Flexisexuality is a neologism derived from flexibility and sexuality. The term is used for heterosexual women and men who are predominantly in sexual relation with the other sex, but would not shy from an occasional sexual encounter with members of the same sex. It is often used for individuals who are sexually attracted to both sexes, but only commit to exclusive relationships with the opposite sex. Flexisexuals would usually not shy from homoerotic aspects of sexuality in sharp contrast with strictly straight heterosexuals who do not tolerate such behavior.
A further development of the term has made flexisexuality applicable to all straight, heterosexual persons who, as part of a hipster scene, flirt with gay homosexual and lesbian people usually at clubs, or at social or artistic events without impediments and taboos, but at the same time without overt sexual contacts with them.
Flexisexuals may be technically part of bisexual men and women, yet often flexisexuals refuse to be identified as bisexuals. They usually explain that there is a clear distinction between flexisexuality and bisexuality in that bisexuals give more balanced, even equal weight, to sexual relations with members of their own sex as well as the opposite sex, whereas flexisexuals remain predominantly heterosexual in their relations with the opposite sex, without excluding some same-sex encounters from time to time.
The term was popularized initially for women experimenting with women, often without actual sexual encounter to follow, after Madonna decided to invite Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to kiss her on stage during MTV Video Music Awards in 2007.[1] Other artistic examples of flexisexuality followed with Katy Perry's song "I Kissed a Girl". Actresses Drew Barrymore and Angelina Jolie, have also openly admitted that they feel attraction towards women and often have flings with them. Jolie, has conceded to having sexual interactions with actress Jenny Shimizu.[2] The term has now expanded to include heterosexual men as well expressing fancy sexual desires to other men.