Willingness to Engage in Romantic and Sexual Activities With Bisexual Partners: Gender and Sexual Orientation Differences

Despite knowledge of negative attitudes toward bisexuals, it remains unclear if this extends to people’s willingness to engage in romantic and sexual activities with bisexual partners. The current study examined gender and sexual orientation differences in willingness to date, have sex with, or be in a relationship with bisexual partners. Participants (N 801) completed an online survey that included a measure of willingness to engage in romantic and sexual activities with same-gender and different-gender bisexual partners. Results indicated that heterosexuals and lesbians/gay men were less willing than bisexuals to engage in romantic/sexual activities with bisexual partners. Additionally, people were generally less willing to be in a relationship with a bisexual partner than they were to have sex with or to date one. Thus, negative attitudes toward bisexuals appear to extend to people’s willingness to engage in romantic/sexual activities with bisexual partners, and such willingness differs as a function of gender and sexual orientation. Efforts are needed to educate people about bisexuality and to dispel myths that contribute to negative attitudes toward bisexuals. Such efforts have the potential to reduce stigma and discrimination toward bisexuals as well as reduce health disparities related to bisexuality.