Bi-curious is a term for a person, usually someone who is a heterosexual, who is curious or open about engaging in sexual activity with a person whose sex differs from that of their usual sexual partners.[1][2][3] The term is sometimes used to describe a broad continuum of sexual orientation between heterosexuality and bisexuality.[4] Such continuums include mostly-heterosexual or mostly-homosexual, but these can be self-identified without identifying as bisexual.[5] The terms heteroflexible and homoflexible are mainly applied to bi-curious people, though some authors distinguish heteroflexibility and homoflexibility as lacking the "wish to experiment with sexuality" implied by the bi-curious label.[6]
Etymology
The term started becoming popular after 1984, according to Merriam-Webster, but The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English and Oxford Dictionaries’ Lexico claim that the term was coined in 1990.[7]
References
- ^ "Definition of BI-CURIOUS". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2019-09-21.
Characterized by an openness to or curiosity about having sexual relations with a person whose sex differs from that of one's usual sexual partners : curious about exploring or experimenting with bisexuality.
- ^ Wilson G, Rahman Q (2008). Born Gay: The Psychobiology of Sex Orientation. Peter Owen. p. 15. ISBN 178450663X.
The term 'bi-curious' refers to that fact that many people who are basically straight might consider an occasional homosexual adventure simply to broaden their horizons.
- ^ Holleb ML (2019). The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality: From Ace to Ze. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. p. 43. ISBN 178450663X.
Someone who considers themselves heterosexual but has a sexual or romantic 'curiosity' toward the same gender.
- ^ Frank, Katherine (2008). "'Not Gay, but Not Homophobic': Male Sexuality and Homophobia in the 'Lifestyle'". Sexualities. 11 (4): 435–454. doi:10.1177/1363460708091743.
- ^ Savin-Williams, Ritch C.; Joyner, Kara; Rieger, Gerulf (2012). "Prevalence and Stability of Self-Reported Sexual Orientation Identity During Young Adulthood". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 41 (1): 103–110. doi:10.1007/s10508-012-9913-y. PMID 22302504. S2CID 43225099.
- ^ Smorag, Pascale (14 May 2008). "From Closet Talk to PC Terminology: Gay Speech and the Politics of Visibility". Transatlantica. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
- ^ "What Does It Mean To Be "Bi-Curious"?". Refinery29.