Demographic Analyses of the Bisexual Population

• Activity Number: 234 - The Statistical Measurement and Description of the LGBTIA Populations
• Type: Topic-Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 : 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
• Sponsor: Committee of Representatives to AAAS
• Author(s): DLane Compton*
• Companies: The University of New Orleans
• Keywords: bisexuality; sexual orientation; GSS data

Abstract

We do not know as much quantitatively about the bisexual population because too frequently it is overlooked or analyzed along with, and not separate from the lesbian and gay male populations. This paper will treat the bisexual population as a single unit and compare and contrast it with lesbians, gay males and heterosexuals. Drawing on GSS data from 2008-2018, the paper will produce statistically unbiased estimates of the percentages and trends of persons aged 18+ in the U.S. who self-identify as bisexual. It will describe their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and will demonstrate that bisexuals are a distinct population.