Bisexuality

Bisexuality is the sexual attraction to two or more genders and/or sexes. Despite the bi- prefix, bisexuality is an explicitly fluid identity that encompasses anything from attraction to two genders, to many or all genders. Therefore, bisexuality is not a binary orientation as it can include any two genders or more. Bisexuality has been intentionally defined throughout the last few decades as a fluid and broad identity that includes all types of multi-gender attraction. Bisexuals may or may not have a preference, and gender or sex may or may not factor into a bisexual person's attraction.

The Flag
The flag for bisexuality consists of three colors: pink, purple, and blue. The pink is at the top, and it symbolises same/similar gender attraction. Blue is at the bottom, and it symbolises dissimilar/opposite gender attraction. Purple, the mixture for pink and blue, is in the middle. It represents attraction across the gender spectrum. The first bisexual flag was revealed on December 5, 1998, by Michael Page.

The Bisexual Manifesto
"We are tired of being analyzed, defined and represented by people other than ourselves, or worse yet, not considered at all. We are frustrated by the imposed isolation and invisibility that comes from being told or expected to choose either a homosexual or heterosexual identity.

Monosexuality is a heterosexist dictate used to oppress homosexuals and to negate the validity of bisexuality.

Bisexuality is a whole, fluid identity. Do not assume that bisexuality is binary or duogamous in nature: that we have "two" sides or that we must be involved simultaneously with both genders to be fulfilled human beings. In fact, don’t assume that there are only two genders. Do not mistake our fluidity for confusion, irresponsibility, or an inability to commit. Do not equate promiscuity, infidelity, or unsafe sexual behavior with bisexuality. Those are human traits that cross all sexual orientations. Nothing should be assumed about anyone’s sexuality, including your own. We are angered by those who refuse to accept our existence; our issues; our contributions; our alliances; our voice. It is time for the bisexual voice to be heard."

The above excerpt comes from Anything That Moves, a literary, journalistic, and topical magazine published in the United States from 1990 to 2002. The full title is Anything That Moves: Beyond the Myths of Bisexuality. The title was purposely chosen for its controversial nature, while its tag line indicated a clear intent to challenge stereotypes of bisexual identities and behaviors. The magazine took its name from the stereotype depicting bisexuals as willing to have intercourse with "anything that moves". The magazine's mission was to confront and redefine concepts of sexuality and gender, to defy stereotypes and broad definitions of bisexuals and to combat biphobia.

There is also minor history in the name of bisexuality, much like homosexuality, it was treated as lesser or viewed as strictly a mental illness. Bisexuality may at times be referred to as "ambiphilia" which is the attraction to two genders. This term is no longer used due to the outdated name and definition as well as the usage of the word during its time making the term seen in a negative connotation.

Terminology
The term "bisexual" was coined by neurologist Charles Gilbert Chaddock. He used the term in the same way we use it today.

In a 1967 episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, Dr. McCoy uses the term "bisexual" to refer to the reproduction habits of the little furry critters called tribbles. However, another term may have been more appropriate to describe tribble reproduction, such as asexual or self-fertilizing.

Ancient Greece
The Greeks' culture involved many gods and goddesses that could be labeled as bisexual today. A common example is Apollo, the god of music, healing, poetry, the sun, archery, and more. Apollo had a male mortal lover named Hyacinthus, as well as several female lovers.

Zeus, Olympian god of the skies, could also be labeled as bisexual. Though his many affairs with mortal women are famous, he also was noted to be attracted to his cupbearer, Ganymede. Ganymede was an extremely beautiful Trojan prince brought to Mount Olympus by Zeus, and, interestingly, was also made a symbol of gay love and romance in myth.