According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans identify as bisexual than they did in previous years.
- CDC surveyed 9,000 adults between 18-45 years old
- 5.5% of women and 2% of men identified as bisexual
- 11% of married women and 4% of married men admitted to same-sex sexual contact in the past
The CDC confirmed that there are more people who admit to being bisexual or to have had a same-sex sexual contact at some point through their life. The numbers are growing higher, and it appears that the population in general are starting to better accept their sexuality. The habit seems particularly prevalent in women.
It was one of the most discussed topic in 2015, especially after the legalization of same-sex marriages in the United States. The concept of being attracted to the same gender is certainly not a new one, but it’s becoming more accepted to publicly admit it. It’s a fortunate step forward that it seems society as a whole is taking.
Experts suggests it’s also because people are beginning to understand just what being bisexual means.
The CDC conducted a survey on 9,000 American adults between the ages of 18 and 45 years old, between 2011 and 2013. Both men and women were asked questions about their sexual preference and past experiences regarding the same sex. Regardless of gender, it seemed that most have become more vocal about their own sexuality, women especially.
According to their findings, 5.5% of women self-identified as bisexual, a rise in numbers from the 3.9% that was present in previous studies. The rate has also gone up for men, albeit a smaller difference, from 1.2% to 2% of males who label themselves as bisexual. A similar increase was noted in the number of people who had sexual contact with others of the same sex.
For women, the percentage was at an average of 17.4%, increase from the 14.2% in previous years. The researchers also found differences between races. Only 11.2% of Hispanic and Latina participants admitted to having a sexual experience with another woman, while 19.4% of African-American women and 19.6% Caucasian claimed the same.
According to their reports, the numbers were also higher for married women who had had sexual contact with the same gender in the past. It was estimated at 11%, while the rate for married men was at a mere 4%. It appears that females, in general, have become much more vocal of their sexual preference and more accepting of their sexual identity.
However, one of the researchers, Casey E. Copen, noted that the numbers might be skewed for men due to the nature of the questions. Women were asked on whether they engaged in oral sex or any other sexual experience with the same gender. Men, on the other hand, were inquired about whether they specifically engaged in oral or anal sex with other men.
So, it’s possible that the rates might actually be higher for males as well.
Image source: reddit.com
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