New Studies, Bisexuals are Liars Options

[lKVNiiKINKYl]

Straight, Gay or Lying? Bisexuality Revisited
By BENEDICT CAREY
Some people are attracted to women; some are attracted to men. And some, if Sigmund Freud, Dr. Alfred Kinsey and millions of self-described bisexuals are to be believed, are drawn to both sexes.

But a new study casts doubt on whether true bisexuality exists, at least in men.

The study, by a team of psychologists in Chicago and Toronto, lends support to those who have long been skeptical that bisexuality is a distinct and stable sexual orientation.

People who claim bisexuality, according to these critics, are usually homosexual, but are ambivalent about their homosexuality or simply closeted. "You're either gay, straight or lying," as some gay men have put it.

In the new study, a team of psychologists directly measured genital arousal patterns in response to images of men and women. The psychologists found that men who identified themselves as bisexual were in fact exclusively aroused by either one sex or the other, usually by other men.

The study is the largest of several small reports suggesting that the estimated 1.7 percent of men who identify themselves as bisexual show physical attraction patterns that differ substantially from their professed desires.

"Research on sexual orientation has been based almost entirely on self-reports, and this is one of the few good studies using physiological measures," said Dr. Lisa Diamond, an associate professor of psychology and gender identity at the University of Utah, who was not involved in the study.

The discrepancy between what is happening in people's minds and what is going on in their bodies, she said, presents a puzzle "that the field now has to crack, and it raises this question about what we mean when we talk about desire."

"We have assumed that everyone means the same thing," she added, "but here we have evidence that that is not the case."

Several other researchers who have seen the study, scheduled to be published in the journal Psychological Science, said it would need to be repeated with larger numbers of bisexual men before clear conclusions could be drawn.

Bisexual desires are sometimes transient and they are still poorly understood. Men and women also appear to differ in the frequency of bisexual attractions. "The last thing you want," said Dr. Randall Sell, an assistant professor of clinical socio-medical sciences at Columbia University, "is for some therapists to see this study and start telling bisexual people that they're wrong, that they're really on their way to homosexuality."

He added, "We don't know nearly enough about sexual orientation and identity" to jump to these conclusions.

In the experiment, psychologists at Northwestern University and the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto used advertisements in gay and alternative newspapers to recruit 101 young adult men. Thirty-three of the men identified themselves as bisexual, 30 as straight and 38 as homosexual.

The researchers asked the men about their sexual desires and rated them on a scale from 0 to 6 on sexual orientation, with 0 to 1 indicating heterosexuality, and 5 to 6 indicating homosexuality. Bisexuality was measured by scores in the middle range.

Seated alone in a laboratory room, the men then watched a series of erotic movies, some involving only women, others involving only men.

Using a sensor to monitor sexual arousal, the researchers found what they expected: gay men showed arousal to images of men and little arousal to images of women, and heterosexual men showed arousal to women but not to men.

But the men in the study who described themselves as bisexual did not have patterns of arousal that were consistent with their stated attraction to men and to women. Instead, about three-quarters of the group had arousal patterns identical to those of gay men; the rest were indistinguishable from heterosexuals.

"Regardless of whether the men were gay, straight or bisexual, they showed about four times more arousal" to one sex or the other, said Gerulf Rieger, a graduate psychology student at Northwestern and the study's lead author.

Although about a third of the men in each group showed no significant arousal watching the movies, their lack of response did not change the overall findings, Mr. Rieger said.

Since at least the middle of the 19th century, behavioral scientists have noted bisexual attraction in men and women and debated its place in the development of sexual identity. Some experts, like Freud, concluded that humans are naturally bisexual. In his landmark sex surveys of the 1940's, Dr. Alfred Kinsey found many married, publicly heterosexual men who reported having had sex with other men.

"Males do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual," Dr. Kinsey wrote. "The world is not to be divided into sheep and goats."

By the 1990's, Newsweek had featured bisexuality on its cover, bisexuals had formed advocacy groups and television series like "Sex and the City" had begun exploring bisexual themes.

