one by one.

Misconception 1: Bisexual people cheat in a relationship

Sexuality does not make a person prone or immune to cheating. Bisexuals people may like men, women, and gender non-conforming individuals. However, their sexual preference does not prove they may or may not cheat in a relationship. The level of loyalty towards a single long-term relationship depends entirely upon the individual.

Misconception 2: Bisexuals are indecisive

Interest in multiple genders does not indicate confusion. Instead, they feel drawn to the same and different genders but can have their favorite or preferred sex. At the end of the day, it is really about the person and less about their gender.

Misconception 3: Relationship with the opposite gender turns a bi to heterosexual

Bisexuality is not a switch that can be turned on and off. It is an orientation that will last throughout life. Bisexuals have their preferences, and it’s their interest in the same and other genders that makes them bi. If a bi broke up with the same-gender partner and moved on with a different-gender partner, it could be because of their individuality and not due to their sexuality.

Misconception 4: Bisexuality is just a phase

No, it’s not! Sexuality is a complex concept, and it is natural to feel lost and confused. But that does not mean it is just a temporary phase and that a bi person will snap out of it one day. On the contrary, if someone identifies as bi, they may need time to understand what it means, and once they come to terms with it, they embrace it as a part of life.

Misconception 5: Bisexuals are attracted to anyone and everyone

Not at all! Bisexuality means being attracted to more than one gender. Bisexuals have preferences based on several factors and levels of attractiveness. Even a heterosexual person (bi-curious) may not necessarily find every opposite-gender person attractive. So, why expect a bi to feel like that?

Misconception 6: Bisexuals seek threesomes

Not every bi out there has a wild fantasy. They can have a monogamous relationship without wanting to get into sexual experiments. Anyone can have multiple crushes but might not be interested in getting sexual with them. Similarly, a bi person may like more than one gender but might not want to share their personal space with everyone.

Misconception 7: Bisexuals cannot identify themselves without having multiple relationships

Does a heterosexual not identify as straight if they have not had a single relationship? No, right? Similarly, bis do not need to act upon their feelings and engage in multiple relationships with different genders to prove their sexuality. They can have a single relationship with a single gender all their life and still know they are bisexual.

Be easy on yourself and take your time to understand your feelings. When you finally determine your sexuality, don’t be embarrassed or afraid. You need not hide it either. Also, there is no need to divulge your sexual preference to everyone until your heart tells you to do so. You can try connecting with people in the LGBTQ+ community and seek help. Remember, you are beautiful, and love has no bounds.

Infographic: Misconceptions And Truth About Bisexuality

Not everyone understands bisexuality; hence there are several misconceptions attached to it. Romantic feelings are not right or wrong, it’s about how you accept them. In this infographic, we bring you some common myths about bisexuality and clear them once and for all.

Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team

Illustration: Am I Bisexual?&039 8 Signs To Know And Common Misconceptions

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Are you questioning your sexuality? Uncertain about your bisexuality? This helpful video is here to help you on your journey of self-discovery.

Was this article helpful?

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.

Reviewer Editor Fact Checker

Jola JovaniPersonal coach

   

Jola Jovani is a personal and relationship coach with expertise in conflict resolution, healthy communication, trust building, and boundary setting. She holds a Coaching Certification from The Transformation Academy, in addition to a degree in Economics and Management Science from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Read full bio of Jola Jovani

Siddharth Kesiraju

.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

Benidamika J Latam

Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

Read full bio of Benidamika J Latam