A flexisexual is a person of adaptable sexual orientation. Somebody who flirts with and also tries to attract both sexes, yet declines to identify as bisexual.
This relatively new phenomenon is likely a product of a generation unconcerned with labels. Often, it begins in the enlightened college cocoon, where females can explore their sexuality, though a recent ABC report from San Antonio, Texas, said flexisexuality is also part of the high school way of life. For many of today’s young women in their late teens and twenties, openness to intimate physical connections with either gender has become a way of life, instead of an “experiment”.t”.
Twice-married Barrymore, who has reported having flings with women, has been quoted as saying, “Being with a woman is like exploring your own body, but via some other person”.
A sexual psychology expert says these independent women like the independence of labeling themselves, and they decide upon flexisexual. Women say it has has much more to do with their view of the world than their practice in the bedroom.
Specialists say they may be motivated by the growing visibility of same-sex couples and more open attitudes about sex in general. These so-called flexisexuals say that although they are not gay or even bisexual, they enjoy flirting and kissing girls – but they still enjoy having sex with men. According to the Daily Mail article that announced the term, “women are often more open to alternative experiences when they reach their 40s and are more confident with their sexuality”. Divorcees tend to be more adventurous.
Experts say they may be motivated by the growing visibility of same-sex couples and more open attitudes about sex as a whole. “Women are more fluid about their sexuality than men and are more likely to be drawn to people rather than a specific gender,” they say. Some girls say this has nothing to do with their sexual identification. They just like to live up to the mnage-a-trois fantasy of the men they seek to please.
D’Felice mentioned flexisexuality had become cool and trendy as a result of its recent celebrity endorsement, but said it had always existed. She has since returned to seeing men, including rugby star Danny Cipriani.
Like all new ideas, flexisexual is being met with some opposition. From a feminist viewpoint it keeps going the objectification of women. “Because these ‘flexisexuals’ may be lesbians, it doesn’t seem that they’re actually seeking a romantic relationship with another woman — it’s more about a show”, some argue.
Flexisexuality may replace the more conventional labels of bi, bi-curious and gay because it recognizes female sexuality more properly. Sexuality is versatile. Boundaries are crossed on a regular basis. And flexisexuality implies movable sexuality so it makes more sense. In any case, expect so see flexisexual in your TV or computer, more often.
Jeff Pike is majoring in psychology. He enjoys writing articles on . For more information on the flexisexual trend, visit: Flexisexual.net.