1. Bisexuality 101
A brief introduction

2. Quick overview William Perry Myths Terms Researchers
Identity versus Behavior
More information

3. William Perry’s Model of Intellectual and Ethical Development (1981)
1. Dualism: two options, one right one wrong
2. Multiplicity: acknowledges multiple options
3. Relativism: analyzes multiple options
4. Commitments in relativism: understands multiple options (non-dual awareness), decides to follow one option based upon personal beliefs and values

4. Application of Perry Applying non-dual awareness to sexuality.
Bisexuality is the experience of romantic & emotional attachment on the non-dual plane of development.
Both attractions are possible, but not necessarily acted upon…and may take various ranges of expression.

5. Myths Bisexuality does not exist.
Bisexual means equal attraction to both genders.
Bisexuals are dishonest about their relationships.
Adapted from Bisexual Resource Center. (2002). Myths about bisexuality [Brochure]. Boston, MA.

6. Myths Bisexuals are sexually promiscuous. Bisexuals cause AIDS.
Bisexuals are incapable of having healthy relationships.
Adapted from Bisexual Resource Center. (2002). Myths about bisexuality [Brochure]. Boston, MA.

7. Terms Bi-curious Bi-phobia Bisexual Men having Sex with Men (MSM)
Monosexual
Pansexual/Omnisexual/Pomosexual

8. Kinsey Scale (1948)
Homosexual
Heterosexual

9. Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (1993)
Ideal
Present
Past
Variable
Self Identification G
Heterosexual/Homosexual Lifestyle F
Social Preference E
Emotional Preference D
Sexual Fantasies C
Sexual Behavior B
Sexual Attraction A
Use scores ranging from: 1 (other sex) to 7 (same sex)

10. Identity versus behavior
One aspect of a person’s overall being. In terms of sexual orientation, this person will typically acknowledge varying degrees of emotional, social, and/or physical attraction (or interest) in persons of both genders. Gender is usually not the major demarcating factor for attraction (or interest).
Example: Bisexual identified person, in a monogamous relationship
Behavior
The actions a person does often, but not always based upon their thoughts, conceptions and beliefs.
Example: Heterosexual identified person having sex with the same gender.

11. Guidelines for practice
Become familiar with concepts and resources for the bisexual community.
Do not make assumptions.
Acknowledge the person’s experience.
Remember that there are human issues and bisexual issues.

12. So what does it all mean?
The words we use to define ourselves usually mean something different for each person.
The Kinsey Scale & Klein Sexual Orientation Grid measure sexuality in a more objective manner, but are still very limited.
The most important factor is how individuals identify themselves.

13. Researchers on the topic of bisexuality
Ronald C. Fox, PhD (San Francisco, CA)
Tania Israel (Santa Barbara, CA)
Alfred Kinsey (Deceased)
Fritz Klein, MD (San Diego, CA)
Emily Page (Boston, MA)

14. Internet resources www.bialogue.org www.biresource.org
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexual

15. Print resources
Fox, R.C. (Ed.). (2004). Current research on bisexuality. New York: Harrington Press.
Hutchins, L. & Kaahumanu, L. (Eds.). (1991). Bi any other name: Bisexual people speak out. Boston: Alyson Publications.
Klein, F. (1993) Bisexual option(2nd ed.). New York: Arbor House.
Ochs, R. (Ed.). (2001). Bisexual resource guide (4th ed.). Boston: Bisexual Resource Center.