Yet researchers were unable to produce direct evidence of bisexual arousal patterns in men, said Dr. J. Michael Bailey, a professor of psychology at Northwestern and the new study's senior author.

A 1979 study of 30 men found that those who identified themselves as bisexuals were indistinguishable from homosexuals on measures of arousal. Studies of gay and bisexual men in the 1990's showed that the two groups reported similar numbers of male sexual partners and risky sexual encounters. And a 1994 survey by The Advocate, the gay-oriented newsmagazine, found that, before identifying themselves as gay, 40 percent of gay men had described themselves as bisexual.

"I'm not denying that bisexual behavior exists," said Dr. Bailey, "but I am saying that in men there's no hint that true bisexual arousal exists, and that for men arousal is orientation."

But other researchers - and some self-identified bisexuals - say that the technique used in the study to measure genital arousal is too crude to capture the richness - erotic sensations, affection, admiration - that constitutes sexual attraction.

Social and emotional attraction are very important elements in bisexual attraction, said Dr. Fritz Klein, a sex researcher and the author of "The Bisexual Option."

"To claim on the basis of this study that there's no such thing as male bisexuality is overstepping, it seems to me," said Dr. Gilbert Herdt, director of the National Sexuality Resource Center in San Francisco. "It may be that there is a lot less true male bisexuality than we think, but if that's true then why in the world are there so many movies, novels and TV shows that have this as a theme - is it collective fantasy, merely a projection? I don't think so."

John Campbell, 36, a Web designer in Orange County, Calif., who describes himself as bisexual, also said he was skeptical of the findings.

Mr. Campbell said he had been strongly attracted to both sexes since he was sexually aware, although all his long-term relationships had been with women. "In my case I have been accused of being heterosexual, but I also feel a need for sex with men," he said.

Mr. Campbell rated his erotic attraction to men and women as about 50-50, but his emotional attraction, he said, was 90 to 10 in favor of women. "With men I can get aroused, I just don't feel the fireworks like I do with women," he said.

About 1.5 percent of American women identify themselves bisexual. And bisexuality appears easier to demonstrate in the female sex. A study published last November by the same team of Canadian and American researchers, for example, found that most women who said they were bisexual showed arousal to men and to women.

Although only a small number of women identify themselves as bisexual, Dr. Bailey said, bisexual arousal may for them in fact be the norm.

Researchers have little sense yet of how these differences may affect behavior, or sexual identity. In the mid-1990's, Dr. Diamond recruited a group of 90 women at gay pride parades, academic conferences on gender issues and other venues. About half of the women called themselves lesbians, a third identified as bisexual and the rest claimed no sexual orientation. In follow-up interviews over the last 10 years, Dr. Diamond has found that most of these women have had relationships both with men and women.

"Most of them seem to lean one way or the other, but that doesn't preclude them from having a relationship with the nonpreferred sex," she said. "You may be mostly interested in women but, hey, the guy who delivers the pizza is really hot, and what are you going to do?"

"There's a whole lot of movement and flexibility," Dr. Diamond added. "The fact is, we have very little research in this area, and a lot to learn."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/health/0...agewanted=print

What are your views on this?
I think this is complete BS because you can just put sexuality into set groups...its so mixed. Plus, the article and research is just so close-minded to those people who aren't so distinct. It's a lot more then just "straight, gay, bi".

The whole getting "subjects" from gay and alternative magazines is going to skew the results compared to doing a study of the general population.

~Sorry if this in wrong spot, but I thought this would be the best place to~

[PiGo]

Woah, Freaky...I JUST read this article.

Anyways, I dunno if they are right, but I do know that a lot of people just claim to be bisexual because of two reasons. A lot of people are afraid to say they're gay for fear of being shunned, and because it's becoming a fast growing trend. However, the study was on only 33 men who claimed to be bisexual and I don't think thats enough people to begin making assumptions like "It doesn't exist". Also there are no clear cut lines when it comes to sexuality so this test definatly has its flaws.

