op was a “any multispec orientation other than bi” exclusionist so i’ve requisitioned her post
on page 24 of “out of the past” by GLSEN, it defines bisexuality as “being emotionally and physically attracted to all genders“ (1999)
binet usa says “Bisexuality is a whole, fluid identity. Do not assume that bisexuality is binary or duogamous in nature [...]” (1990)
karen baker of solidarity us says “...there are also many bis, such as myself, for whom gender has no place in the list of things that attract them to a person. ... “Male” or “female” are not anywhere to be found in the list of qualities I find attractive.“ (2002)
the illinois dept of public health says “...bisexual people are those for whom gender is not the first criteria in determining attraction“ (tw for suicide in the link)
the bisexual resource center says “some try to define “bisexual” in a binary way: since in Latin, “bi” means two, “bisexual” must mean only attracted to men and women and not genderqueer or trans folks. Although it’s true that people have all kinds of different attractions to different kinds of people, assuming that all bisexuals are never attracted to trans or genderqueer folk is harmful, not only to bi individuals, but to trans and genderqueer individuals who choose to label themselves as bi.”
[its ... weird that op uses this source bc the article is about bi as an umbrella term for multispec orientations - it uses “bi+” to describe this & is fully accepting and supportive of other multispec orientations]
this queer glossary defines bi as “ A person who is attracted to people regardless of gender “ (tw for use of terms like transv*stite, tr*nny, h*rmaphr*dite)
this study says “bisexuality [is] nongender-specific ... Results supported the hypothesis that gender is not a critical variable in sexual attraction in bisexual individuals. “ (1992)
& i’m not gonna link the other post that op linked bc its also by a multispec exclusionist & panphobe
so yes, bi doesnt mean “attraction to men and women only” or “attraction to only two (2) genders” (at least, not always - some bi people define themselves like that, and that’s ok), & here’s the history to prove it. it is important to note that this doesn’t invalidate other multispec identities! pansexuality, polysexuality, multisexuality, omnisexuality, and every other multispec orientation are just as valid as bisexuality.
