Bisexual Relationships

Abstract

This chapter examines bisexual men’s romantic relationships, showing increased personal acceptance by partners, compared to what is described in the literature. Most of the 90 men interviewed were open with their partners. However, younger men disclosed their bisexuality earlier in the relationship. There were also remnants of bisexual burden for some participants; as well as elements of heteronormativity. Older bisexual men tended to sexualize men and romanticize women. However, the younger men sexualized and romanticized men and women more equally. The chapter also demonstrates that, rather than the privileging of open or polyamorous relationships found in much of the bisexual literature, most participants remained in and supportive of monogamous relationships. This finding is attributed to the recruitment strategy, with few participants deeply ingrained in bisexual community groups where polyamory is often valued.