[Hiphop d[-_-]b]

wow thats interesting. but then for women, they can be both. is it something in the males testosterone system ?

[*mipadi*]

wow thats interesting. but then for women, they can be both. is it something in the males testosterone system ?

They never said that it doesn't apply to women--the article just said that they did not study women.

[*Azarel*]

It's a lot more then just "straight, gay, bi".

There is really so much more than just being heterosexual, homosexual, & bisexual. Going strictly by definitions, where do the transgendered, androgynous and gender fluid factor in? By definition, they don't. So what do you call those who are attracted to such? ...

But other researchers - and some self-identified bisexuals - say that the technique used in the study to measure genital arousal is too crude to capture the richness - erotic sensations, affection, admiration - that constitutes sexual attraction.

This is something I really agree with; there is so much more to one's orientation than just arousal. I myself am a self-proclaimed pansexual; while I've never had anything other than a heterosexual relationship, I'm open to it. I find that orientation isn't so much about physical attraction as it is about denouncing limitations of love. I mean, love isn't about gender, it's not about sex; it's so much more.

Who are some researchers to say that bisexuality isn't real, who are they to limit who someone believes himself/herself to be? Honestly, does sexual arousal really limit one's sexual orientation? It doesn't, and these scientific findings may allow some researchers to say that this is proof that bisexuality is fake, that it doesn't exist, but they're wrong. There's more to orientation than arousal & sex, as Campbell's situation demonstrates.

Mr. Campbell said he had been strongly attracted to both sexes since he was sexually aware, although all his long-term relationships had been with women. "In my case I have been accused of being heterosexual, but I also feel a need for sex with men," he said.

Mr. Campbell rated his erotic attraction to men and women as about 50-50, but his emotional attraction, he said, was 90 to 10 in favor of women. "With men I can get aroused, I just don't feel the fireworks like I do with women," he said.

I'm really not good with words or expressing my beliefs, which is why I tend to only lurk in debate without posting, but I felt I just had to reply, or at least try. Kudos to you wonderful debate kids who are so eloquently able to put into words what you believe.

[Paradox of Life]

Who are some researchers to say that bisexuality isn't real, who are they to limit who someone believes himself/herself to be? Honestly, does sexual arousal really limit one's sexual orientation? It doesn't, and these scientific findings may allow some researchers to say that this is proof that bisexuality is fake, that it doesn't exist, but they're wrong. There's more to orientation than arousal & sex, as Campbell's situation demonstrates.

That's exactly what I was going to say. A lot of people say they're bisexual because they're flexible to both men and women. Being sexually aroused has nothing to do with love. Love is not about sex. Love is about intimacy, bonding and trust between two people, regardless of the gender. If one is open-minded enough to accept people for who they are, male or female, they are bisexual. One can love another without being sexually aroused by them.

[antix10_kos]

Just a few things to say here:

1) Bisexuality exists.

2) There are MANY other types of relationships/ orinentations that a person can have.

Guys that are bisexual are usually the sensitive type. They are usually attracted to guys that they are friends with and not guys that think are "hot". Women tend to think that there's only one way to be attracted to guys but that's not the case. Bisexual guys tend to want a deeper connection to their close male friends. In some cases, it's sexual....others not. From the bisexual guys I know, if a guy that they're into/ close with makes a move and they don't like it, they turn it down and then obcess about it later...bisexuals are either very open or very closed and those that are closed don't like to be outed and often suppress themselves. Those that are open wait for the right and time place to "come out".

Arousal is never a good measure of this type of stuff, in my opinion. People get aroused all the time and not just by things that make sense....

[JlIaTMK]

Hm, honestly, what can I say.

Well, you can go ahead and ask me questions about it, if you wish. I really don't know what to say. I don't see too much "BS".

