The Rise of Heteroflexibility: Exploring the Expanding Spectrum of Human Sexuality
In the more than half-century since the sexual revolution began, our understanding of human sexuality has evolved far beyond the traditional categories of gay, straight, or bisexual. One increasingly mainstream identity that has emerged in recent years is heteroflexibility. Different from bisexuality, where individuals are typically equally attracted to men and women, heteroflexible people primarily identify as straight but occasionally engage in intimate relationships with members of the same sex. This nuanced approach to sexuality reflects a broader cultural shift toward recognizing the complexity and fluidity of human desire. According to recent data from Feeld, a dating app focused on alternative relationship structures, heteroflexibility is now the fastest-growing sexual identity in the UK, with a remarkable 193% increase over the past year. Even more striking, approximately 15% of the US population—roughly 50 to 55 million Americans—now identifies as heteroflexible, demonstrating how this once-niche identity has found its way into the mainstream.
The demographic breakdown of heteroflexible individuals reveals interesting generational patterns. About two-thirds of heteroflexible people are Millennials (born between the early 1980s and 1996), while Gen Z (born 1997-2012) accounts for 18%, and Gen X (born 1965-1980) makes up 15.5%. This distribution suggests that while younger generations are often considered more open to fluid sexuality, the concept has resonated significantly with Millennials who came of age during a period of rapidly evolving sexual discourse. As Dina Mohammad-Laity, Feeld’s VP of Data, observed: “We’re seeing a surge in people exploring connection and playfulness in authentic, fluid ways, redefining what it means to be seen and to connect in 2025.” This trend isn’t confined to any one location, though certain cities show particularly strong growth in sexual diversity. Berlin emerged as the world’s most heteroflexible city, while New York City experienced the fastest-growing bisexual population with a 161% increase, highlighting how metropolitan centers often lead the way in embracing sexual diversity.
The concept of heteroflexibility is notably inclusive and subjective, encompassing a wide range of experiences and preferences. It can describe someone who primarily identifies as straight but has occasionally enjoyed being with someone of the same sex, individuals who experience infrequent same-sex attraction, or those who consider themselves bi-curious. The category might also include someone in a heterosexual relationship who is open to experiences like a threesome involving another person of the same gender. This breadth and flexibility make the term accessible to many who don’t feel that more established sexual identities fully capture their experiences. However, this very flexibility has also attracted some criticism, with concerns that heteroflexibility might contribute to the erasure of bisexual and pansexual identities by creating what some see as unnecessary distinctions or by allowing people to avoid the stigma sometimes associated with bisexuality while still engaging in similar behaviors.
Dr. Luke Brunning, a Lecturer in Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds, provides valuable context for understanding these evolving identities. He notes that they “speak to the growing awareness that sexuality is complex,” adding that “if anything, it would be surprising if people were never sexually curious about people of their own sex or gender, or if attraction worked in neat and predictable ways.” His perspective highlights how the emergence of heteroflexibility reflects a more nuanced and realistic understanding of human sexuality—one that acknowledges the complexity and variability of desire rather than trying to force it into rigid categories. This approach represents a significant departure from historical views that treated sexuality as fixed and binary, opening space for individuals to explore their attractions without feeling constrained by labels that don’t fully capture their experiences.
The rise of heteroflexibility also reflects broader social changes in how we understand and discuss sexuality. As society has become more accepting of diverse sexual orientations, people have gained more freedom to explore the full spectrum of their desires without facing the same level of stigma that previous generations encountered. Digital platforms like dating apps have played a crucial role in this shift by creating communities where people can connect with others who share similar interests and identities, making it easier to explore aspects of sexuality that might otherwise remain dormant. The increasing visibility of heteroflexibility in popular culture and media has further normalized the concept, helping many people recognize and name feelings or experiences they might have previously dismissed or suppressed due to social pressure.
Looking forward, the growing acceptance of heteroflexibility and other fluid sexual identities suggests a future where rigid categorizations may become less relevant to how people understand and express their sexuality. Rather than defining themselves based on who they are attracted to, more individuals may choose to emphasize the quality and authenticity of their connections, regardless of gender. This shift represents not just a change in terminology but a fundamental reconceptualization of sexuality as something personal, evolving, and uniquely expressed by each individual. As heteroflexibility continues to gain recognition and acceptance, it offers an important reminder that human sexuality has always been more diverse and complex than our labels suggest—and that creating space for people to explore this complexity honestly and openly leads to more authentic relationships and greater self-understanding.
