The bisexual community frequently pokes fun at the difficulties of dating as a bi individual: although many believe it equates to having double the prospects and double the enjoyment, the truth often reveals double the rejection. Such humor serves as a coping strategy for many within the Lonely Hearts Club, whether engaging in the straight or queer dating scenes. Nonetheless, bisexual individuals encounter specific obstacles in the dating realm that extend beyond the usual challenges.
### Bisexuality: The Neglected Majority
Even though they constitute the majority of the LGBTQ community, as per 2024 data from Gallup, bisexuality continues to be one of the least recognized identities within the acronym. This scarcity of visibility and comprehension creates a particularly challenging environment for bisexual individuals, especially regarding online dating. Before jumping into the top dating apps for bisexuals, it’s essential to delve into why dating as a bi person can be so intricate.
### The Sexualization of Bisexuality on Dating Platforms
A prevalent issue bisexual individuals encounter, particularly women, is the sexualization of their identity. This stereotype frequently leads to detrimental assumptions, and bisexual individuals statistically experience higher rates of intimate partner violence compared to their straight or gay peers.
On dating platforms, this sexualization can appear in distressing and ignorant messages. Megan, a 23-year-old from Virginia, told *Mashable* that she’s lost track of the inappropriate remarks she’s received after mentioning “bi” in her Tinder bio. “Guys often say things like, ‘Oh, you didn’t come across as gay in high school,’ as if my sexuality is merely a phase or a fetish,” she detailed.
Another widespread experience for bisexual individuals involves being approached by couples in search of a “unicorn” — a third party for a threesome. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with consensual threesomes, presuming that every bisexual person is interested in joining a couple’s fantasy is reductive and disrespectful. Unfortunately, even LGBTQ-focused dating apps are not exempt from these problems.
### Queer Dating Apps Aren’t Always a Refuge
Queer dating apps, although created for the LGBTQ community, can also pose challenges for bisexual users. For instance, the phrase “gold star lesbian” — describing lesbians who have never been intimate with men — can feel exclusive to bisexual women who have had relationships with men. Profiles that state “gold stars only” can be especially discouraging.
Moreover, bisexual individuals frequently experience invalidation on LGBTQ apps for being perceived as “too straight-passing” or not appearing “queer enough.” This sort of erasure can heighten feelings of invisibility and add to the internal conflict many bisexual people grapple with in affirming their identity.
### Why You Should Still Feature “Bi” in Your Bio
In spite of the possibility of unwanted attention, incorporating “bi” in your dating app bio can function as an efficient filter. It helps eliminate individuals who harbor outdated stereotypes or fail to recognize bisexuality as a legitimate identity.
For example, you wouldn’t want to enter a relationship with someone who views bisexuality as a “phase” or a “stopover” on their journey to being “fully gay.” Nor would you desire a partner who subscribes to the harmful misconception that bisexuality encompasses attraction to “anything that moves.” By being transparent about your identity, you can more effectively ensure that potential matches appreciate and accept you for who you truly are.
### Discovering the Best Dating Apps for Bisexual People
While no dating app can promise a perfect experience, some platforms are more suited for bisexual individuals than others. Missteps are unavoidable while traversing the online dating landscape, but the appropriate app can enhance your chances of finding a compatible partner who values and understands your identity.
With these hurdles and considerations in mind, we’ve curated a list of the top dating apps for bisexual people. Whether you seek love, companionship, or something in between, these apps provide a hopeful foundation for your journey.