[sadolakced acid]

`sigh.

i wish i were bi.
then the whole world would be sexy.

let's see...

i dunno... i don't find the idea of making out with a guy disturbing or anything. in fact, i'd probably do it. but i think that hardly counts as bi.

i guess if i said i was bi i'd be one of those people who say they're bi but really are just people who would do things with both sexes, eh?

i've confused myself...

as for the debate:

i bet there are true bi people out there, as well as those who like both, but lean towards one.

like the batter who can bat both ways, but favors one...

[hangfire]

Woah, Freaky...I JUST read this article.

Anyways, I dunno if they are right, but I do know that a lot of people just claim to be bisexual because of two reasons. A lot of people are afraid to say they're gay for fear of being shunned, and because it's becoming a fast growing trend. However, the study was on only 33 men who claimed to be bisexual and I don't think thats enough people to begin making assumptions like "It doesn't exist". Also there are no clear cut lines when it comes to sexuality so this test definatly has its flaws.

My professor said that a bisexual person is only capable of sexually interacting with the two sexes and enjoying it but they still have a preference. So it is not true that they like both sexes equally. The bisexual person either likes the female sex more or the male sex more. And besides all of us has done homosexual acts, for example, we watch porn and get turned on, that's a homo act bcs you're watching you're same sex having fun with the opposite. But that doesnt make us gay or anything. Or masturbating around your same sex friend even though you two have no sexual interest in each other. That's a homo act.

`sigh.

i wish i were bi.
then the whole world would be sexy.

let's see...

i dunno... i don't find the idea of making out with a guy disturbing or anything. in fact, i'd probably do it. but i think that hardly counts as bi.

i guess if i said i was bi i'd be one of those people who say they're bi but really are just people who would do things with both sexes, eh?

i've confused myself...

as for the debate:

i bet there are true bi people out there, as well as those who like both, but lean towards one.

like the batter who can bat both ways, but favors one...

Hypothetical situation: if you enjoy having sex with both sexes, that's bisexuality. But bisexuality doesnt mean that you enjoy both equally. there is always a comparison and a preference. the preference will determine whether you're gay or not. That's why they question bisexuality, they claim that it is impossible to prefer both sexes equally.

[EddieV]

Instead of bi, I'd rather call them curious, because I went through that phase as well..

[*Weird addiction*]

I consider myself as bisexual. I'm attracted to men and women...NOT equally. I still prefer men though. I can fall in love with a woman and i've been in love with men.

Whatever.

[*ranniel*]

Instead of bi, I'd rather call them curious, because I went through that phase as well..

^agreed, I didn't really go through that, but sometimes I think I am. But blah.. yeah.

[x1049]

i consider myself bisexual. i can even estimate presentages. i'm about 20% attracted to chicks and 80% attracted to men.

I've been attracted to many many guys before, but only two girls. In order for me to like a girl, they have to have a pretty awesome personality. The two girls that i had crushes on made me feel just as wonderful as any crush i'd had on any guy, and i did feel urges for intimacy with them.. not because of how they looked physically, but because i wanted to share myself with them and make them happy etc etc. the real reason people should be intimate in the first place.

the point is: you can be bisexual, the end.

[x__rilind]

i'd definetly say bisexuality exists (for possibly obvious reasons).

a person can be attracted to both sexes. this does not mean that they will like men and women equally, it just means that they don't prefer one sex over the other.

i personally am a bisexual girl. i often find myself more attracted to women than men, though i fully intend on marrying a man and having my own bilogical children. this is not because i prefer men, but rather because i have a desire to reproduce along with a life partner who the child shares his or her genes with.

in a crowd, i am much more likely to see a woman who i am both attratced to physically, as well as emotionally. this does not make me a lesbian. however, i will also see men that i am attracted to. this does not make me straight.

so... either i'm bisexual, or.... i don't know.

[*Ox_Su`Zie*]

Why does everything have to be labled? I mean its like you kiss a girl your lesbian you kiss a boy your straigh... Why cant it be you kiss a girl your normal , its ok no labels attatched, i know plenty of people who kiss there friends of the same sex but not because they prefer homosexuality...

