Definitions - Bisexuality and multi-gender attraction
There are many different ways that people understand and describe their experience of being attracted to people of different genders. Below are some common terms that people use, and what they mean.
Definitions
Bi+ - a broad and inclusive term for those who are attracted to people of multiple sexes or genders. It includes people who may identify as bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, queer, fluid, questioning, and more. It also includes those who express multi-gender attraction in behaviour but do not identify with LGBTIQA+ communities. The term bi+ is being increasingly used in activism and education - it helps to bring us together and to share our common experiences and priorities.
Bisexual - Bisexuality simply means sexual or romantic attraction to people of different genders. An alternative definition that is sometimes used is “attraction to people of one’s own gender and other genders”.
Pansexual - Pansexuality is sexual or romantic attraction to people regardless of their sex or gender identity.
Polysexual - Polysexuality is attraction to people of many genders.
Omnisexual - Omnisexuality is attraction to people of all genders.
Multi-gender attracted - an umbrella term for all those who experience attraction to people of different sexes or genderers. Bisexual, pansexual, polysexual and omnisexual people are all encompassed within the ‘multi-gender attracted’ umbrella.
Plurisexual - an academic term for those who are attracted to people of different sexes or genders.
Monosexual - Monosexuality is sexual or romantic attraction to people of one sex or gender only. A monosexual person may identify as heterosexual, homosexual or queer. ‘Monosexual’ is often used in contrast with bi+. It is a factual term which describes a set of sexual orientations, not a slur.
What words should I use?
People usually choose terms to describe themselves based on what feels good to them or resonates with them personally. Some people use multiple labels (e.g. some people may feel comfortable describing themself as queer, pan and bi). Some people prefer just the word ‘queer’ or ‘fluid’, or reject labels altogether and just want to be seen as a person. There is no right or wrong answer - it’s about how we each understand ourselves and what feels safe and affirming to us.
People’s understanding of their sexuality, and the language they use for it, can change over time and in different contexts. For example, a person might talk about themself in some contexts as gay and in other contexts as bisexual; or might see themself as straight, queer or pansexual at different times in their life. It’s fine to use whatever words feel safe and affirming to describe yourself in whatever time and place you are in.
We believe that people should have autonomy about how they describe themselves and what labels they choose to use (if any). Please don't apply labels to others unless they are comfortable using those terms for themselves.
If you are not part of the bi+ community, we recommend using the term ‘bi+’ or ‘multi-gender attracted’ in referring to multi-gender attracted people in general. If you are referring to a specific person, check how they describe themself, or ask them what term/s they prefer, and follow their lead. Don’t make assumptions.
The definitions above have developed within a Western cultural context. There are many diverse ways to understand and describe sexuality and gender across cultures. Uncritically using the labels and ideas above to refer to queer people across different cultures can be an act of colonialism. Please be ready to learn from others about how multi-gender attraction is understood within their cultures.
More about bi+ sexuality
The most widely accepted definition of bisexuality is from Robyn Ochs, a prominent bisexual activist, educator and author:
“I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge that I have in myself the potential to be attracted – romantically and/or sexually – to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.”
People sometimes avoid the term ‘bisexual’ because of misconceptions about what bisexuality is. (For example, some people think that bisexuality excludes attraction to people who are trans or gender diverse. This is a biphobic myth and erases the many bisexual people who are themselves trans or gender diverse.) We encourage you to listen carefully to bi+ people about their experience and to avoid making assumptions about terms that others use to describe themselves.
Bi+sexuality is not based on the gender of a person’s current or past sexual partners. For example, a person can be in a long-term relationship with someone of the same gender, and still be bisexual or pansexual (or another bi+ identity) if they can experience attraction to people of other genders. You can be bi+ without needing to have had sex with people of different genders.
Bi+sexuality also doesn’t require an equal level of attraction to people of all genders. For example, a person can experience frequent attraction to women, and occasional attraction to men or non-binary people, and still be bi+.
Multi-gender attraction can be about behaviour as well as, or instead of, identity. For example, some men who have sex with men may be considered to be multi-gender attracted, but may see themselves as straight, and not identify with any LGBTIQA+ identity.