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Sexual Fluidity: What Does It Mean?

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What does it mean to have a sexually fluid personality? Is it a matter of sexual preference? In this article, all facets of sexual fluidity will be discussed.

Published At May 25, 2022
Reviewed AtJune 27, 2023

What Is Sexual Fluidity?

The word sexual fluidity refers to a person's sexual inclinations being changeable. Many people identify themselves with one form of sexual orientation over another. For example, someone may identify as straight, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, homosexual, or other sexual orientations. People who identify as sexually flexible, on the other hand, do not commit to a specific sexual orientation or identity. They do not fit into any of these categories.

Is Sexual Fluidity and Gender Fluidity the Same Thing?

Gender fluidity is not the same as sexual fluidity. Sexual flexibility is linked to one's sexual orientation. People here know who they are, yet they are unsure about their sexual preferences. Gender fluidity, on the other hand, is defined by people who know what they want but do not identify with a specific gender. A gender fluid person can identify as male, female, agender, or any other non-binary identity, or as a mixture of identities.

What Does It Mean to Have a Sexually Fluid Personality?

Sexual preferences are not fixed and might shift over time, depending on the individual's current circumstances. This is referred to as sexual flexibility.

For example, one might experience a few changes during sexual fluidity as follows:

  • Some people have a deep attachment to a specific identity. They may then be attracted to a new individual who challenges their identity.

  • Depending on the situation and people involved, their desire for those of less-preferred gender changes.

  • Differences in genders between those who make up their sexual orientation and those who make up their sexual behavior are distinct.

Are the Terms Sexual Fluidity and Erotic Plasticity Interchangeable?

Change in people's sexual expression, beliefs, interests, and behavior is defined as erotic plasticity, a closely related notion. In order to put it another way, a person's sexual response can change based on their surroundings.

Is Sexual Fluidity Gender-Specific?

Everybody can feel this fluidity, yet not everyone does. A lot of people are solely attracted to a particular gender. While persons of any sex can be sexually fluid, evidence suggests that women have the most fluid experiences.

What Makes a Person Sexually Fluid?

It is not possible to choose one's sexual orientation. There is no evidence on the specific cause of sexual orientation development; however, genetic, hormonal, social, and cultural factors have been investigated. It is thought to be caused by multifaceted factors such as genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Biologically based hypotheses are preferred by scientists, although no single theory has yet acquired general acceptance. According to most studies, female sexuality is more fluid than male sexuality. This could be due to women's more robust erotic flexibility or sociocultural influences that socialize women to be sexually active. Male and female sexuality are not considered to operate through the exact mechanisms because of gender disparities in the stability of sexual orientation identification. Researchers are still studying sexual fluidity to see how it relates to different sexual orientation subtypes.

What Is the Difference Between Sexual Fluidity and Bisexuality?

Along with sexual orientation, the extent to which a person is sexually flexible is a separate element. Some people have a lot of fluidity, whereas others do not. People who are heterosexual or homosexual yet have a change in their sexual response can experience sexual fluidity. For example, someone who previously preferred a more feminine type of person suddenly craves a manly mannered personality. However, it is still possible to choose partners of the same gender with the same feminine leanings as before but with more masculine characteristics. Another example, consider a person who prefers a favorite position of sex solely with one partner but who then has an urge to engage in more daring sex activities. That individual has also gone through sexual fluidity. Sexual fluidity is an umbrella term used to describe one's preferences, attitudes, and urges unrelated to any gender per se. In contrast, bisexuality is a sexual attraction to people who identify as either male or female. If you question people who identify as straight but had sex with someone of the same gender, they will tell you that their experience does not make them "bisexual," but it does make them sexually fluid.

Is There a Scale That Can Be Used to Quantify Sexual Fluidity?

Sexologists have used scales to try to understand and measure human sexuality.

  • The Kinsey Scale - Has a range of 0 to 6. It encompasses various sexual identities, from purely heterosexual to entirely homosexual. People who are sexually fluid fall somewhere in between the two extremes. This is one explanation for sexual flexibility. If most people are neither completely gay nor heterosexual, the correct experiences or circumstances may cause a shift in a person's orientation.

  • The Klein Grid - Another scale that measures sexuality. The past, present, and ideal experiences are all considered on this scale. It takes into account romantic, sexual, and societal appeal. The Klein grid also accommodates personal sexual identification.

What Effect Does Sexual Fluidity Have on Mental Health?

Exploring one's sexual flexibility and orientation can be thrilling and terrifying, and some people perceive a label faster than others. The desire to quickly recognize a title can lead to significant despair and hurt one's physical condition. Here is a list of a few suggestions on how to have fun while exploring sexual diversity -

  • It is crucial to take your time with self-exploration exercises. As you go, keep a journal to reflect on your views.

