Women with Bisexual Male Partners

Miki Perkins at theage.com.au has an article on women in relationships with bisexual men. The article also addresses polyamory and notes that bisexual people can be in monogamous relationships (one such relationship is cited as an example.)

The lives of women in relationships with bisexual men are the focus of new research from Deakin University, published in a book: Women in Relationships with Bisexual Men: Bi Men By Women.

The 80 women interviewed were, or had been, in relationships with bisexual men. Some were monogamous, some were "open" or polyamorous, and there was a mix of marital and de-facto relationships.

It's important to remember that "polyamorous" and "open" are not the same. A couple can have an open relationship and not consider themselves polyamorous. A polyamorous "V" or triangle or quad can be completely closed, meaning none of the individuals will have romantic or sexual relationships with anyone outside of the polycule.

Here are some of the upsides given for being with a bisexual man...

Bisexual men had often grappled with their own ideas of masculinity and came with less "baggage", interviewees told her. They wanted equitable relationships with their female partners, and were supportive of them exploring their own sexuality.

Those things can be tendencies, but of course individuals are diverse.

Some women experienced discrimination in both the heterosexual and LGBTI worlds because their relationships were considered "wrong" to both, says Dr Pallotta-Chiarolli.

That's unfortunate, and it is perplexing that some people insist bisexuality doesn't exist; that all individuals are either strictly heterosexual or strictly gay/lesbian. Why is it so hard to see it is possible for someone to be attracted to more than one gender?

Whatever your gender, do you identify as bisexual, polysexual, or pansexual? Or, are you with someone who does? Feel free to comment below or contact us via email (address provided in comment instructions.)