Are attitudes toward bisexual men changing?

New data suggests the answer is partly yes — but the picture becomes more complicated when acceptance moves from theory into dating.

Positive views are becoming more common

A YouGov survey of Britons found that 48% have a positive view of bisexual men. Just 8% said they viewed bi men negatively, while 44% described their view as neutral.

That sounds like progress. But the dating figures tell a different story.

Only 19% of straight women surveyed said they would be willing to date a bisexual man. Sixty-six percent said they would not.

Among bisexual women, 82% said they would be willing to date a bi man, while 10% said they would not.

Acceptance gets harder when it becomes personal

The gap suggests that people may be more comfortable expressing general support for bisexual men than imagining one as a romantic partner.

Old stereotypes still connect bi men with dishonesty, confusion, secrecy, promiscuity or a hidden gay identity.

But bisexuality is not the same as being “down low,” and a man’s sexuality does not tell you whether he is trustworthy, faithful or emotionally available.

There is also no obligation to date someone whose identity or relationship style does not work for you. The problem is treating bisexuality itself as evidence of bad character.

Visibility is helping — but not enough

More people are identifying as bisexual, and more bisexual men are speaking openly about their lives. That visibility can challenge the idea that bisexuality is merely a phase, a performance or a stop on the way to identifying as gay.

But the survey shows that public acceptance and private openness are not the same thing.

Attitudes may be moving forward. The dating world still has some catching up to do.

📷 AI

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For more than two decades, Richard Arnold and Stuart kept their relationship largely away from the spotlight.

Then Richard shared a few photographs — and many people assumed the couple had just got engaged.

They were actually already married.

The Good Morning Britain entertainment editor revealed on the programme that he and Stuart had tied the knot on Friday at Hackney Town Hall.

A wedding with a borrowed kilt

Richard’s wedding outfit was personal, but not exactly purchased for the occasion. He wore a kilt borrowed from the Good Morning Britain costume department, complete with a pink sporran.

Stuart stood beside him in the wedding photographs, giving viewers a rare public glimpse of the man Richard has been with for more than 20 years.

The couple’s dog, Clementine, also took part in the celebrations. Her bow tie carried the words: “I do too.”

It may be the most charming wedding guest contribution imaginable.

A moment Richard once thought was impossible

The wedding also connects to something Richard has said about growing up gay. As a young man, he could not imagine that he would one day be able to marry another man.

Now, after more than two decades with Stuart, he has done exactly that.

There was no huge public announcement beforehand. No long buildup for the cameras.

Just a private ceremony at Hackney Town Hall, a borrowed kilt, a dog in a bow tie and two men who had already spent most of their adult lives together.

Sometimes the quiet weddings carry the most history.

📷 @tvsrichardarnold

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