[Kontroll]

I think you can genuinely like both guys and girls. I think it all depends on the person.

[broken inside]

Well, they can't expect all bi people to be 50% gay/lez and 50% straight. It's stupid. Most bisexuals have a preferance. Even if it is very small, it's a preferance. >_<;;

[jue]

Who are some researchers to say that bisexuality isn't real, who are they to limit who someone believes himself/herself to be? Honestly, does sexual arousal really limit one's sexual orientation? It doesn't, and these scientific findings may allow some researchers to say that this is proof that bisexuality is fake, that it doesn't exist, but they're wrong. There's more to orientation than arousal & sex, as Campbell's situation demonstrates.

Agreed^ I find that whole research thing to be pointless and stupid. Why even do researches on ones sexual orientation. Who's to say if bisexuality exists or not? If someone says they're bisexual, why question it? Why do research on it?

[timeflies51]

I know where that Campbell guy is coming from. I'm attracted to women, but just not as much as men. It's still being attracted to both sexes, is it not?

When it comes to intimacy, though, actually conversing with people, the attraction I'd say is pretty equal.

[Joss-eh-lime]

i didnt read the whole article, but i think people say they are bi so they can keep their options open, and they dont have to commit to one gender? and i think its more accepted to be bi then gay or les...in general bisexual just sounds "better"

[twinkles6801]

yeah i think bi's exist in men.
its all people, some like both, sowhat as long as they arent hurtin anyone in the process.

[mai_z]

one study really can't conclude anything. There are so many factors that you can't account for. I'll believe them when they find consistent, reproducable results.

In the meantime, I'm of the opinion that hetero/homosexuality is a sliding scale where you are more or less of each, with strict homosexuality or heterosexuality on each extreme. Also, they seem to measure only sexual arousal, but what about people who are 'slow to warm up?' what about the emotional factor?

[fameONE]

That's a pretty broad generalization from a single study. Slow down, doc. It was a very interesting read, though. But honestly, what does it prove?

[*IVIike*]

i have read this article somewhere before but it's really an interesting topic i'm not sure if i buy it though...

[*mishyerr*]

why does sex and attraction have to be labeled, cut-up, and cleared as whether it's this or that, right or wrong?

bisexuality DOES exist. i know many bisexuals, and they have remained consistently bisexual.

[elaboratedream]

i didnt read the whole article, but i think people say they are bi so they can keep their options open, and they dont have to commit to one gender? and i think its more accepted to be bi then gay or les...in general bisexual just sounds "better"

Its more than keeping your options open... its that they really are attracted to both sexes.
and I dont think it's necessarily more accepted to be bisexual...
I've encountered a lot more prejudice as a bisexual than many people who are gay or lesbian encounter. Gays and straights both have their prejudices against bisexuals.
they think that they're greedy, that they're confused, and that they could never possibly commit to one person.
it pisses me off...

[NYCin2009]

Just a few things to say here:

1) Bisexuality exists.

2) There are MANY other types of relationships/ orinentations that a person can have.

Guys that are bisexual are usually the sensitive type. They are usually attracted to guys that they are friends with and not guys that think are "hot". Women tend to think that there's only one way to be attracted to guys but that's not the case. Bisexual guys tend to want a deeper connection to their close male friends. In some cases, it's sexual....others not. From the bisexual guys I know, if a guy that they're into/ close with makes a move and they don't like it, they turn it down and then obcess about it later...bisexuals are either very open or very closed and those that are closed don't like to be outed and often suppress themselves. Those that are open wait for the right and time place to "come out".

Arousal is never a good measure of this type of stuff, in my opinion. People get aroused all the time and not just by things that make sense....

Ahhh that is a really good claim. I agree 100 percent. Sexual orientation is so much more than just the few basic labels we place upon people. Bisexuality does exist, infact i think that everyone can be bisexual, or at least have bisexual tendencies from time to time.