  • Have a conversation or take a chance and go on a date. If you decide to date, it is vital to be open and honest with the person you are dating. Explain that you are experimenting with your sexuality so they do not feel exploited.

  • Consider employing digital platforms in your programs that promote and support diverse types of partnerships. It can be both enlightening and comforting to test your reactions to media portrayals of varied gender interactions and alliances and allow your brain to normalize these queer relationships.

Conclusion:

People identify themselves with specific sexual orientations for a variety of reasons. Sexual activities are not always included in a person's sexual identification. On occasion, someone may identify as heterosexual but have sex with someone of the same gender. This conduct could be influenced by a variety of reasons, including stigma. Power systems and historical transformations are linked to sexual identity. On the other hand, it could be as simple as a shift in taste or fashion. Sexuality may raise crucial questions about relations, politics, religion, and more, regardless of how one views their sexual identity or how that identification develops over time. In a friendly and non-judgmental environment, a therapist can assist you in untangling these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Do You Call Someone Who Is Gender Fluid?

People who know their sexual orientation and what they want but do not identify with one single gender are called gender fluid. A person who identifies as gender fluid can be male, female, agender, or other non-binary identification or a combination of identities. Other names for gender fluid people are:
- Agender (no gender).
- Bigender (both male and female).
- Demigender (partial association with a particular gender).

2.

What Is Gender Fluid and Gender Neutral?

Gender fluidity means a person does not identify with one single gender and has no fixed gender identity. The gender identity in the case of a gender-fluid person changes from time to time. At the same time, a gender-neutral person is someone who does not identify as a male or female and prefers using gender-neutral pronouns like they/them instead of him/her.

3.

What Is a Gender-Fluid Male?

A gender-fluid person can identify as a male one day, or a female the other day, and on some days, they do not identify as either male or female. When a gender-fluid person identifies as a male (on certain days), they are called gender-fluid males.

4.

When Did Gender-Fluid Become a Thing?

The phrase "gender-fluid" emerged in the 1980s and has been widely used. In the 1990s, the word "genderqueer" became widespread. However, compared to other gender identification, gender fluidity is a more recent concept.

5.

How Do You Deal With Gender Fluidity?

When meeting a gender-fluid person, it is essential to be well-informed and well-researched to avoid awkward situations. A few points should be kept in mind:
- Understanding that gender and sexuality are a spectrum and it is not a simple male and female (binary) classification.
- Be more respectful and considerate.
- Try being more inclusive.
- Ask and use the pronouns they prefer.

6.

What Does Being Gender Fluid Feel Like?

A gender-fluid person may identify as a woman one day and a man the next. They may also identify as agender, bigender, or a nonbinary individual. Some gender-fluid people believe their identity changes are dramatic, while others feel they are random. However, being gender fluid may feel exciting and terrifying at the same point, affecting the person’s mental health. The need to recognize a title quickly can lead to feelings of hopelessness and harm one's physical and psychological health.

7.

How Can I Help My Child With Gender Fluidity?

Parents must be cautious while helping their children with gender fluidity and other gender identifications. However, the following steps can be helpful:
- Understanding the concept that gender and sexuality are a spectrum and it is not as simple as dividing everyone as male and female.
- Learning more about the LGBTQIA+ community and the different concepts of gender and sexuality.
- Consulting a doctor and visiting therapist might help the child.
- Building a friendly and non-judgemental environment for the child.

8.

What Is Meant by Erotic Plasticity?

Erotic plasticity means the extent to which a person’s sex drive is influenced and altered by social and cultural factors. These factors change the person’s sexual expression, beliefs, behavior, and interests. The term was coined in the year 2000. When someone's sex drives are altered by several factors they have a "high erotic plasticity," whereas someone with "low erotic plasticity" has a sex drive that is generally rigid and resistant to change.

9.

What Is an Example of Multifaceted?

Sexual orientation or sexual interest and gender identification of or gender nonconformity are examples of multifaceted concepts. These concepts change and get influenced by several factors, including society, environment, etc.

10.

What Is the Reason for Bisexuality?

Bisexuality is a type of sexual orientation where the bisexual person involves in sex or is attracted to both genders. Some people may refer to themselves as sexually fluid instead of bisexual. Sexual orientation, like bisexuality, is not considered a choice, but the exact cause is unknown. However, scientists believe that it is caused by a complex interaction of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

11.

Do Bisexuals Get Pregnant?

Yes, bisexual people can become pregnant because they generally do not have medical infertility. However, getting pregnant will depend on their sexual partner and their fertility. For example, a bisexual female can get pregnant when involved in unprotected vaginal intercourse with a fertile male (who may be straight or bisexual).
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Dr. Saraswat Kumarshri Shriniwas
Dr. Saraswat Kumarshri Shriniwas

Psychiatry

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