Bisexual Visibility : 'Proud' but work to do

A recent study has shown that more people identify as bisexual than gay or lesbian. After being straight, bisexuality is the next most common identity according to this poll.

In other words, Gen Z respondents (aged 16-26) are the least likely to self-identify as straight.

In fact, Stonewall said the outcomes represented a “positive story” but more was needed so that bisexuals would feel safe and protected.

The research asked about gender identity, sexual orientation and attraction from 16-75 year olds.

They carried out three surveys; one in June which is Pride Month and another one in August 2022 both of them with sample size of around 2000 each in England, Wales and Scotland respectively according to Ipsos Mori market researcher.

Overall, when individuals were asked which category they belonged to, 84% said straight while 5% said bisexual followed by 4% who identified themselves as gay or lesbian.

These responses differed by age. For instance, whereas only 2% of those aged between fifty-six and seventy-five (baby boomers) describe themselves as bi-sexuals about ten percent of the gen Z population identifies as such.

'It's not being half gay, half straight'

According to Dr. Julia Shaw’s Bi: The Hidden Culture, History & Science of Bisexuality it can be a bit “frustrating” that people do not understand what it means to be bisexual despite its widespread use and existence among humans throughout history.

This can also lead you into getting biphobia or negative comments like “oh what does that mean? Is it you promiscuous? Or you cannot be monogamous?” she asked rhetorically.

“Bisexuality is an actual identification; it isn’t anything like being partially gay or partially straight”.

She further suggests that trends in the past decade have indicated that bisexuals have become one of the biggest ‘sexual minorities’ although majority of people don’t realise how prevalent bisexuality actually is.

Although this shows that younger groups are more open to same-sex attraction, it may also give every other generation a greater sense of confidence.

John, 49 has recently revealed his gay side. At one point, the father of three children finally admitted it to be true saying that he had known for a long time but called it “being straight with fuzzy edges” and “suppressing” his real feelings.

When asked which sex they are attracted to without labels like "straight," "gay," or "bi," only 66% of those polled said they were only attracted to people of the opposite sex.

The findings tell a really positive story about the nation we are becoming,” said Nancy Kelley, CEO at Stonewall.

“It tells us that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are more visible and connected than ever before,” she added.

More so, once you take away all together the label then you get an even bigger community who say ‘you know what I can be attracted to different types of people.’’

She however noted that there was an increasingly visible bi community but biphobia still dominated in society as well.

“We have a lot of work to do to make sure bi people feel safe enough sharing their lives with us and being out in their day-to-day life.”

These results released by Stonewall on Thursday have shown the same pattern as UK official statistics whereby fewer numbers claim to be heterosexual. The official statistics regarding bisexuality could not be compared directly because they were worded differently.

Also another finding from this research is that there’s 2% who identified themselves as asexuals meaning no or little sexual attraction.

Yasmin Benoit is an asexual individual since she was 15 years old.

According to some of the “most common misconceptions” in her encounters, there are those who assert that for someone to be asexual, they must be having “something physically or mentally wrong like a personality defect, hormonal imbalance or mental health condition.”

However, being asexual to her means that she can “just focus on all the other joys of life” and not think about “navigating sexual situations.”

“This by no means restricts me at all.”

There are misunderstandings surrounding the topic of asexuality as Yasmin Benoit explains it.

Fewer than three percent (2.7%) identified as transgender or non-binary among the respondents with gender identity information available.

Currently, recent government statistics put the number of trans people living in the UK between 200000 and 500000.

England and Wales will release data from their 2021 Census later this year which may help provide more insights into population.