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Bisexuality has long been the subject of distinct forms of stigma compared to other sexual identities. People who identify as bisexual can be dismissed as “confused”, “indecisive” or as passing through a “transitional stage”. These stigmas circulate both among heterosexual and LGBTQ+ people.
But as social acceptance of diverse sexual identities continues to grow in many countries, more people are identifying as bisexual. My research in Stockholm reflects this trend.
With colleagues, I analysed data from over 75,000 participants in Stockholm, aged 16 and above between 2010 and 2021. Over this 12-year period, bisexual identity increased from 1.6% in 2010 to 2.5% in 2014, and by 2021 had doubled to 3.1%. In comparison, homosexual identity rose slightly from 1.7% to 2%.
This means that bisexual people have been the largest self-identifying sexual minority group in Stockholm since 2014.
Younger generations were more likely to identify as bisexual. Among those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, known as generation Z, 9.4% identified as bisexual in 2021, up from 6.2% in 2014. Among millennials, born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, 4.6% identified as bisexual in 2021, a slight decrease from 5.1% in 2014. Meanwhile, the proportion of generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, who identified as bisexual fell from 2.1% in 2014 to 1.8% in 2021.
A similar trend has been seen in the US. Over the past 15 years, the bisexual population has steadily grown and has been the largest sexual minority since 2016. By 2020, 3.1% of US adults identified as bisexual. This increased to 4.4% by 2023.
Bisexual identity was, again, more common among younger generations. Among generation Z, 12% identified as bisexual in 2020, rising to 15% in 2023. Millennials saw a slight increase from 5% in 2020 to 6% in 2023. For generation X, it stayed at 2% in both years.
What could be driving the rise?
These generational differences suggest a shift in how people understand and define their sexual identities. There are several likely reasons for this. In recent decades, many countries have made significant progress in legal recognition and protections for LGBTQ+ people.
In Sweden, anti-discrimination and hate crime laws were progressively introduced from the late 1980s through the 2010s. During this period, gender-neutral marriage legislation was adopted in 2009.
Meanwhile, public support for same-sex marriage rose from 71% in 2006 to 90% in 2015. Since then, between 94% and 98% of Swedes have agreed that “gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have the same rights as heterosexual people”.
Greater visibility of LGBTQ+ people in media and public life may also have played a role. Seeing people of diverse sexual identities featured in posts, stories, and shows, and as public figures, helps normalise these identities. They also provide relatable examples that can inspire others to feel more confident in being themselves.
For example, pride parades have become influential cultural events in many countries. They create space for celebration and connection, both within the LGBTQ+ community and in society at large. They also contribute to greater visibility and public awareness.
Together, these legal and social changes, along with shifting cultural norms, have helped create safer and more supportive environments for LGBTQ+ people. Younger generations are likely experiencing greater social freedom to explore and express their sexual identities.
As more people feel safe and accepted in identifying as LGBTQ+, society becomes more inclusive and diverse. This, in turn, can encourage others to embrace their sexual identities openly, creating a positive cycle of acceptance and visibility.
This momentum suggests that the number of people who identify as LGBTQ+, particularly bisexual people, will likely continue to grow in the near future, especially in societies with stronger legal protections and social acceptance.
Looking ahead, as our understanding of sexuality continues to evolve, this growing visibility and awareness may suggest the potential for a society that becomes increasingly diverse and accepting.
Willi Zhang is affiliated with Region Stockholm.
