The many myths of female bisexuality
Man's World|April 2020
While bisexual men battle biphobia, women deal with being sexually fetishised, constant talk about ‘threesomes’ and the usual ‘it’s just a phase’
Urmi Bhattacheryya
The many myths of female bisexuality

When a woman announces she’s bisexual at a dinner table, a social gathering or in bed, usually one out of two things will happen:

She is sized up amorously by diners, social gatherers, or her current paramour, and thought to be “easy” and/or “loose”.

She is sized up dubiously by diners/ social gatherers/current paramour and thought to be inclined to cheat on her partner.

Both of those two things can be chalked down to the simple truth: she likes men and women, and she cannot lie.

And then, of course, there’s the entire archaic malarkey about threesomes

25–year-old Suryatapa, a journalist from Delhi, says, “Biphobia can be terrible against bisexual men – I have seen it. For them, it’s almost worse than that against gay men. For us, it’s the opposite. It’s fetishised and sexualised.”

Parthavee, a 28-year-old media professional, laughs off the idea of a threesome when it is thrown at her. “It inevitably is. Particularly at parties, where couples will ask me to come along with them to their houses, without even asking me if I’m okay with it. I actually hate the idea of a threesome and never want to do it.”

She continues, “What’s problematic is that this assumption doesn’t just come from straight people, but from within the queer community as well.”

According to Human Rights Campaign, a bisexual “is someone who can be attracted to more than one gender; but adults and youth who identify as bisexual sometimes describe themselves differently... it includes people who identify as pansexual, queer, fluid and other labels that suggest potential attraction to more than one gender.”

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Man's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Man's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAN'S WORLDView All
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
Man's World

Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique

More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
iPhone Fatigue
Man's World

iPhone Fatigue

Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Man's World

Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
Man's World

SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY

In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Pritam Hitting The High Note
Man's World

Pritam Hitting The High Note

A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time

time-read
10 mins  |
October 2024
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
Man's World

JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE

In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Man's World

SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Man's World

Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition

Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Man's World

WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS

Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Man's World

Denim The Timeless Trendsetter

Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024