Key Difference: Gay is a term commonly used to refer to homosexuals. Bi is a slang term used for bisexual people.
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. It is when a person, whether male or female is attracted to a person of the same sex. Many believe that homosexuality is unnatural; however, research has shown that homosexuality is an example of a normal and natural variation in human sexuality. People who express homosexual behavior are known as ‘Homosexuals’ or ‘Gays’. Gay as a word was originally used to refer to feelings of ‘carefree’, ‘happy’, or ‘bright and showy’. By the last decade of the 20th century, this term was used for homosexuals. Homosexuality, along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, are the three main categories of sexual orientation; asexuality is also included sometimes.
Bisexual is a term used for people who get sexually attracted to both males and females. Bisexuals are people who have romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior towards both males and females. The Free Dictionary defines bisexual as:
- Sexually attracted to both men and women.
- Showing characteristics of both sexes a bisexual personality.
- Of or relating to both sexes.
People who don’t have unique sexual preferences for one sex also identify themselves as bisexual. Throughout history, bisexuals have been observed in several human societies. However, the term came into existence in the 19th century. Bisexuality is very common in the 21st century and has formed a different group of people.
The differences between gays and bi (bisexuals) are as follows:
Gay | Bisexual | |
Definition | A term with decidedly sociopolitical overtones that is about identifying oneself as a member of a community. | A bisexual is someone who is attracted equally to males and females. |
Includes | The people who get attracted to the same sex. Mainly used for males but includes females as well. | People who experience a sexual relationship, and attraction for both men and women. |
Applies to | Both, males and females. | Both, males and females. |
Discrimination | Some people discriminate against gays. However, stringent laws have been made in many countries to safeguard the rights of the gay people. | They often face discrimination with a range of negative attitudes and feelings by the society and sometimes fall victims to violence as well. |
Sexual Relations | With the people of same sex/gender. However, gay men were more likely to have had a steady male partner or lover. | Bisexual, as the term specifies, the sexual relation is maintained with bi i.e. both the genders. A person cannot be called as bisexual unless he/she has sexual relationship or feels sexually attracted towards both males and females. |
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