Flexisexuality
Encyclopedia
Flexisexuality is a neologism derived from flexibility
and sexuality
. The term is used for heterosexual
women and men who are predominantly in sexual relation with the other sex, but would not shy from an occasional sexual encounter with members of the same sex. It is often used for individuals who are sexually attracted to both sexes, but only commit to exclusive relationships with the opposite sex. Flexisexuals would usually not shy from homoerotic aspects of sexuality in sharp contrast with strictly straight heterosexuals who do not tolerate such behavior.
A further development of the term has made flexisexuality applicable to all straight, heterosexual persons who, as part of a hipster scene, flirt with gay homosexual and lesbian people usually at clubs, or at social or artistic events without impediments and taboos, but at the same time without overt sexual contacts with them.
Flexisexuals may be technically part of bisexual
men and women, yet often flexisexuals refuse to be identified as bisexuals. They usually explain that there is a clear distinction between flexisexuality and bisexuality in that bisexuals give more balanced, even equal weight, to sexual relations with members of their own sex as well as the opposite sex, whereas flexisexuals remain predominantly heterosexual in their relations with the opposite sex, without excluding some same-sex encounters from time to time.
The term was popularized initially for women experimenting with women, often without actual sexual encounter to follow, after Madonna
decided to invite Britney Spears
and Christina Aguilera
to kiss her on stage during MTV Video Music Awards in 2007. Other artistic examples of flexisexuality followed with Katy Perry
's song "I Kissed a Girl". Actresses Drew Barrymore
and Angelina Jolie
, have also openly admitted that they feel attraction towards women and often have flings with them. Jolie, has conceded to having sexual interactions with actress Jenny Shimizu
. The term has now expanded to include heterosexual men as well expressing fancy sexual desires to other men.
Flexibility
Flexibility may refer to:* Flexibility , the distance of motion of a joint, which may be increased by stretching* Flexibility , in the field of engineering systems design, designs that can adapt when external changes occur...
and sexuality
Sexuality
Sexuality may refer to:*Human sexuality**Human male sexuality**Human female sexuality**Child sexuality**Human sexual activity*Sex in biology*Gender identity; how someone identifies themselves in terms of gender*Sexual orientation...
. The term is used for heterosexual
Heterosexuality
Heterosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the opposite sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, heterosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, physical or romantic attractions to persons of the opposite sex";...
women and men who are predominantly in sexual relation with the other sex, but would not shy from an occasional sexual encounter with members of the same sex. It is often used for individuals who are sexually attracted to both sexes, but only commit to exclusive relationships with the opposite sex. Flexisexuals would usually not shy from homoerotic aspects of sexuality in sharp contrast with strictly straight heterosexuals who do not tolerate such behavior.
A further development of the term has made flexisexuality applicable to all straight, heterosexual persons who, as part of a hipster scene, flirt with gay homosexual and lesbian people usually at clubs, or at social or artistic events without impediments and taboos, but at the same time without overt sexual contacts with them.
Flexisexuals may be technically part of bisexual
Bisexuality
Bisexuality is sexual behavior or an orientation involving physical or romantic attraction to both males and females, especially with regard to men and women. It is one of the three main classifications of sexual orientation, along with a heterosexual and a homosexual orientation, all a part of the...
men and women, yet often flexisexuals refuse to be identified as bisexuals. They usually explain that there is a clear distinction between flexisexuality and bisexuality in that bisexuals give more balanced, even equal weight, to sexual relations with members of their own sex as well as the opposite sex, whereas flexisexuals remain predominantly heterosexual in their relations with the opposite sex, without excluding some same-sex encounters from time to time.
The term was popularized initially for women experimenting with women, often without actual sexual encounter to follow, after Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
decided to invite Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
and Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
to kiss her on stage during MTV Video Music Awards in 2007. Other artistic examples of flexisexuality followed with Katy Perry
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised by Christian pastor parents, Perry grew up listening to only gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. After earning a GED during her first year of high school, she began to pursue a...
's song "I Kissed a Girl". Actresses Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore
Drew Blyth Barrymore is an American actress, film director, screenwriter, producer and model. She is a member of the Barrymore family of American actors and granddaughter of John Barrymore. She first appeared in an advertisement when she was 11 months old. Barrymore made her film debut in Altered...
and Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood's highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2009 and 2011. Jolie is noted for promoting humanitarian causes as a Goodwill Ambassador for the...
, have also openly admitted that they feel attraction towards women and often have flings with them. Jolie, has conceded to having sexual interactions with actress Jenny Shimizu
Jenny Shimizu
Jenny Lynn Shimizu is an American model and actress. She was born in San Jose, California.- Career :While working as a mechanic she was approached to model for the Calvin Klein CK1 fragrance ads and model Calvin Klein fashions...
. The term has now expanded to include heterosexual men as well expressing fancy sexual desires to other men.