What Does it Mean to Be Bisexual?

We are men and women who are attracted equally to other men and women: physically, emotionally, erotically, spiritually or romantically. We can find long-term happiness with either a same-sex partner or a member of the opposite sex. Some of us understand our sexual orientation at an early age, but most of us need time to understand and accept that we can love either a man or a woman.
We are attracted to our partners for different reasons (personalities, common interests, physical features), but in choosing who we wish to be with, gender alone is not a factor. We tend to see the whole person, which may or may not include that person's gender.
The modern day bisexual movement began in the 1970's, as an outgrowth of heterosexual groups that were advocating sexual freedom. Early (bisexual) groups were predominantly male and members widely contributed to the gay-rights movement. In the 1980's bisexual women turned away from lesbian groups that were not inclusive of their bisexual identities, forming groups of their own. For many women, bisexuality was tied to their feminist politics. In the late 1980's, gays and lesbians began to recognize the bisexual community as a valid and contributing population within the rainbow community.