Bisexual

Bisexual (often shortened to "bi") means being attracted to more than one gender. For some people that means men and women, for others it includes non-binary people too. What being bi looks like varies a lot from person to person — there's no one way to do it.

• Bisexuality means attraction to more than one gender. It doesn't have to be equal or 50/50.
• It's one of the most common sexual orientations, and it's part of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Being bi is a real, valid orientation — not a phase, not confusion, not "picking a side."
• You can be bisexual and in a relationship with one person. That doesn't change your sexuality.

What it actually means

The simplest definition: bisexual people are attracted to more than one gender. Some bi people describe it as being attracted to "the same gender and other genders." Some feel different kinds of attraction to different genders — maybe more drawn to one gender emotionally and another physically. Others don't notice much difference at all.

The attraction doesn't have to be 50/50. You might find you're attracted to women 80% of the time and men 20%, or it might shift over the years. None of that makes you any less bisexual. There's no threshold you have to meet.

What about pansexual?

You might have heard the term pansexual, which means attraction regardless of gender. Some people prefer "bi," some prefer "pan," some use both. There's overlap between the two, and the "right" label is whichever one feels like it fits you best. Neither is more correct than the other.

Things people get wrong

"Bisexual people are just confused." No. Knowing you're attracted to more than one gender isn't confusion — it's self-awareness. Some people know they're bi from a young age, others figure it out later. Both are fine.

"It's just a phase before you pick a side." Bisexuality is an orientation, not a pit stop. Some people's feelings do change over time, but that doesn't mean it was a phase — it means sexuality can be fluid.

"If you're in a relationship with one person, you're not really bi." A straight person in a relationship is still straight. A gay person in a relationship is still gay. A bi person in a relationship with someone of any gender is still bi. Who you're currently dating doesn't cancel out your sexuality.

"Bi people are more likely to cheat." This is a harmful stereotype with no truth behind it. Being attracted to multiple genders doesn't say anything about someone's faithfulness. That's about character, not orientation.

Biphobia

Bisexual people can face prejudice from multiple directions — sometimes from straight people, sometimes from within the LGBTQ+ community. This is called biphobia. It can include being told you're "not gay enough" or "not straight enough," having your identity dismissed, or being stereotyped as greedy or unfaithful. It's real, and it affects people's mental health.

If you're bi and experiencing this, you're not alone — and there's support out there.

Things people ask about bisexuality

How do I know if I'm bisexual?

If you find yourself attracted to people of more than one gender — whether that's romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or both — you might be bi. There's no test and no rush to figure it out. Some people know at 12, some at 30.

Do I have to have been with people of different genders to know I'm bi?

No. You don't have to have kissed or slept with anyone to know your orientation. You know who you're attracted to — experience doesn't validate it.

What if my attraction to different genders isn't equal?

That's completely normal and very common. Most bi people don't experience a perfect 50/50 split, and it can shift over time. You're still bi.

What's the difference between bisexual and pansexual?

They overlap a lot. Bisexual generally means attracted to more than one gender. Pansexual generally means attracted to people regardless of gender. Some people use both terms for themselves. Use whichever fits you.

Where to get help

• Stonewall — information and support for LGBTQ+ people, including resources specifically about bisexuality.
• Switchboard (0800 0119 100) — the LGBTQ+ helpline, open for anyone who wants to talk.
• Brook — confidential advice for under-25s on sexual health, identity, and relationships.

Bisexual, often shortened to "bi," means being attracted to more than one gender. For some people that means boys and girls. For others it includes people who do not see themselves as either.

The attraction does not have to be equal. You might be more drawn to one gender than another, and that can change over time. You are still bisexual either way. There is no test and no set amount you have to feel.

Being bisexual is a real part of who someone is. It is not a phase, not confusion, and not about "picking a side." Some people know they are bi from a young age. Others figure it out later. Both are fine.

If you are in a relationship with one person, that does not change your sexuality. A bi person dating a boy is still bi. A bi person dating a girl is still bi.

You might hear the word "pansexual" too, which means being attracted to people no matter what their gender is. There is a lot of overlap between bi and pan. The right word is whichever one feels right to you.

Bi people sometimes face unfair treatment from different directions. People might say they are not "gay enough" or not "straight enough." That is not okay. Being attracted to more than one gender is completely normal and valid.